Graduation Ceremony for the students of the 17th edition of the "FIFA Master"

The Graduation Ceremony for the students who successfully completed the 17th edition of the “FIFA Master” took place in the Grand Council Room at the Chateau of Neuchâtel on Friday 14th July 2017.

This important event was opened by Professor Denis Oswald, Director of CIES, who called the postgraduates to enter the room. Then, Pierre Cornu, President of CIES Foundation Council, welcomed the 17th edition class, their families, friends and distinguished guests to the Graduation Ceremony.

The Ceremony rewards 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.

Gilles Jaquet, Head of Sport Services of the Canton of Neuchâtel and official representative of the Government from the Canton of Neuchâtel, Professor Dominic Shellard, Vice-Chancellor and Chief executive of De Montfort University (DMU) in Leicester (UK), Professor Emanuele Vendramini, Professor at SDA Bocconi-School of Management, Milan (Italy) and official representative of SDA Bocconi-School of Management and Professor Daniel Schulthess, Vice-Rector and official representative of the University of Neuchâtel (Switzerland), all addressed speeches to the postgraduate students.

After a musical interlude by Pascal Crisinel, the President of the association of “FIFA Master Alumni", Giancarlo Dapoto, spoke about the importance of the alumni community in the world of sport.

Pierre Cornu then introduced the patron of the 17th edition, Zvonimir Boban, Football Legend and Deputy Secretary General of FIFA. Mr Boban gave a speech to warmly congratulate the students for their achievement and share his vision for the future of football.

Each student then received his or her diploma from Professor Oswald and Zvonimir Boban. Finally, the best group presentations were recognized with the “Madella Award” also given by Mr Boban.

Finally, Shoko Tsuji and Srinivasan Saimani, representing the graduates of the 17th edition, addressed the class and looked back on the unforgettable memories of this academic year.

Before closing the ceremony, the CIES Director 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 courtyard of the Château of Neuchâtel.

CIES, De Montfort University, SDA Bocconi School of Management and the University of Neuchâtel warmly congratulate the new graduates of the 17th edition of the “FIFA Master” and wish them every success for the future.

For further information, check out the related article on FIFA website and the video about Park Ji-Sung, graduate of the 17th edition of the “FIFA Master”.