Flying hats, clinking glasses, flashing cameras and proud faces: today, quite a few students from Tio Utrecht have cause for celebration. They receive their foundation certificate or diploma in a truly unique setting. With the stands packed with friends and family members, the graduates are treated to a fully corona-proof graduation ceremony in Stadium Galgenwaard. Student Maureen: “It is really special that Tio organises an event like this. The graduation ceremony in this stadium is a unique experience!”
Heroes of Utrecht
Loud applause erupts from the stands as the graduates walk out of the players’ tunnel one at a time. As Eye of the Tiger plays, the students appear in their blue togas and hats, beaming with pride. Here, in Utrecht's famous football stadium, the students will receive their well-earned foundation certificate or diploma. “Although a 'normal’ graduation ceremony was impossible given the current circumstances, we did want our students to have an unforgettable evening,” campus manager Arthur Teeuw says in his speech. “What better setting in Utrecht than here in the Galgenwaard? Here, we can welcome the students like the heroes of Utrecht that they are!”
Foundation certificates
Before the foundation certificates are handed out, there is another surprise for the students. In a video message, FC Utrecht football coach John van den Brom congratulates the students with their achievement. Amazing! Then it is finally time to hand out the foundation certificates. There are personalised speeches for all students. “It is fantastic that Tio organised this event here in this stadium” says Hotel and Event Management student Gijs. His fellow student Bas adds: “Yeah, Tio set everything up very quickly. That ties in very well with our studies!” Hotel school student Maureen is also impressed: “Very special. This graduation ceremony in the Galgenwaard is a unique experience!”
Proud graduates
Next, it is time to hand out the degrees to Tio's bachelor students. As their pictures appear larger than life on the stadium's scoreboards, they also have their moment in the spotlight. Before coming out, they got to change in the players’ dressing rooms. Amazing, says Event Management student Jekke. “This is a fantastic experience.” Fellow student Megan is also pleasantly surprised. “I had a great time at Tio and I am sad that it is over now, but it is truly wonderful to celebrate the end of my student years like this, together with all my fellow students!”
Careers
The graduates are about to embark on promising careers in the Netherlands or abroad. The students are brimming with ambition and some have even managed to find jobs, despite the current crisis. “I got a job as meeting and event coordinator at Radisson Blu Palace Hotel,” says Event Management student Michelle excitedly. “It's great. I did an internship there as part of my studies. I look back fondly on my time at Tio and I would definitely recommend the Hotel and Event Management programme to others!”
Ready for the future
Once all foundation certificates, diplomas and degrees have been handed out, Arthur has one last surprise in store: a performance by none other than Utrecht folk singer Danny Temming. It makes for a festive end to a special evening. The students are ready to start their careers. “Remember,” Arthur concludes, “with a Tio degree, the world is at your feet!”