https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33fbnMW2Cmg
Awards were presented for Academic Excellence, Best Business Plan, Most Engaged Class, and Distinguished Alumni. The event took place on October 28, 2021, at the Uruguay Golf Club.
Contribute to the development of society
“The mission of the Alumni Association is to build professional and academic connections, advance the careers of its members, and strengthen the school’s programs—both locally and internationally—to contribute to the sustainable development of Uruguayan society,” said Miguel Rossi, IT manager at Farmashop and a member of the Alumni Advisory Board.
Rossi spoke about the work the Advisory Board has been carrying out: maintaining traditional activities, such as the Annual Dinner; bringing in graduates from various graduate programs to serve on the Board, which has allowed for the incorporation of different perspectives; relaunching the Alumni website; and launching the Alumni Talks series.
A responsibility to society
Carolina Brause, Membership Coordinator, presented the various options the school offers for becoming part of its community, which are organized into three main areas: academic education, through its curricular programs; academic outreach, such as networking and social events; and activities outside the school, such as benefits related to dining, hospitality, travel, health, and credit cards, among others.
“I am convinced that the Alumni Community is something that brings us great value as graduates. Beyond the support provided by the university, it is up to us to help it grow,” said graduate Jerónimo Méndez regarding the membership program, and he highlighted the importance of continuing education: “More than just an option, it is a responsibility we owe to our clients, employers, and society as a whole.”
Academic Excellence, Business Plan, and a More Participatory Approach
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYGkxWB3ulM
The MBA Academic Excellence Award was presented to Juan Semeco, who was unable to attend because he currently holds the position of Senior Global Medical Advisor for Dermatology at Boehringer Ingelheim (Germany).
A graduate of the Central University of Venezuela, he is an internist and clinical immunologist. He is currently working on the final stages of the clinical development of a new antibody, with the aim of submitting it to global regulatory authorities as an innovative therapy for various inflammatory diseases.
“I feel privileged to be part of this generation and, now, of this community as well,” said Semeco.
The award for Best Business Plan went to Gabriela Iade, Juan Semeco, and María Soledad Turnes. “We loved this project. It’s a software testing company whose unique selling point is that it employs people with Asperger’s syndrome. We found that by making small adjustments and focusing on their strengths, we could create a competitive advantage and ensure profitability.”
Meanwhile, the award for the Most Engaged Class went to the class of 2020.
The best place to earn an MBA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIAElLD3IWY
Dr. Gaston J. Labadie, dean of the School of Management and Social Sciences, highlighted the school’s major milestones: the start of the second year of the blended-learning EMBA (Executive MBA), the launch of the blended-learning Specialization Diploma in Sustainable Agribusiness, and the launch of the blended-learning Master’s in Digital Business. He also highlighted the consistent presence of the university, the faculty, the school, and their programs in various international rankings.
“Everything points to ORT being the best place to pursue an MBA in Uruguay—it’s all thanks to you,” Labadie concluded.
Notable Alumni
Next, the MBA Advisory Board presented awards to the Distinguished Alumni.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kk9AkgklzxE
The Importance of Effort
“The first mentor I had, 15 years ago, told me that in both professional and personal life, it’s 5% talent, 5% luck, and 90% hard work. He was so right!” said Alicia Marcora, Head of Finance Transformation for Latin America at Syngenta and 2021 Distinguished Alumnus.
The graduate also spoke about the importance of curiosity and maintaining an attitude of continuous learning. “This is one of the values that the school holds in the highest regard.”
Pride and Responsibility
Juan Pablo Saibene, CEO of Qualabs and 2021 Distinguished Alumnus, expressed his gratitude to his classmates, to ORT—where he earned his undergraduate degree in addition to his MBA and where he currently teaches—to the friends he made along the way, to his wife, and to his mentors.
“This recognition is also for the entire university, for the work it does to promote entrepreneurship,” he said. “It is a source of great pride and a great responsibility.”
The chance to make a mark
“We face the challenge of giving back to society everything we’ve learned,” said Pedro Moreira, CEO of OCA and 2021 Distinguished Alumnus. “We have a tremendous opportunity to make a difference. We must be mindful of this power.”
“This is not just recognition of professional growth; it also comes with a great responsibility, which we must carry out together with the alumni network and society as a whole,” he concluded.
Double Recognition from the Community
Saibene also received the MBA Alumni Community’s Double Recognition Award, having been voted the most popular Distinguished Alumnus by his peers. “This recognition is priceless,” he said. “I am truly grateful. It really warms the heart.”
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