UIC Barcelona held a new edition of the Global Alumni Meeting on Monday 7 July, a gathering that brought together its alumni community in a festive and heartfelt atmosphere, committed to the University’s values. The event, hosted by lecturer Pere Buhigas from the Faculty of Communication Sciences, served as a reunion to celebrate the talent, careers and vocation of the Alumni Community members.

The value of the individual and leadership with Mario Alonso Puig

One of the most anticipated moments of the evening was the keynote speech by Dr Mario Alonso Puig, a renowned speaker and international expert in leadership and personal development, who delivered an inspiring talk entitled “What Does it Mean to Put the Person at the Centre? The Impact of a Sense of Community in the Health and Progress of Individuals and Organisations”. In his address, he highlighted the importance of community and human relationships in promoting wellbeing and progress in organisations.

With a warm style full of anecdotes, Puig argued that the key to transforming institutions lies in nurturing human talent and caring for relational environments. “People flourish in environments of affection, appreciation and trust,” he stated, emphasising the power of positive leadership to create more cohesive and creative teams. He also encouraged a more inclusive and hopeful outlook: “When people feel heard and valued, everything changes.”

Recognising a community that drives transformation

During the Global Alumni Meeting, the UIC Barcelona 2025 Alumni Awards were presented, aiming to recognise outstanding projects and career paths within the alumni community. This year’s winners were:

Pol Ricart (Medicine, Class of 2017), recipient of the award for Best Social Transformation Project for MedBrain Global, a diagnostic support system for healthcare professionals in low- and middle-income countries. Ricart thanked UIC Barcelona for its support, “for sharing the vision of the project from the very beginning, especially Dr Argemí and Dr Balaguer.”

Jordi Aranega (Business Administration and Management, Class of 2001), general vice-president and European general manager at HRC, who received the award for Professional Career Achievement. He highlighted the importance of “not only having good people in organisations but also having people who are good.”

Arquitectura-G, recipient of the award for an institution founded or led by a graduate. The studio was founded by alumni members of the Architecture Class of 2006) Jordi Ayala, Jonathan Arnabat, Aitor Fuentes and Igor Urdampilleta, who met at UIC Barcelona and together launched their architecture practice which now enjoys significant international recognition.

Following the awards ceremony, the rector of UIC Barcelona, Alfonso Méndiz, closed the event by encouraging alumni members to “always return to UIC Barcelona, because it is your home.” He added, “You alumni are our legacy to society. We want to transform minds and hearts, and for you to be able to give to others what you received during your years at the University.”

Inclusive music and catering with values

The evening featured artistic performances and a culinary offering with a strong social commitment. The SIFU Foundation participated once again through its cultural inclusion programme, with performances by pianist Pol Oñate and singer Ángela Quiralte, as well as the group SuperArte, made up of musicians with diverse abilities. The post-event cocktail was provided by the company B de Bocata, which promotes labour inclusion with a team made up mostly of individuals in vulnerable situations, reinforcing the event’s social impact message.

Check out the photo gallery of the event