On Thursday evening, the 25th Anniversary Celebration of the Sacred Heart University Luxembourg, Jack Welch College of Business, took place at the Philharmonie in Luxembourg-Kirchberg.
Five hundred students have already graduated from the programme, accredited by both the Sacred Heart University and by Luxembourg's Ministry of Higher Education and Research, representing more than 50 different nationalities. The anniversary celebration welcomed professors from both campuses, students, alumni and American officials.
Commencing with an academic procession and the national anthems of the US and Luxembourg sung by Kelsey and Morgan Hopper and Christine Leick respectively; interspersed by musical interludes, including 11 year-old Elizabeta Tomac on violin who received sustained applause, the ceremony was hosted by John Chalykoff, Dean of the Jack Welch College of Business, as Master of Ceremonies.
John J. Petillo, President of the Sacred Heart University, welcomed everyone, referring back 25 years ago when nobody imagined that the initiative would grow so quickly. Now there are 120 or so graduates annually here in Luxembourg, one of the many locations the university has forged world-wide. The focus has been to provide solid managerial education, with students still attraxted to the Luxembourg campus. He acknowledged that many people have been very supportive within their vision, including Jacques Santer and Dr Alfred Steinherr, Academic Director of Sacred Heart University, as well as Norbert Becker, Chairman of the Board. He also congratulated all graduates on their success.
The 25th tribute delivered by Lasissa Best (MBA 2015) and Tom Leick-Burns (MBA 2012). Larissa wished the SHU a happy 25th birthday and explained what it meant for them - to become part of the Luxembourg ecosystem. She explained that much time is spent with members of the expatriate community. She mentioned especially the experiences and connections made, about human connections and life-changing opportunities. Tom also described studying at the SHU as a life-changing opportunity; coming from the arts, he knew he needed to advance his education. It taught him that education and learning is a lifelong experience, and you learn technical skills as well as a healthy curiosity in our world and the possibility to be able to transform it.
An honoris causa degree was conferred on Prime Minister Xavier Bettel - who had just returned from visiting Kazakhstan, China and Romania. Dr Xavier Bettel, Prime Minister of Luxembourg, then delivered the Convocation Address on "Rebooting Europe".
The security staff were on alert when one of the SHU alumni who graduated in 1995 sprang a surprise, even on the event organisers and certainly for everyone on the stage, and spoke about his experiences and gratitude to SHU, in particular the first Dean appointed in Luxembourg.
The event concluded with a reception in the foyer of the Philharmonie.
