1st INEDE-UIC Alumni Get-Together a Big Success
On Wednesday, 17 April 2013, the UIC hosted the first-ever INEDE-UIC Alumni Get-Together, which was attended by close to 350 people. The event served as a reunion for former students and also offered insight to veteran alumni into the outcome of the educational project they were involved in starting: today's UIC.
Alongside alumni, the event was attended by the Rector of the UIC, Dr. Pere Alavedra, members of the University Board of Trustees and the Academic and Social Council.
The get-together took place at the UIC's main lecture hall and got under way with a welcome speech by Dr. Belén Zárate, the Vice Rector for the University Community. Dr. Zárate reminded the alumni that they have never left the UIC, because the university spirit and the desire to gain a deeper understanding of the world are concepts that never fade.
On this note, the Vice Rector stressed the pivotal role played in the founding of the INEDE and the UIC by values such as a focus on people, the pursuit of truth, social commitment and professional prestige. Lastly, Zárate told the alumni that "you have always been part of the UIC and always will be".
Next up, Alberto Canals, the university's Manager, offered an overview of the UIC today by outlining the different faculties and the range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes available. He also discussed the future of the UIC and noted that the university is keen to grow, but without losing touch with the qualities that set it apart, namely, being "small and good" and continuing to engage with students on a "one-on-one" basis.
After taking the floor, Xavier Amat, the president of the Association of UIC Alumni and Friends, recounted a series of anecdotes and looked back at the history of the INEDE up to the establishment of the UIC. Amat stated that what is special about the UIC and, by extension, its students and alumni, is the value placed on people. By the same token, Amat reminded the alumni present that their professional prestige "reflects on the UIC".
Subsequently, Victor Küppers, an INEDE graduate of the class of 1993, gave the talk "Managing Enthusiasm", in which he discussed how to channel this attribute as a tool to foster comprehensive development and positive attitudes in individuals.
Finally, Marianna Zannuy, the director of the Association of UIC Alumni and Friends, again thanked everyone present for attending and encouraged them to join the association and take on a more active role at the UIC.
The event concluded with a dinner, where UIC teachers and alumni from different graduating classes had the chance to catch up and talk further about the UIC.