EMerald : Graduation
T
his August 26, 10 students from the EMerald program were honored at the ceremony proclaiming the 10th edition of this joint Erasmus Mundus master's degree in georesources engineering, a program co-financed by the European Union's Erasmus + program and coordinated by the University of Liège (Prof. Eric Pirard).
Several representatives of the partner universities (Université de Liège, Université de Lorraine, Luleå University of Technology, Technische Universität Bergakademie Freiberg) were present at the ceremony held at the Salle Académique of ULiège.
Today, the Master's program boasts 162 alumni working all over the world.
Beyond the academic excellence of the program, we would also like to emphasize the rich human journey that this joint European Master's represents: a unique experience of diversity, collaboration and shared growth.
During the ceremony, we were particularly moved by the magnificent graduation speech written by Benedict Lazar (from Germany), which so aptly sums up the DNA of the EMerald program.
“ Exactly two years ago, 10 young people took a leap of faith and came here to Liège. Ten young people speaking different languages, holding different views of the world, shaped by different childhoods, different personalities, and different beliefs. Two years and these 10 people became more than classmates.........They became dear friends.
I experienced Filipino serenity and cheerfulness.
Indonesian generosity and determination.
Brazilian sayings and its people’s reliability.
Sri Lankan food and charity.
Belgian creativity and kindness.
And of course – as a German having a special relation with my French colleague, I discovered that behind their tough shell lies a loyalty you can always count on.
Before this master, I used to look at the world with German – or at least European – eyes. But over the past two years, I feel like I have begun to see our beautiful world with a more global view.
I grew up in a time when open borders and international cooperation felt normal — something we could take for granted. But today, when countries worldwide are turning inward, focusing only on their own interests, I believe it is all the more important to be thankful for institutions like the European Union that make programs like this possible.
While in some countries students spend decades paying back their student loans, we here in the European Union actually got paid to study. We received money in order to learn and grow.
These last two years once again reminded me that kindness is not bound to a country, a culture, or a continent. It lives inside each and every one of us. Take this kindness with you and don’t let go of it. Carry it home and share it with the world around you. Let it shine — just like a real Emerald does.”* 💎
We wish our graduates every success as they embark on a new adventure!
EIT RawMaterials Academy
EIT RawMaterials Alumni
Erasmus Mundus Association
The EMerald program has been refinanced by the European Union for four consecutive cohorts and is also an EIT labelled programme (label given by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology, which values the international and entrepreneurial dimensions of this master).
Photos of the EMerald Master's proclamation are available on the ULiège Alumni website.
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