A total of 103 senior students from the Experience Campus, including 39 from the section in Andorra, received their degrees from the hands of the Rector. The Aula Magna at UIC Barcelona was filled with emotion on Tuesday 17 May for the Experience Campus graduation ceremony, a pioneering university initiative aimed at people over 50 years of age who have completed the Senior University Programme on Culture, Science and Society. The ceremony, solemn yet emotional, recognised the effort and commitment of students from the Barcelona, Penedès and Andorra sections, the latter celebrating its first graduating class this year.

The ceremony began with a welcome speech by Dr Jordi Miralbell, director of the Experience Campus, who emphasised the importance of this stage of education for a generation that has reached maturity with fullness and the capacity for commitment. “There is much talk of intergenerational dialogue, but in reality there is only one generation, that formed by young and old together, committed to advancing society. We are witnessing a new concept of older people, and this programme is a clear expression of that,” he stated.

Next, Dr María Alesón, director of the Permanent University of the University of Alicante, president of the State Association of University Programmes for Older People (AEPUM) and vice-president of the European Federation for Older Students in Universities (EFOS), delivered an inspiring keynote lecture as the ceremony’s sponsor. In her address, she highlighted the value of lifelong learning as a driver of social and personal transformation. “Now is the time to apply what you have learned. Older people are decisive in changing the world and we will do so through knowledge and critical thinking,” she said with conviction. Alesón also thanked the rector, Dr Alfonso Méndiz, and Dr Miralbell for the invitation to sponsor the graduating class and paid tribute to the entire campus team.

Following her speech, diplomas were awarded in a moment filled with pride and joy for the new graduates, accompanied by their families.

The students’ voices had special prominence with representatives from the three sections of the Experience Campus that graduated: Barcelona, Penedès and Andorra. The three students shared personal and collective reflections on the value of this educational stage, highlighting the academic and human growth they have experienced. Isabel Vituri, representative of the Barcelona section, expressed with emotion: “We have learned a lot, but the most important thing is how we have learned it. These have been years of renewal, discovery and experiences. But above all, we have built friendships and a great family.” All three highlighted the importance of the Erasmus+ programme and the opportunity to participate actively in an intergenerational university community.

The rector of UIC Barcelona, Dr Alfonso Méndiz, closed the ceremony with an institutional speech in which he emphasised the importance of life experience and community. “You have created indestructible bonds. You are an example of vitality and perseverance for all of us. The so-called ‘third age’ can be the most enriching. Keep giving meaning to this wonderful age, which is the age of experience,” he remarked.
The ceremony ended with the traditional singing of the university anthem, Gaudeamus Igitur, and afterwards refreshments were served for the graduates and their families.

With this event, UIC Barcelona proudly celebrates another graduating class of the Experience Campus, reaffirming its commitment to transformative education throughout life.

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 520 students across the Barcelona, Calonge, Penedès and Andorra sections, it offers training in areas such as culture, science and society. UIC Barcelona is the first Catalan university to promote Erasmus+ mobilities for senior students and is a member of the European Federation of Older Students at Universities (EFOS).

Senior Program Culture, Science and Society. Andorra Section

Senior Program Culture, Science and Society. Penedès Section

Senior Program Culture, Science and Society. Barcelona Section