By José Ángel de la Paz
Two hundred and nineteen EGADE Business School graduates celebrated the culmination of their studies during the virtual ceremony Tec Forever, together with more than five thousand undergraduate and graduate students from the diverse schools and campuses of Tecnológico de Monterrey.
The EGADE class of 2020, made up of 6 doctors, 212 masters, and one specialist, enjoyed a unique experience prior to their face-to-face graduation, in live transmission with the participation of directors and faculty.
By program, there were 6 graduates from the Ph.D. in Administrative Science, 121 from the EGADE MBA, 30 from EGADE - CENTRUM MBA, 13 from EGADE - UNC Charlotte MBA in Global Business & Strategy, 16 from Global OneMBA, 31 from the Master in Finance, 1 from the Master in Business Management and 1 from the Specialization in Energy Management, belonging to the Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey sites, as well as the fly-in program in Querétaro, and Lima, Peru.
Con orgullo felicitamos a nuestros alumnos de la generación #2020 que obtuvieron menciones honoríficas de excelencia. #TecForever ?? pic.twitter.com/XDzeTgysoE
— EGADEBusinessSchool (@egade) June 24, 2020
The event started with the Deans of the Tec National Schools sharing messages with the new graduates.
“On this very special day for you, with these historical circumstances we are experiencing, I would like to send you my best wishes for your careers, for your lives. Our world is in need of many leaders like you. Congratulations and I wish you every success,” said Ignacio de la Vega, Dean of EGADE Business School and the School of Business.
Hillary Clinton, the former first lady and presidential candidate of the United States, served as the guest speaker and, in her message, advised that keeping people safe and healthy and rebuilding the global economy will require new skills, knowledge, creativity, and a spirit of entrepreneurship.
“I say, not only congratulations to you, but I also say I am really counting on you. I can’t wait to see how you make your mark on the world. So graduates, go forth and Godspeed,” commented the also former Secretary of State in Barack Obama’s administration.
@HillaryClinton participando como Orador Huésped en la magnífica ceremonia de Graduación de la Clase 2020 de @TecdeMonterrey y de @egade . Felicidades a todos los graduados , necesitamos lideres cono ustedes para transformar este mundo tan complejo . #TecForever #NegociosTEC pic.twitter.com/yADnjvb8bF
— Ignacio de la Vega (@Ignaveg) June 24, 2020
In his last message as President of Tec after 8 years and just a few days before leaving office, Salvador Alva urged this generation to put into practice their leadership and competencies for lifelong learning.
“Today, you would all have been here with me in this hall. I can feel your physical absence. Nevertheless, this place is filled with your energy, your projects, your dreams, your ambitions.
"This will be the time to demonstrate the usefulness and value of your education at Tec. I have great confidence that the world will be a better place. It will be in the hands of the new generations, in your hands. If we view the world through your eyes, it will be a world brimming with opportunities,” Alva stated.
Somos lo que elegimos ser, sé que podrán alcanzar todos sus sueños y metas, si tienen el coraje de luchar y construirlos día con día. ¡Piensen en grande!
— Salvador Alva (@Salvador) June 24, 2020
Les comparto mi mensaje para la generación junio 2020 del @TecdeMonterrey #TecForever https://t.co/0liup3c8TI
In addition, José Antonio Fernández, chairman of the Tec Board, and David Garza, rector and future president of the institution as of July, addressed a few words to the new graduates.
"You must think responsibly for our country’s communities. Always seek success as well as the wellbeing of other people. In particular, let’s think of the least privileged or those who will not have the same opportunities as you have had,” Fernández said.
Garza expressed his pride in the exemplary way in which young people have faced up to this situation they have had to go through.
"As of today, you are Tecnológico de Monterrey alumni and alumnae. Always feel proud of Tec, because Tec is very, very proud of you, and remember that it will always be your home,” he indicated.
Diverse personalities sent congratulatory messages to the new graduates.
¡Felicidades a la generación 2020! @TecdeMonterrey @egade ? pic.twitter.com/4j23nYZ4VI
— Cristina Ferral (@cristinaferral) June 24, 2020
During Tec Forever, which was held virtually in keeping with the social distancing measures in place for the COVID-19 pandemic, the new graduates received their digital certificates with blockchain technology, which facilitates verification of its authenticity worldwide.
Tec Forever does not replace the face-to-face graduation ceremony, which will be held as soon as health circumstances permit.
With information from CONECTA.