More than 2,800 students from 44 countries graduate at OBS' 2024 Graduation Ceremony
With Jaime Anchústegui, Deputy CEO Insurance of Generali Group, as the Commencement Speaker, the event was attended by more than 1,600 people
OBS Business School, part of Planeta Formación y Universidades, held its 2024 Graduation Ceremony on July 15th, with over 1,600 attendees, including family members, friends, faculty, and academic authorities. The event, once again hosted at L'Auditori in Barcelona, was also followed by more than 11,000 people via the institution's YouTube channel.
OBS was honored to share this special day with its 2,800 graduates. The experience was particularly enriching as it included graduates from 44 countries, highlighting the institution's diversity and global reach.
The ceremony commenced with a heartfelt welcome speech from OBS' Dean, Dr. Casilda Güell: “Today is an exceptionally special day for all of us as we come together to celebrate your hard work and dedication, trusting that the journey that brought you here has been both satisfying and unforgettable. Without a doubt, it has been so for us.”
The event also featured contributions from Dr. Ramón Alemany, Dean of Economics and Business at the University of Barcelona, the school's academic partner, and Montse Civera, Academic Director of Planeta Formación y Universidades.
Leadership with an international vision
One of the most thrilling moments of the evening was the inspiring speech by the ceremony's Main Speaker, Jaime Anchústegui, Deputy CEO of Insurance at Generali Group. Anchústegui shared insights from his extensive international career and offered the audience nine key pieces of advice he has learned over the years.
"You must face challenges, risks, and adventures with enthusiasm and passion. Thriving in an organization becomes difficult if you turn down opportunities. Staying within your comfort zone may feel safe, but it will not foster growth."
Recognizing Excellence
Following the much-anticipated conferral of sashes, the awards ceremony commenced, where OBS once again recognized companies, faculty, and students whose commitment and excellence have been exemplary in their respective categories.
Valerio Valenti, Head of Catalunya and a member of the executive team at IKEA Spain, took the stage to accept the award for Best Company 2024. He highlighted: “This award demonstrates that our efforts are appreciated, inspiring us to continue on our path, to keep challenging the status quo, and to stay at the forefront of innovation and transformation.”
A particularly anticipated moment was the speech by Gemma Segura, recipient of the Best Teacher Award. In addition to thanking her colleagues and celebrating the graduates' achievements, she offered words of hope and encouragement: “Never forget that the world needs you. So, make beautiful things happen to create a positive impact. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for this shared happiness.”
María Alejandra Sarmiento, winner of the Best Student Award and a graduate of the Master's in Neuromarketing and Consumer Behavior, also delivered an emotional address to her peers: “Today, we are not just celebrating an academic achievement; we are celebrating the culmination of a dream and the beginning of a future full of possibilities. Each of us has the power to change the world, to leave an indelible mark, and to achieve goals that, just a few years ago, seemed unattainable.”
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of the OBS Talent Awards 2024, honoring the best Master's Thesis projects. A representative from each group came forward to receive the well-deserved awards:
- 1st Place: Sherlock Pets
- 2nd Place: BigVaca: Inclusive, Profitable, and Sustainable Digital Livestock
- 3rd Place: CX Design Applied to the UACAI of the Children's Hospital Foundation of Los Angeles, Colombia
Another highlight of the ceremony was the screening of a video featuring messages from family and friends, which the graduates received with great emotion.
Dr. Óscar Aguer, General Director of OBS Business School, officially closed the ceremony. In his address, he emphasized: “We deeply appreciate the effort you’ve made to join us and celebrate this important day for you, and for supporting your loved ones during one of the most significant moments of their careers. [...] We would like to conclude by welcoming you to our large Alumni Family, which now includes over 42,000 professionals worldwide.”