Stefano, son of Angela and Luigi finished his Masters degree and would graduate from this program on July 24th. I was able to attend the final presentation of his Thesis which is also combined with the graduation ceremony. It is very different from the U.S. version so thought I would give you some insights. For those of you following me on Facebook I did do a post with a few pictures. But now you get the back story!
Stefano's University in Naples
Greeting the graduate before the ceremony
One of the key differences is the entire class does not graduate together. Stefano's program was new to the University so his class of 30 students is the first to graduate with this degree - Masters of Industrial Bioengineering. Of this class of 30 students, 8 are male and 22 are female. I was absolutely shocked at that number as I believe in the U.S. those numbers would most likely be reversed. On graduation day only 6 students graduated. The other students will graduate at other times. So of the 6 graduating Stefano was the only male. The other 5 students were female. And these girls rocked it - boy were they smart.
The other unique thing is all of the classes for this program were taught in English. Yes, all these young people not only can speak English but study and comprehend amazingly complex information in a foreign language. My head spins just thinking about that. Very impressive.
Each student is called up to present a short presentation on their thesis to a panel of professors. There were 5 professors in total. Each student had a powerpoint presentation, in English, and presented their findings. The subjects were all medical related and many were research projects on various medical conditions. I was probably the only one in the audience that understood the words, but clearly did not understand the concepts. HAHA!! After the student presented they took questions from the panel. And the panel did not hold back - the questions were tough.
Once all 6 were completed the "panel" excuses themselves as they will now convene privately to assess and "grade" the presentations. This took about 10 minutes. Upon returning to the room the graduates stand together in front of the panel and are addressed. Then each student's score is announced. There is no chance that a student would not graduate BUT the pressure of having your final exam score (so to speak) announced to all - pretty daunting in my mind.
Once the scores are announced the lead professor proclaims them "Doctors of BioEngineering" and they are done - they have graduated. Yes I said, "Doctors". In Italy the title of Doctor (Dottore and Dottoressa - male and female) is granted to all students who graduate. No big fanfare, no music, no caps and gowns - but they do now don the "Corona di alloro" - Laurel Crown. These are made from real laurel leaves (or bay leaves as we know them). Now this I think is a fabulous tradition. The families and friends typically buy them for the graduates. One gal had red roses in hers - it was beautiful.
Each student is called up to present a short presentation on their thesis to a panel of professors. There were 5 professors in total. Each student had a powerpoint presentation, in English, and presented their findings. The subjects were all medical related and many were research projects on various medical conditions. I was probably the only one in the audience that understood the words, but clearly did not understand the concepts. HAHA!! After the student presented they took questions from the panel. And the panel did not hold back - the questions were tough.
The students are preparing for their presentations
Stefano addressing the panel
Responding to questions
Oh my - he looks bored. I couldn't resist taking his picture.
Stefano tells me he is a good professor - well I am not impressed by this.
And this was during someone's presentation!!!
Once all 6 were completed the "panel" excuses themselves as they will now convene privately to assess and "grade" the presentations. This took about 10 minutes. Upon returning to the room the graduates stand together in front of the panel and are addressed. Then each student's score is announced. There is no chance that a student would not graduate BUT the pressure of having your final exam score (so to speak) announced to all - pretty daunting in my mind.
Once the scores are announced the lead professor proclaims them "Doctors of BioEngineering" and they are done - they have graduated. Yes I said, "Doctors". In Italy the title of Doctor (Dottore and Dottoressa - male and female) is granted to all students who graduate. No big fanfare, no music, no caps and gowns - but they do now don the "Corona di alloro" - Laurel Crown. These are made from real laurel leaves (or bay leaves as we know them). Now this I think is a fabulous tradition. The families and friends typically buy them for the graduates. One gal had red roses in hers - it was beautiful.
Stefano and his girlfriend Francesca
The ladies are given bouquets of flowers
from family and friends
Corona di alloro
Stefano's crown had 2 little red peppers (horns)
for good luck - to keep the evil away
Then it is time for pictures. There was a professional photographer as well that was taking pictures of the graduates as well as pictures with their families. I snuck in a few of my own.
And finally time to celebrate! There was a park area in the centre of the building complex. Each family stakes a claim to an area with a park bench and out comes the food and drink - who needs tables and fancy arrangements. We celebrated with the family of Stefano's girlfriend, Francesca. She graduated too. Bottles of prosecco, yummy treats from the Rosticceria and then sweets from the Pasticceria are laid out for all to enjoy. Apologies but I was having too much fun to take pictures. And it was kind of chaotic so not sure the pictures would have been worthwhile. Suffice to say - a good time was had by all - it lasted about an hour and then everyone dispersed. The graduates will continue celebrating over the next few weeks with multiple parties. I guess that is the same as in the U.S. Once September rolls around the job hunt begins in earnest.
A few side notes - the blue book Stefano is holding is his Thesis - printed and bound. The student provides a copy to the professors during the presentation but normally they are then returned to the student. Stefano was honoured as a professor of his (not on the panel) asked for copy of his Thesis - that is a huge honour as that is very rarely done.
And then there is the Bomboniera. Literal translation is "wedding favour". But it can be a favour for other occasions as well - such as a graduation. This is a little memento the graduate brings for all the friends. It is also something you might see at a wedding or birth of a baby. There is candy, called confetti, inside. Different colours for different occasions. Red is for graduation, white is for weddings, pink or blue for the birth of a baby, etc. The candy is placed Inside a small container (in this case a little book signifying the thesis) or attached to an object. There is also a little card announcing the occasion. Another Italian tradition that continues to this day.
Bomboniera
The ladybug symbolizes good luck!
The candy (confetti) is yummy!
A great occasion and a great day. I was so happy to have been able to witness this occasion. Stefano is a fine young man and I'm excited to see what life has in store for him.
