On 9 July, IQS celebrated the graduation of the classes of 2020 and 2021 in three consecutive events held at the Barcelona Auditorium. The Graduation ceremonies were held in full compliance with the safety measures and protocols established by the authorities for academic events.
IQS, On 9 July, IQS celebrated the graduation of the classes of 2020 and 2021 in three consecutive events held at the Barcelona Auditorium.
The Graduation ceremonies were held in full compliance with the safety measures and protocols established by the authorities for academic events.
This year's ceremonies were especially emotional as they were held following more than a year and a half of the pandemic. The event brought together two classes of graduates from the different undergraduate, dual undergraduate, master's, dual master's, and doctorate programmes taught at IQS. The graduation ceremony for the class of 2020 – which could not be celebrated the previous year due to the pandemic – was held at noon. Then, the graduation ceremony for the IQS School of Engineering class of 2021 was held at 4:00 pm, followed by the graduation of the IQS School of Management class of 2021 at 8:00 pm.
The graduates were the stars of the show, looked upon by a select number of their relatives due to the mandatory capacity limits. In addition, the graduation was streamed live so all students and family members who could not be present were able to follow the events live.
During the opening of the academic address, the Rector of Ramon Llull University, Dr Josep M. Garrell, reflected on the challenges posed by the pandemic and congratulated the graduates for their tenacity and patience: "Today we are celebrating not only the end of one stage, but above all, the path that we all have ahead of us and on which you are now embarking. The future belongs to you, to young people, new generations, and that, among many other things, means that you have the responsibility to build a better future and a better world.”
The President of the IQS Foundation, Fr Enric Puig SJ, valued the university's human character, stating: “The professional skills that you gain during your education must be connected with compassion, with the reality of sharing others' pain, with a sensitivity for justice that makes us strive to transform the world to make it more human, more liveable, less unequal among people, and more supportive.”
Without a doubt, one of the most anticipated parts of the event was the speeches by the class sponsors.
Dr Salvador Borrós, Director of IQS, presented the sponsor of the class of 2021, Dr Lluís Comellas, highlighting that: “He is a great problem solver, an example of student dedication, leadership skills, a spirit of service, and an example of commitment, enthusiasm, and generosity.”
Dr Lluís Comellas Riera, Dean of the IQS-URL Advanced Technical School (from 1998 to 2010), URL Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation (from 2010 to 2020), and URL Ombudsman (since October 2020), served as the sponsor of the class of 2021. He spoke of the importance of coexistence and professional relationships: “Be teachers of the people around you through humility. You are unique and only you have lived your life. Share and teach what you know. If you do it with generosity, others will also want to share with you.”
Dr José Javier Molins, the IQS Registrar, presented the sponsor of the class of 2020, Mr Sergi Ferrer-Salat, remarking that: “He is a multifaceted person who defends his principles with passion. As a businessman, he brings a vision that, in many aspects, is disruptive with the prevailing ideas in our surroundings.”
For his part, Mr Sergi Ferrer-Salat, President of Grupo Ferrer, congratulated the graduates for their perseverance and effort, reflecting on the inequalities that still exist in today's society, especially in education: "I hope you do everything possible and use all your talent to try to achieve a more equal, just, and sustainable society no matter where the future takes you.”
Student representatives from the undergraduate, dual undergraduate, master's degree, and dual master's degree programmes from the IQS School of Engineering and the IQS School of Management also shared inspiring words about their experience at IQS.
During the graduation ceremony – and for the very first time – a plaque and diploma were given to the undergraduate students with the best academic records.
The recognitions were given by the IQS School of Engineering undergraduate coordinators: Dr Pau Leivar, Coordinator of the Undergraduate Programme in Biotechnology, Dr Giovanni Gómez, Coordinator of the Undergraduate Programme in Industrial Engineering, Dr Oriol Pou, Coordinator of the Undergraduate Programme in Chemical Engineering, and Dr Judith Báguena, Coordinator of the Undergraduate Programme in Chemistry. On behalf of the IQS School of Management, the recognitions were given by Dr Silvia Bou, Coordinator of the Undergraduate Programme in Business Administration and Management and Noelia Jiménez-Asenjo, representing Dr Jorge Matute, Coordinator of the Undergraduate Programme in Marketing.
The students who received the recognition were:
- Outstanding Award for the Undergraduate Programme in Biotechnology: Marta Ferrer Xalabarder and Laura García Romañach (class of 2020)
- Outstanding Award for the Undergraduate Programme in Industrial Engineering: Francesc Canalejo Codina and Clàudia Moslares Fusté (class of 2020)
- Outstanding Award for the Undergraduate Programme in Chemical Engineering: Ainhoa Patricia Roche Gurruchaga and Maite Molins Colomer (class of 2020)
- Outstanding Award for the Undergraduate Programme in Chemistry: Inés del Barrio Aliaga and Pol Ubach Mases (class of 2020)
- Outstanding Award for the Undergraduate Programme in Pharmacy: Helena Badenas Agustí (class of 2020)
- Outstanding Award for the Undergraduate Programme in Business Administration and Management: Alberto Raventós Romero and Jan Clarasó i Rossell (class of 2020)
- Outstanding Award for the Undergraduate Programme in Marketing: Foix Vendrell Colet
The Graduation Ceremony also served as the occasion to present the Master's Degree Award Scholarships granted by Biokit, Ravago, Celsa Group, Covestro, Equatorial Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Eurofragance, Grifols, Andbank, Naturgy, Roca Sanitario, Technip Energies, Gebro Pharma i Lluch Essence, companies that form part of the Fundació Empreses IQS, and recognise students' efforts by helping them to continue pursuing their studies in IQS master's degree programmes. On 19 October, a special event will be held at IQS for the winners and the companies.
The graduation ceremony was also attended by Dr Jordi Díaz, Dean of the IQS School of Engineering, and Dr Carlos Moslares, Dean of the IQS School of Management. The Dean of FCS Blanquerna, Dr Concepció Mestres, also participated in the class of 2020 graduation ceremony.
Finally, it should be highlighted that two Eucharist services were held at the Church of Mare de Déu del Roser prior to the graduation ceremonies, at 11:00 am and at 6:00 pm.