The Universidad Europea del Atlántico (European University of the Atlantic, UNEATLANTICO) was filled with joy throughout the weekend as it hosted the graduation ceremonies for the class of 2024-2025 in its Assembly Hall.
With a large attendance of more than two thousand people, the graduations began on Friday 20 June in the morning with the ceremonies for the degrees in Primary Education (EP), Applied Languages (LA), Translation and Interpreting (TI) and the Master’s Degree in Teacher Training (MFP). In the afternoon, the ceremonies continued with the degrees in Food Science and Technology (CTA), Agricultural and Food Industry Engineering (IIAA), Industrial Organisation Engineering (IOI), Computer Engineering (II) and Human Nutrition and Dietetics (NHD). In addition, postgraduate courses taken through distance learning were also recognised.
Likewise, on Saturday 21 June, UNEATLANTICO held graduation ceremonies for degrees in Psychology (PSI), the Master’s Degree in General Health Psychology (MPGS), Business Administration and Management (ADE), Audiovisual Communication (CA), Journalism (PER), Advertising and Public Relations (PRP) and Physical Activity and Sports Sciences (CAFYD).
Each ceremony featured the Cantabria Lyric Choir, accompanied by inspiring words from the rector of UNEATLANTICO.
Degrees in Primary Education, Applied Languages, Translation and Interpreting, and the Master’s Degree in Teacher Training
The graduation ceremony for students of the degrees in Primary Education, Applied Languages, Translation and Interpreting, and the Master’s Degree in Teacher Training marked the start of the 2024-2025 academic year graduations. The ceremony began with a few words from Josep Alemany, director of the Primary Education degree and the Master’s Degree in Teacher Training at UNEATLANTICO, who highlighted that “It is exciting to see how the students of the Introduction, Interpretation, Applied Languages and Primary Education degrees are today closing a very important stage in your lives, fulfilling a dream, a goal or perhaps a desire that was born years ago. You have achieved this through hard work, perseverance and commitment, values that define you and will undoubtedly accompany you in future challenges.”
Next, Dr Francisco Moreno Fernández, director of the Global Observatory of Spanish at the Instituto Cervantes, offered a few words as patron of the graduating class: ‘Today we celebrate not only the culmination of years of effort, but also the beginning of a fascinating journey. As the great Umberto Eco said, language is the home of being, and you have just become the architects of that home.’
Degrees in Food Science and Technology, Computer Engineering, Industrial Organisation Engineering, Agricultural and Food Industry Engineering, Human Nutrition and Dietetics, and distance learning postgraduate courses
During the ceremony, Manuel Masías, Dean of the Higher Polytechnic School and Director of the Computer Engineering Degree at the European University of the Atlantic, said that ‘Your responsibility is not to break what exists, but to understand that it must continue to function while you work to improve it. It is not a revolution, but a conscious evolution.’
Carlos Gutiérrez Alameda, President of the General Council of Agricultural Technical Engineers of Spain, then emphasised the following as patron: ‘You have a magnificent professional future because circumstances mean that you are at the best moment in history to start working or to continue training and improving your skills.’
Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Master’s Degree in General Health Psychology
The first event on Saturday brought together graduates in Psychology and the Master’s Degree in General Health Psychology. It began with a few words from the director of the degree programme, Juan Luis Martín, who reminded them that ‘Being here today is the result of years of sustained effort, dedication and personal improvement. You have completed a demanding and enriching academic journey that will enable you to practise a deeply human and socially necessary discipline.’
On this occasion, the patron of the graduating class was the medical director of the Padre Menni Foundation, José Ignacio Quemada, who stated that ‘Fortunately, we are living in a time of recognition of the importance of mental health care, and this broadens the possibilities for your future employment.’
Degrees in Business Administration and Management, Journalism, Advertising and Public Relations, and Audiovisual Communication
The second ceremony on Saturday brought together graduates with degrees in Business Administration and Management, Audiovisual Communication, Journalism, and Advertising and Public Relations. The ceremony was opened by the Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs and Teaching Staff, Dr Silvia Aparicio, who addressed the graduates with some words of encouragement: ‘I hope that when you look back, you will recognise in your teachers the closeness that defines us so much, the sincere desire to see you grow and the constant effort to bring out the best in each of you’.
The class was sponsored by Cristóbal García, producer at La Terraza Films, who said: ‘I fervently believe that culture and innovation in whatever field are fundamental to our society. Now it is up to you to nurture it and propose new visions.’
Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Activity and Sports Sciences
The third and final ceremony on Saturday welcomed graduates of the degree in Physical Activity and Sports Sciences. The ceremony was opened by Dr. Carlos Lago, academic director of the degree programme, who emphasised that: ‘The experiences you have had over the last four years and the professional skills you have acquired will prepare you to help and, above all, improve people’s quality of life. That is something that is undoubtedly priceless.’
During the ceremony, the general director of Real Racing Club, Felipe Llamazares, emphasised that: ‘This is the end of an intense stage, but the beginning of a challenging and much more beautiful one. Now you have something even more beautiful to do: put what you have learned into practice, go out and apply your knowledge with meaning and passion, remembering that passion amplifies effort.’