Héctor Tijerina, Executive Director of Invest Monterrey, serves as a guest speaker for the ceremony.

By JOSÉ ÁNGEL DE LA PAZ | EGADE BUSINESS SCHOOL

In an emotional ceremony, the December 2024 graduating class of EGADE Business School at the Tecnológico de Monterrey, including students from both on-campus in Monterrey and online programs, celebrated the completion of their graduate studies.

The graduation ceremony, which took place on October 7 at the Monterrey site of EGADE Business School, was streamed live on live.tec.mx.

The ceremony's presidium was composed of Héctor Tijerina, Executive Director of Invest Monterrey and an alumnus of EGADE Business School; Juan Pablo Murra, Rector of the Tecnológico de Monterrey; Horacio Arredondo, Dean of EGADE Business School; Eva Guerra, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs of EGADE Business School; and other senior leaders and academic authorities of the institution.

A total of 242 master’s and doctoral degrees were awarded to graduates from various cities across Mexico and 18 other countries, including Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Slovenia, Spain, the United States, France, Guatemala, Honduras, Japan, Russia, Paraguay, and Venezuela.

The programs represented included the EGADE MBA, EGADE MBA Online, EGADE – UNC Charlotte MBA in Global Business & Strategy, Master in Finance, Master in Finance Online, Master in Business Management, Master in Business Analytics, and Doctorate in Administrative Sciences.

RECOGNITION OF ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Honours were awarded to the top graduates from each program:

• Raquel Xóchitl Paola García Martínez, from the EGADE MBA.
• Juan Felipe Muñoz Méndez, from the EGADE MBA Online, who also achieved the highest grade point average among the entire graduating class.
• Jessica Lizeth Fonseca Ruiz, from the EGADE – UNC Charlotte MBA in Global Business & Strategy.
• Sofía Farías Ramiro, from the Master in Finance.
• Antonio Soriano Osnaya, from the Master in Finance Online.
• Jasa Erzen, from the Master in Business Management.
• Víctor Alfonso Rodríguez López, from the Master in Business Analytics.

Additionally, graduates of the Doctorate in Administrative Sciences—Camilo Alberto Castro Gama, Luis Jacob Escobar Saldívar, Selene Islas Calderón, Julio César Martínez Suárez, Lilia Raquel Rojas Cruz, and Yanira Lizeth Rubio Leal—were awarded institutional medals alongside their academic degrees.

A CALL FOR PURPOSE-DRIVEN LEADERSHIP

In his address as the guest speaker, Tijerina reflected on the significance of leadership in today’s dynamic global landscape. He shared how his education at EGADE Business School prepared him to navigate challenges, particularly during the pandemic, emphasizing the importance of blending innovation with adaptability.

He highlighted the profound transformations shaping the business world, including supply chain restructuring, geopolitical instability, and the evolution of public policies.

The EXATEC EGADE encouraged the graduates to become pivotal players in addressing these challenges by creating value for multinational corporations and local SMEs, always maintaining an ethical and human-centred approach amid technological disruptions like artificial intelligence.

“You already have the tools to create the future we all aspire to; I hope the knowledge you’ve gained at EGADE Business School, combined with your values, guides you to lead purposefully and inspire others. Congratulations and best wishes for this new chapter in your lives,” he concluded.

REFLECTIONS FROM THE GRADUATING CLASS

Representing her peers, Alicia Villarreal Castro, a graduate of the EGADE MBA, shared three key lessons: self-care as the foundation of leadership, authenticity in decision-making, and resilience as a means to reclaim joy amidst adversity.

Villarreal also stressed the importance of striving to “give your best” rather than competing to “be the best,” emphasizing that this more human and holistic approach fosters personal well-being and positive contributions to both business and society.

“We are now part of a privileged group that has had the opportunity to receive this education. With that privilege comes the responsibility to make a difference,” she stated.

AN INSPIRING MESSAGE FROM THE RECTOR

Before administering the graduation oath, Murra congratulated the new EXATEC EGADE graduates and encouraged them to acknowledge the family, friends, and professors who supported them, reminding them that significant achievements are built through teamwork.

He reiterated the importance of purpose-driven leadership and rejected indifference. He also highlighted the transformative potential of dissatisfaction with the status quo and urged graduates to pursue better realities.

Murra emphasized empathy, hope, entrepreneurship, and education as vital for addressing future challenges.

He reminded the December 2024 graduating class that their education comes with significant responsibilities, urging them to build extraordinary lives that positively impact Mexico and the world.

“Each of you must build extraordinary lives because Mexico and the world need you. Heartfelt congratulations!” he concluded.

The Monterrey graduation ceremony will be followed by another celebration for EGADE Business School graduates in Mexico City on December 11.