The event, organised by UIC Barcelona Corporate Development Management, was attended by Alfonso Méndiz, rector of the university, as well as the manager and the director of Financial Management, Josep Maria Torné and Carme Riera, respectively. Other participants included professionals from the Centre for Research on Ecology and Forestry Applications (CREAF), UAB; EADA Business School; the Catalan Foundation for Research and Innovation (FCRI); the Chemical Institute of Sarriá (IQS); the Universitat Abad Oliva; the Universitat de Barcelona; Pompeu Fabra University and the Universidad Politécnica de Catalunya.

During the conference, Alonso explained the experience of IESE endowment, which began in 2009 “with something small at first, because an endowment is a long-term investment.” He explained, “endowment is an instrument of academic excellence, which serves to fulfil our mission: training leaders to have an impact.”

The managing director of IESE International Foundation spoke about American university endowments and how their fundraising model works. “As a strategic, long-term project,” he said, “endowment allows the donor to leave a permanent legacy, giving back what they want to society, and perpetuating their own values.”

In the end, Alonso Stuyck made it very clear that “80-90% of the money obtained is from alumni” and it is important to prioritise the project, contribute to the fund and have a good investment policy.