On November 16, 2012, the Faculty of Administration and Social Sciences at Universidad ORT Uruguay held Universidad ORT Uruguay graduation ceremony for the following graduate programs: Master’s in Technology Business Management, Diploma in Marketing Management, Master’s in Economics, Specialization Diploma in Taxation, Specialization Diploma in Accounting, and Master’s in Accounting and Taxation.
The ceremony was attended by the dean of the school, Dr. Gaston Labadie; the academic secretary, Jaime Damiani; academic coordinators; faculty members; and the graduates’ family and friends.
In addition to presenting certificates to the graduates, each graduating class had a representative who delivered a heartfelt farewell and thank-you speech. The Dean also addressed the new class of specialized professionals.
The ceremony marked the graduation of the first eight students to complete the Master’s in Technology Business Management. Rodrigo Machado, who spoke on behalf of his class, highlighted the new skills acquired during the program. “We are part of a new master’s program—the first cohort of the Master’s in Technology Business Management. We are the guinea pigs of a project that admits engineers and systems science graduates and produces postgraduates with the skills to manage and lead technology-based ventures; an ambitious project where professionals accustomed to exact answers must develop the ability to analyze complex situations where there is no single correct answer,” he noted.
Among the most enriching experiences was a trip to Silicon Valley (a region of California known for its concentration of technology companies), where we visited other universities, companies, and startup incubators. “We were able to speak one-on-one with entrepreneurs, investors, students, and business leaders; we exchanged ideas and applied what we had learned on a wide range of topics: business models, trends, and opportunities,” he noted.
For his part, Agustín Bensusán, one of the 17 graduates of the Specialization Diploma in Marketing Management, explained in his speech that he had maintained a close connection with the field since he was very young. He clarified, however, that it takes more than just common sense to pursue it responsibly, and with this goal in mind, he decided to pursue further education in this area.
“As a new science, it is dynamic and constantly evolving. As a social science, it must adapt and develop alongside society. But since marketing is a process of creating and exchanging value, it has been an integral part of society since its inception,” said Bensusán.
“Addressing a specific tax issue is by no means easy,” began Andrea Riccardi, speaking on behalf of the nine graduate students in the Diploma in Accounting and Taxation program. “There are different interpretations of the regulations, and discussing and exchanging ideas, opinions, and experiences with colleagues and instructors is essential. We must be analytical and capable of dissecting the various sources of law—legislation, case law, and legal doctrine—if we want to be professionals of excellence. And it is over the course of these nearly two years of continuous effort that we have consolidated not only our technical knowledge but also, and what I consider most important, the tools and skills necessary to respond to this challenging reality that characterizes our professional lives,” she added.
Finally, speaking on behalf of the three graduates of the Specialization Diploma in Accounting, Gabriela Morales highlighted the features that set this program apart: “The main one is that it is the first graduate program to focus specifically on accounting standards and, as such, is exclusively for certified public accountants. I believe this has filled a significant gap in this field, so I congratulate our university on this initiative.”
He emphasized that the course materials and content were very well chosen, “enriched by the invaluable contributions of all the faculty members—both local and international—who were part of this graduate program. Through a practical and dynamic approach based on case studies and lectures, they fostered an environment of discussion and exchange among professionals, which allowed us to grow both professionally and personally.”
The last person to speak before the toast and farewell was Dr. Gaston Labadie. “The innovation, creativity, and development behind these graduate programs are, for us, a strategicdriverof the Graduate School,” said the Dean.
Labadie also highlighted the School’s designation asan “Excellent Business School” in the 2012 Eduniversal Business Schools Ranking, which evaluates institutions across 154 countries. In addition, the MBA, Master’s in Economics, Master’s in Financial Management, Master’s in Human Resources Management, Specialization Diploma in Accounting, and Specialization Diploma in Marketing Management programs are ranked among the top 20 in Latin America and are the only ones in Uruguay in their respective specializations inThe Best 4000 Masters Worldwide, ranked across 30 specializations. The Specialization in Accounting, he noted, ranked tenth in the region. “Rankings are not necessarily a measure of quality, but they do significantly reduce information asymmetry, particularly for international audiences. They provide Uruguay and the world with visibility that allows these respective graduate programs to be better valued and recognized in the market and globally,” Labadie stated.
Finally, he said: “Believe me, and believe them. You are part of an elite in our country and in the region, and that comes with certain responsibilities. And believe me when I say that graduating from here is no easy feat. Your education meets competitive international standards at this level, and with that comes the responsibility of leadership—both in business and in society.”