alumni

BSE Graduates its Second Master Class

July 2009

The Barcelona School of Economics celebrated the graduation of its second class of master students this past Friday, July 3, 2009. The ceremony took place at 16.30h and was hosted by Caixa Catalunya at Casa Milà (La Pedrera). A total of 127 students from 30 different countries received their diplomas. Over 80% of the graduates came from countries outside of Spain: Germany, Italy, Turkey, the United States, Mexico and Brazil were among the countries with the largest representation.

Josep Mateu, president of FemCAT and general manager of RACC, delivered the graduation remarks. Also participating in the ceremony were representatives of the rectors of the UPF and the UAB who, together with BSE chairman Andreu Mas-Colell, presented diplomas to the graduates.

In his remarks, Mr. Mateu highlighted the combination of the students’ individual talent, the training they have just received, and the drive to create and innovate as essential factors for staying at the top of any profession. He noted that talent is the sum of ability and commitment. He encouraged the graduates to strive to be good professionals and to compete not "against" but rather "for the benefit" of others.

"The job of a graduate like you is not limited to your place of work," Mr. Mateu told the students. "It has to go beyond in order to try to make the society you are living in better."

Speakers deliver their remarks at the ceremony. From left to right: Mr. Miquel Perdiguer (Obra Social de Caixa Catalunya); Dr. María Morràs (UPF); Prof. Andreu Mas-Colell (UPF-GSE); Dr. Jaume Farrés (UAB); and keynote speaker Mr. Josep Mateu (FemCAT)

Graduates from the Master in the Economics of Science and Innovation Class of 2009, at the Casa Milà (La Pedrera) before the graduation ceremony.
 

Ms. Julia Krein Rocha (Master in Macroeconomic Policy and Financial Markets) was the selected student speaker at the ceremony. In addition to acknowledging the achievements of her fellow graduates, Ms. Krein Rocha stressed the importance of close friendships with classmates formed over the course of the master. She remarked that the time spent outside of class - a ski trip to Andorra, birthday celebrations, and other social activities - resulted in a strong group bond that helped students get through the most difficult and stressful moments of the year.

Prof. Mas-Colell closed the ceremony by congratulating the new graduates and inviting them to stay connected with the BSE in the future. One way they might do so is by joining the Alumni Network of former GSE students. The objective of the Alumni Network is to reinforce the student and alumni community of the School, and to facilitate the exchange of best practices, job opportunities, and professional advice. Graduates might also choose to participate in the GSE groups on Facebook, LinkedIn, and other social media networks where the School maintains a presence.

Following the ceremony, graduates enjoyed a cocktail reception that included cava and other refreshments in the Sala Gaudí of Casa Milà (La Pedrera) with family and friends, who came to Barcelona from all over the world to celebrate. Several GSE Affiliated Professors and program directors, as well as 30 GSE alumni, were also in attendance. Graduates received a commemorative "gradbook" and a Moleskine notebook imprinted with the GSE logo as a small gift from the School. The festivities continued into the night as the newly minted alumni joined graduates from previous years for a party at Club Otto Zutz in the trendy neighborhood of Gràcia.

Graduates receive their hard-earned diplomas and a hearty handshake from GSE Chairman Andreu Mas-Colell.

GSE Affiliated Professor and Executive Director of the Master in Competition and Market Regulation Juan-José Ganuza (UPF) chats with Mr. Michael Berberich '09 at the reception.
 

Many students were able to complete their studies thanks to the support of scholarships offered by several companies and institutions, such as Repsol YPF, Abertis, Telefónica, Fundación Carolina, Enagás, MSD, Autoritat Catalana de la Competència, Patronat Catalunya Món, Biocat i the UAB Research Park. Scholarships from additional sponsors will be added for the next academic year. These financial awards help the School attract the best and brightest international students, like those graduating in this year's class.

BSE Class of 2009

A total of 127 students from 30 different countries graduated from the GSE in 2009. Over 80% of the graduates came from countries outside of Spain. Germany, Italy, Turkey, the United States, Mexico and Brazil were among the countries with the largest representation.

Students received gradbooks and a gift from the School before proceding to a cocktail reception with friends, family, professors, and alumni from previous years.

Graduates from the 2009 Master in Competition and Market Regulation. A total of 127 students in 6 master programs received their diplomas from the BSE this year.

In his remarks, Mr. Mateu encouraged students to compete not against others, but for their benefit.

Student speaker Ms. Julia Krein Rocha recalled class ski trips and birthday celebrations as well as late nights in the library in her remarks at the ceremony.

Related Links

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Graduation Photos

Keynote Remarks [pdf]

Student Speaker Remarks [pdf]