🎓 Inspiring message from Gasol rounds off the year

Pau Gasol was the star guest at this year's graduation ceremony at CEU in an emotional end-of-year ceremony: “Everything that is difficult has value, so we must strive, believe in our potential and work as a team; the impact of what we achieve will be much greater.”

Fecha: Wednesday, 10 de June de 2020 a las 12:45h

Inspiring message from Gasol rounds off the year

Pau Gasol was the star guest at this year's graduation ceremony at CEU in an emotional end-of-year ceremony: “Everything that is difficult has value, so we must strive, believe in our potential and work as a team; the impact of what we achieve will be much greater.” These were his words at the end-of-year celebration of the CEU educational group, which was streamed using Microsoft Teams yesterday afternoon. This is the first time the event has been held simultaneously for all three CEU universities (Madrid, Valencia and Barcelona), with more than 3,500 students finishing their studies at the institution this year.

During his speech, Gasol explained to the students the importance of mental strength and above all of values, both in life and in sports: “I’ve been very lucky to enjoy a very long career with some historic moments. Integrity, excellence, effort... These are some of the things that have allowed me to stay confident, always setting the bar high”. Gasol answered questions from the students, who asked him about the Olympic games, to which he responded by assuring he will do his best to prepare for and attend next year in 2021.

He also talked about the difficulties of fame: “When you're exposed to public opinion, it's important not to identify with the character they paint of you, and to remember who you are and what your values are. The character will eventually pass, what’s left is the person behind it. My values are very clear and defined, everything else is temporary”. To finish his speech, he echoed the words of his colleague and friend, Kobe Bryant, encouraging students not to set limits on themselves and to enjoy not only achieving their objectives but also the path they take to get there.

The chancellor of the CEU Universities, Alfonso Bullón de Mendoza, also gave a speech focussing on the situation the world is currently going through, referring to the world of education as one of the areas in which the response to the crisis has been fastest and most effective. He also addressed the students: “This event is happening in the midst of a difficult situation, but you have the advantage of the training and education you have acquired over the years. I send you my warmest congratulations on getting where you are now. I’d also like to thank your teachers, and the administration and service staff, for all the excellent work they have done”.

The general director of the San Pablo CEU University Foundation, Javier Tello, invited future alumni to take their place in the CEU community, as it will accompany them throughout their lives. The rectors of the CEU San Pablo, CEU Cardenal Herrera and Abat Oliba CEU universities all spoke to the students, inviting them to come back to visit them personally, when the

situation allows, and they sent a message of admiration for the strength they have shown in adapting to the new situation, and recognising their commitment to CEU.

Inspiring message from Gasol rounds off the year