Johan Cruyff Institute celebrated the graduation of its online programs, highlighting the effort and fellowship of the students while honoring the legacy of Johan Cruyff
A new generation of future leaders in the sports industry enjoyed the graduation ceremony at the Joan Antoni Samaranch Olympic and Sports Museum, located in Barcelona’s Montjuïc neighborhood. In this iconic setting filled with history, the graduates shared special moments with their classmates, professors, and family members, celebrating their dedication on the path to becoming professionals prepared to lead in the sports industry.
The ceremony welcomed students from the Master’s Degree in Sport Business Online, and the University Master’s Degree in Sports Management Online. Graduates of the Master in Football Business Online, also received their diplomas. Additionally, students from various postgraduate programs were honored. Recently, the Master’s Degree in Sports Management Online was recognized by SportBusiness International as the best in Europe and the second worldwide for online programs.
Lukas Dorda, Director of Online Programs, welcomed the graduates and highlighted their efforts, along with the support they received from their loved ones: “I am sure that this academic journey was full of ups and downs, a roller coaster of emotions. Seeing you here with your families fills me with joy because I know it wasn’t easy. I know how dedicated you were, how many hours you put in, and how you needed a shoulder to lean on. You should be grateful to these people because, without them, many of you probably wouldn’t be here today.”
Before the presentation of diplomas, Calisia Gregoire, a graduate of the Master in Sport Business Online, delivered a brief speech on behalf of the Class of 2024. “It is an honor to speak on behalf of the Class of 2024. I began my career in sports by volunteering, which helped me understand the elements and dynamics of the sports industry from the inside. Whether you are just starting in this industry or already have experience, we all have something valuable to contribute.” Calisia, originally from Trinidad and Tobago, currently works as the UWI/FIFA/CIES Sports Management Program Coordinator. “Professionalism and task accomplishment define who we are, what we stand for, and who we represent. We must take pride in what we do,” she emphasized.
The ceremony continued with the presentation of diplomas, where the graduates received their degrees from Lukas Dorda and Víctor Jordán, Academic Director of Johan Cruyff Institute. Additionally, the Academic Record Recognition Award was presented to three students for their outstanding academic performance: Veronika Tehláriková and Calisia Gregoire, from the Master in Sport Business Online, and Aušrinė Šidlauskė, a graduate of the Master in Football Business.
To close the event, Jordi Cruyff addressed the new alumni, celebrating this new cohort of professionals in the sports industry: “This ceremony marks the end of a journey. I hope you have enjoyed it and learned a lot. I hope we have helped prepare you for the next stage of your lives. The most important thing now is that you apply everything you have learned and continue to improve each day.”
The ceremony concluded with a cocktail reception where the new alumni of Johan Cruyff Institute celebrated and connected with their families, loved ones, and peers, as well as professors and colleagues from Johan Cruyff Institute. A new generation of industry professionals is now ready to elevate the sports industry and continue the legacy of Johan Cruyff.
