IE University brings together more than 1,200 graduates from 80 countries at Global Alumni Weekend 2019 in Madrid

IE University has gathered more than 1,200 graduates from 80 countries to its Global Alumni Weekend, the institution’s main annual meeting of former students. This year, graduates returned to Madrid center to analyze the challenges of technology, leadership and innovation, along with the impact of the international socio-economic situation, as well as the main challenges faced by companies dealing with issues such as Brexit, trade wars and anti-globalization.

The deans of IE University’s five schools attended the event: IE Business School, IE Law School, IE School of Global & Public Affairs, IE School of Human Sciences & Technology and IE School of Architecture and Design, as well as experts from the faculty.

Participants at the Global Alumni Weekend had the opportunity to attend more than 50 master classes, as well as visiting new areas and buildings at the study center in Madrid, taking in technological immersion at the WOW Room, IE University’s classroom of the future. They also visited Area 31 entrepreneurship hub. At the same time, former students met with top executives from the business world, allowing them to consolidate their international network.

“I am always proud to welcome back all our graduates and their families.”

“I am always proud to welcome back all our graduates and their families, as well as the members of the faculty and the business community who have come together to discuss issues such as the challenges of technology, leadership or social innovation, to refresh friendship and expand the network. It is a very enriching experience for the entire IE community,” said Julia Sánchez, Director of IE Global Alumni Relations.

As part of the IE Global Alumni Weekend, the 4th edition of the EPIC Awards (Extraordinary People Inspiring the IE Community), sponsored by Mont Blanc, was also held. The EPIC Awards are an annual recognition of outstanding IE alumni and an opportunity to share the stories of inspirational people doing exceptional work in their respective fields. Each year, fifteen finalists are chosen within five categories and the IE community chooses a winner by category. The year, the EPIC Awards went to:

• Alejandro Artacho Amichis, from Spain, founder of Spotahome: Creators.
• Ahmed Ben-Mussa, from Libya, COO of Tatweer Research: Business Impact.
• Adiki Ayitevie, from Ghana, editor of Public Agenda: Women Inspiring Women.
• Adolfo Fernández Sánchez, from Spain, Global Program Manager at Google: Young & Ambitious Minds.
• Dina M.K. Dajani, from Jordan, executive lead at Cycling for Gaza: Human Success.