The occasion inspires a mix of pride, happiness and nervousness – 140 recent MSc and PhD graduates gather on the steps of the Rectorate Building at Universidade de Lisboa (ULisboa), eagerly waiting for their names to be called. They will receive their diplomas from the hands of the president of Instituto Superior Técnico and the rector of Universidade de Lisboa, as well as the president of the Scientific Council (doctorates) and the Pedagogical Council (master’s), the heads of department and coordinators of the respective courses).
The 16th Graduation Day took place on 7 June. The ceremony, marked by applause for each graduate (some receiving cheers worthy of a cheerleader), celebrated the culmination of challenging and enriching academic journeys, as highlighted by the speeches from representatives of the School’s bodies and the students themselves.
The president of Técnico, Rogério Colaço, emphasised the ‘enormous pride’ he felt in witnessing what he described as ‘the most resilient generation of recent decades’. He compared the recent graduates to a material that undergoes various deformations and is subjected to various stresses, but remains within the elastic range, thus preserving its resilience. This quality, he argued, was essential for an academic period spent ‘in more dynamic conditions’ than usual, due to changes in the teaching model and the challenges posed by the pandemic.
Luís Ferreira, rector of Universidade de Lisboa, expressed that “it’s impossible not to feel pride, excitement, and also some anticipation for what’s to come.” He noted that the graduates now carry with them “knowledge and persistence – if there’s one thing Técnico teaches, it’s the value of persistence, tenacity, and the will to go ‘further’, he said, congratulating those present, stating that “the world is now waiting” for them.
Maria Vilar, a Técnico alumna, shared that the School provided her with ‘much more than knowledge’. She is confident that recent graduates will also recognise this in their future journeys. As the winner of the first Alumni Award in the ‘Young Entrepreneur’ category, she stressed the ‘ability to think critically and to look for solutions instead of excuses’ that she learned during her time at Técnico, underscoring the need for “engineers, scientists, and leaders with a purpose”.
Leonor Matos, representing the second-cycle graduates, reflected on her “years of discovery, sharing, friendship, and tremendous personal and emotional growth”. She shared that “being a Técnico graduate is more than just completing a course—it’s about learning to adapt, being demanding of ourselves, finding solutions amidst chaos, and, above all, collaborating with each other”. Ricardo Lameirinhas, representing the third-cycle graduates, shared that all his choices for higher education were centred around Técnico. “I knew it was the best school in the country and realised it was among the best in the world”, he stated. The PhD graduate emphasised the importance of civic and academic involvement, which he experienced firsthand as a course delegate and a member of the School Council and School Assembly throughout his time at Técnico.
After graduation, a new reality begins
After the speeches and the awarding of diplomas (and a performance by the Tuna Universitária do Técnico (TUIST)), the ceremony concluded. The stage then became a gathering point for graduates and members of the audience. This was the second time Catarina Botelho, a recent PhD graduate in Electrical and Computer Engineering, attended this ceremony. She had already attended the event as an MSc graduate. ‘I very much agree with what was expressed during the ceremony – Técnico doesn’t do it alone’, she said, a message shared by many present. Being surrounded by friends and fellow PhD students ‘has helped me get through the most challenging times’. ‘It’s worth all the effort to once again be part of this event’, she concluded.
A few minutes later, the graduates spread out in the sunny entrance of the building, taking photos with family and friends. Margarida Bernardes, an MSc graduate in Molecular Science and Engineering, shared “mixed emotions.” “I’m very happy to have finished my degree—Técnico is a school of excellence and therefore very demanding”, she stated, noting that the moment is also “bittersweet” as she closes this chapter of her life. Considering pursuing a PhD abroad, she feels “well prepared” for the challenge as a result of her education at Técnico.
Leonardo Pedrosa, who now holds a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, reflected on the “years of hard work” he has put in, from excelling academically to serving on the Pedagogical Council and as a Course Delegate. All of these experiences “have shaped me” and will be cherished as he moves on to the next stage. Already working at a multinational company, he emphasised the importance of the “tools” that Técnico provided him to become self-sufficient.
They were joined by many other graduates on a sunny day that symbolised the bright futures that are now beginning.
