More than 550 people gathered at Eina Bosc on 7 July to celebrate the Graduation Ceremony for the Class of 2026 of the Bachelor's Degree in Design. The event brought together students, families, academic staff, students, professional services staff and institutional representatives to mark the end of a chapter defined by learning, creativity and the relationships built over four years.
Hosted by Elisabet Boix, Ariadna Casals, Inés Padilla and Andrea Rosado, the ceremony opened with a welcome address by Violeta Sugranyes, Director of the Eina Foundation, followed by remarks from Dr Tània Costa, Academic Director of Eina. The academic staff were represented by Jordi Esteve, Lara García, Salvador Huertas, Enric Mas and Raúl Oliva, while the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) was represented by Dr Virginia Luzón, Vice-Rector for Communication, on behalf of the Rector.
One of the most moving moments of the ceremony came with the speech delivered by the class representatives, Ona Ràfols and Aina Vilardell, who looked back with humour and warmth on their years at Eina: the first classes, projects, deadlines, the move from Sentmenat to Eina Bosc, and the friendships forged throughout the degree. In their address, they highlighted design as an open, critical discipline committed to society.
"We have learnt that design is not a fixed definition, but a way of seeing the world. It is culture, creativity and empathy; a way of trying to make the world a slightly better place."
In her institutional address, Dr Tània Costa congratulated the graduating class and praised a cohort that had grown through collaboration, turning the diversity of individual perspectives into a shared strength.
"You have shown that it is possible to collaborate and work together without giving up individuality or excellence, one of the great values of contemporary design."
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of graduation certificates and academic stoles, a performance of Gaudeamus Igitur by soprano Lucrecia Gil Tapia, joined by all those in attendance, the class photograph, and a reception with refreshments and music.
With this ceremony, the Class of 2026 brings its time at Eina to a close and begins a new professional journey. The years they have shared have provided them with knowledge, experience and lasting relationships that will continue well beyond the classroom.