The graduation ceremony for the students who successfully completed the 15th edition of the FIFA Master took place in the Grand Council Room at the Chateau of Neuchâtel on Friday 17th July 2015.
This important event was opened by CIES President, Bertrand Reeb, who welcomed the 15th edition class, their families, friends and distinguished guests to the graduation ceremony.
The presentation of the final degree certificates rewarded the hard work of the entire class over the last year and also provided a unique moment during which students could proudly reflect on the great adventure of the FIFA Master and the new and lasting friendships which has been created.
In his welcome address, the CIES President paid tribute to the official representatives of the partner universities.
Laurent Kurth, State Councillor, Chief of the Finance and Health Department of the Canton of Neuchâtel, official representative of the Government from the Canton of Neuchâtel, Professor Cillian Ryan, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Dean of the Faculty of Business and Law at De Montfort University in the United Kingdom, Professor Mikkel Draebye, official representative of SDA Bocconi School of Management in Milan and Professor Jean-Jacques Aubert, Vice-Rector at the University of Neuchâtel, addressed a speech to the postgraduate students.
He was followed at the lectern by Christophe Schmidt, Head of FIFA Secretary General's Office, who emphasised the importance of qualified managers in the world of sport. He warmly congratulated the graduates for their work and thanked the three partner universities for their unfailing support.
After a musical interlude by Pascal Crisinel, Alexander Engelhard, the official representative of the association of FIFA Master alumni, gave a talk on the importance of the alumni network in the world of sport.
Professor Denis Oswald then introduced the patron of the 15th edition, Jean-Christophe Rolland, Olympic Champion in rowing at the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000, President of the Fédération Internationale des Société d'Aviron (FISA). He gave a speach to congratulate the students for their achievement.
Each student then received his or her diploma from Professor Oswald and Mr Rolland.
Emma Twigg and Hassan Elkamah, representing the graduates of the 15h edition, addressed the class and looked back on the unforgettable memories of this academic year.
Before closing the ceremony, the CIES President thanked the Scientific Committee and the administrative staff of the three partner universities for their hard work. He then invited the new graduates to continue the celebrations with their families and friends by enjoying a cocktail in the Salle des Chevaliers of the Chateau of Neuchâtel.
CIES, De Montfort University, SDA Bocconi School of Management and the University of Neuchâtel warmly congratulate the new graduates of the 15th edition of the FIFA Master and wish them every success for the future.