IQS-URL celebrates the graduation ceremony for the class of 2023

21.07.2023

Friday, July 21, 2023. IQS-URL celebrated the graduation of 354 undergraduate students at a formal ceremony held on 7 July in the Auditori de Barcelona. The ceremony hosted 1,700 guests who were able to see all of the graduates made their way to the stage to personally greet the members of the presidential table.

The opening speech of the academic ceremony was presented by Dr Josep Antoni Rom, Rector of Ramon Llull University, who thanked the graduating class's trust in having chosen IQS-URL. “I only ask that you show three attitudes as future professionals: humility, to always learn; courage, not to be afraid to make decisions; and tenacity, never to give up”.

The president of the IQS Foundation, Fr. Enric Puig SJ, recognized the efforts made by all the graduates “in taking on the constant and continuing work year after year that has led you to this moment. We all want to share our joy in the success you have achieved”.

Dr Salvador Borrós, Director of IQS-URL, then presented the sponsor of the class of 2023, Dr Cristina Alonso, SVP and Head of Sustainability, Safety, Health, & Environment at Bayer AG, who encouraged the new graduates to “maintain a critical spirit, learn from mistakes, enjoy what you know and what you don't, and change the world. I invite you to stand up and be leaders of the change you want to see because the world needs you.”

Recognition of excellence

Dr Jordi Díaz, Dean of the IQS School of Engineering-URL, and Dr Flavio Comim, Dean of the IQS School of Management-URL, presented the Excellence Award to the undergraduate students with the best academic transcripts:

Undergraduate Programme in Biotechnology: Anna Marimon Klefisch
Undergraduate Programme in Industrial Engineering: Arnau Clapés Amat
Undergraduate Programme in Chemical Engineering: María Costa Valldosera
Undergraduate Programme in Chemistry: Marina Oriol Casas
Undergraduate Programme in Business Administration and Management: Natalia Sofía Moretti Schröder
Undergraduate Programme in Marketing: Marta López Llorach
Undergraduate Programme in Tourism and Hospitality Management: Marc Vila Crespo

This year also featured the second edition of the Honorary Distinction Awards presented by Cáritas for the Final Degree Project with the Best Social Content. Marta Plujà, Campaigns and Awareness Specialist at Cáritas Diocesana Barcelona, led the awards presentation and asked the recent graduates to take into account people who are suffering: “Improved Duchenne Dystrophy Gene Therapy Based On Zwitterionic Polymers To Encapsulate Adeno-Associated Virus Vectors” (Cristina Torres Atalao) and “Omukisa Water: Integral Water Resource Management in the Omukisa Temporary Reception Centre” (Anna Comas Sabadell).

Dr José Javier Molins, IQS Registrar, presented the results of the Master's Degree Scholarship Awards offered by the following companies: , , , , , , , . , , , and . These companies that are members of the IQS Business Foundation recognize student efforts and help graduates continue to advance in their studies with IQS-URL master's degree programmes. On 19 October, a special event will be held for the winners and the companies.

The graduation ceremony also featured a presentation and greeting from AIQS Alumni, which encouraged recent graduates to remain in contact with the institution and to benefit from the support and guidance of the Alumni association as they embark upon their professional careers.

Following a joint photograph with the graduates and faculty members, the ceremony ended with a cocktail party in the Auditorium. Family members and graduates were able to speak with faculty and other members of the IQS-URL educational community. The photocall organized by AIQS Alumni and the performance throughout the event by the musical group Barcelona Gospel Messengers were the stars of the graduation's more entertaining side.

It is also worth mentioning that, just before the graduation ceremony, the Eucharist was celebrated in the church of Mare de Déu del Roser. In addition, the graduation ceremony for master's degree students was held on 29 June, in which 180 students participated.