The Graduation Ceremony of CATÓLICA-LISBON, held on 8 November, marked the culmination of an academically demanding and profoundly transformative journey. It celebrated individual achievements, yet the strength of the speeches that resonated through the Carlos Lopes Pavilion in Lisbon revealed the maturity, clarity and sense of purpose of a generation deeply aware of the value of education and of the community that sustains it.
Amid memories, gratitude and reflection, the student representatives — from both undergraduate and master’s programmes — gave voice to the collective experience of those who grew intellectually and personally, both inside and beyond the classroom.
Within the undergraduate cohort, Laura Ferreira, representative of the national students, and André Martins, spokesperson for the international finalists, captured in words the spirit of a cycle that reaches its conclusion while leaving a profound legacy. Despite their different perspectives, both converged around the same idea: the strength of a community that challenges, supports and inspires.
Laura Ferreira described CATÓLICA-LISBON as a place that cultivates not only knowledge, but also integrity, resilience and a commitment to excellence. In her speech, she highlighted the quiet yet essential role played by families and friends who accompanied every step of this journey.
By contrast, André Martins guided the audience through a moment of introspection, revisiting the difficulties and rewards of studying far from home. He spoke of the initial solitude, the reconstruction of routines and the unexpected friendships forged through the challenge of distance, friendships that became lasting bonds central to the international experience.
In the master’s programmes, where the transition to professional life invites deeper reflection on the role of the university as a space for personal affirmation and global diversity, the speech delivered by Marc Vincent Bieber stood out for the strength of a simple and compelling image. Drawing on the metaphor of a bicycle to illustrate the balance required for progress, he portrayed academic life as a journey shaped by steep climbs and unexpected turns, where resilience, preparation and the right company make all the difference. He emphasised that genuine success cannot be explained solely by individual effort, but also by the presence of “ride buddies”, those who accompany, motivate and celebrate each achievement, turning the journey into a truly collective movement.
This same collective spirit echoed in the words of the students interviewed after the ceremony. From different countries, programmes and backgrounds, all shared a common sentiment: pride in belonging to a community that brings together academic rigour, responsible ambition and a collaborative mindset. Their testimonies revealed a clear conviction that CATÓLICA-LISBON shapes not only competent professionals, but citizens prepared to contribute consciously and transformatively to the world.
Hedda Øksne, Norway – International Undergraduate Program in Business Administration
“What stayed with me the most was the sense of community. After completing an Erasmus exchange at a very large university, I realised how CATÓLICA-LISBON manages to create genuine closeness, even among international students.”
João Mira, Abrantes – International Undergraduate Program in Business Administration
“Coming from outside Lisbon makes everything more intense. The academic standards are very high and truly prepare us for the future. I leave with a strong sense of rigour and the responsibility to live up to expectations.”
João Ribeirinhos, Campo Maior – Bachelor in Management
“It was a challenging journey. The friends I made here were decisive in helping me navigate the transition from secondary school to higher education. They are the ones who push us to go further when we think we have reached our limit.”
Johanna Bogner, Germany – Master of Science in Business
“What I will miss the most is the community. I learned the value of working together and of consistently aiming for the best outcome, with ambition and genuine teamwork.”
Ben Bittner, Germany – Master in Management, Specialization in Strategy and Consulting
“It was an extraordinary experience, both because of the quality of teaching and the diversity of people I met. I leave with two essential values: curiosity and the courage to dream big.”