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Some 204 students from more than 50 countries gathered today at IE University’s Segovia campus to receive their degree titles. The event, attended by guests from politics, the arts and academia, was presided over by the president IE University, Santiago Íñiguez. Mexico’s ambssador to Spain, Roberta Lajous Vargas was god mother to the class of 2016 at the morning session. The afternoon ceremony dedicated to Business Management students, was godfathered by Miguel Matossian, Director of Credit Suisse Iberia. Paula Álvarez Couceiro and Victor Beckers, graduates in International Relations and Business Management respectively gave an address on behalf of the entire gradate class.

The class of 2016 comprised 122 students from Business Administration students, 13 from the Architecture faculty, 19 from Communication, 18 from International Relations, seven from Psychology, 13 from the Law Department, and 12 with double degrees in Business Administration and Law.

IE University Rector Salvador Carmona began his speech by mentioning that this year was the first the institution had awarded International Relations degrees, as well as double degrees in Business Administration and Law. For the first time, the university also welcomed graduates from the University of Law’s Legal Practice Course. “I would like to congratulate them in particular on behalf of the University for the great effort they have made,” he said.

The rector also highlighted the fact that this year’s graduation class was made up of 204 students from six degree programs and a double degree program, noting the “in terms of academic performance, this year’s class is excellent.” He also mentioned that 44% of the Class of 2016 was made up of international students, with the remainder from Spain. “This cultural wealth will accompany you in the future: it isn’t just what you have learned from your teachers, but also, and this is very important, what you have learned in terms of diversity from your fellow students,” he said.

Carmona reminded students of the learning model their teaching had been based on. An international focus, innovation, and technology were the differentiating factors, he said, adding that an entrepreneurial spirit, academic rigor, practical experience and maintaining ethical and humanistic values “are the unique vectors on which our university model is built,” he said.

The rector also outlined IE University’s expansion plans at its Segovia and Madrid centers, explaining that the institution is building a new center in the north of Madrid that will occupy part of a fifth tower to be built alongside the existing four that now dominate the Spanish capital’s skyline. The new center is due to open in 2019.

Carmona added that the Segovia campus, the seat of IE University, will continue to improve its infrastructure by extending classrooms, study spaces and leisure facilities. “During this course,” he said, “we have opened an Architecture and Design Workshop, new eating areas, as well as improving technology and classrooms.”

These improvements will continue over the coming years, and will include new sports facilities, classrooms and technology “that will make the Segovia campus a blend of history and modernity.”

A new graduate course is to be introduced in September, Information Systems Management, a four-year program taught in English that will position students in the vanguard of the digital world, empowering them to make an impact at the meeting point of technology and business.

Special mention was made of the students of the Class of 2016 with the best academic performance, while all 2004 students were personally handed their corresponding diplomas. At the same time, Tudor Etchells was the recipient of the IE Student Award in recognition of his academic achievements, entrepreneurial spirit and contribution to the university’s community.

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