A total of 206 students from UIC Barcelona’s Experience Campus graduated on 16 and 17 June during a formal academic ceremony held in the University’s Aula Magna. The two ceremonies brought together nearly 500 attendees, including graduates, family members and members of the university community.

The first day was dedicated to students from the continuity programmes “Our Europe: Legacies and Challenges” and “Our World: Roots and Destiny”. In his address, the director of the Experience Campus, Dr Jordi Miralbell, highlighted the many academic and cultural activities led by students and recalled that “adult education is not entertainment, but a tool for personal growth and for building society.”

The keynote lecture was delivered by Mr Josep Maria Pujol Artigas, honorary president of the UIC Barcelona Board of Trustees and the graduating class’s guest of honour. Afterwards, student representatives Alberto Torrent and Gloria Casacuberta highlighted the essence of the programme and noted that “what unites us is a curiosity for learning”, as well as the importance of “learning, listening and socialising”.

The event concluded with an address by Dr Esther Jiménez López, vice-rector for Students and Sustainability, who thanked the students for their curiosity and reminded them that “the university is for all generations”.

The second session was devoted to students from the Senior University Programme in Culture, Science and Society and held special significance, as it marked the graduation of the first class from the Calonge i Sant Antoni section. The class’s guest of honour, Josep Miquel Mindán Seuba, deputy director of the Escolania de Montserrat children’s choir and former Campus lecturer, encouraged graduates to continue to actively participate in society: “Your voice is unique and irreplaceable. Raise it to inspire the new generations and to contribute to a better world.”

On behalf of the students, Carme Puig spoke for the Andorra section, Josep Ramos for Calonge i Sant Antoni and Mercè Barberà for Barcelona, who stated that “today, we are celebrating an attitude towards life” and singled out curiosity, respect, tolerance and good humour as the values that define this new generation of older adults.

The rector of UIC Barcelona, Dr Alfonso Méndiz, brought the event to a close by highlighting that “you have forged indelible bonds and are an example of vitality and commitment.” He also pointed out that “the Experience Campus is a core part of our mission and of our commitment to lifelong learning.”

The ceremonies concluded with the singing of Gaudeamus Igitur and refreshments for the graduates, their family members and teaching staff.

The Experience Campus at UIC Barcelona is a university programme aimed at people over fifty years old who wish to continue learning and remain active. With 543 students across the Barcelona, Penedès, Andorra, Sant Antoni de Calonge and Bolvir-La Cerdanya sections, it offers education in areas such as culture, science and society.