After the new graduates had paraded through the hall, proceedings were commenced by Jaume Camps, the Assistant Dean of the Faculty of Education. “Teachers must believe in people and help children become adults”, he began. “All children have hidden potential and it is the teacher’s job to help them find it. That’s why you must never reject a child”, Camps continued.

The Assistant Dean was followed by the guest speaker, Xavier Cabanach, who had some surprising words to say about the task of providing an education. “First and foremost, it’s the responsibility of the parents, followed by the teachers and, finally, the students themselves”, he affirmed. “Over the years, you’ll realize that this is most definitely the case”.

Cabanach then went on to remind the new graduates of what the University expects from its students. “The UIC’s teaching staff members expect you to develop values and virtues, which will be very useful in a society that talks about people a great deal yet knows little about them and respects them even less”, he said.

The artist and teacher ended his address by emphasizing the importance of humility and the need for teachers to continue their education. “Everyone is better than us in some respect. Graduating does not make us geniuses: education never ends”, he concluded, before congratulating the new graduates.

After the students received their diplomas, and following a heartfelt speech from the class representative, Faculty Dean Enric Vidal then brought the ceremony to a close with a few parting words for the students. “I wish you all fruitful professional careers, full of enjoyable moments”, he declared, before inviting those present to enjoy some refreshments after the rendition of the traditional graduation song Gaudeamus Igitur.