IMT Atlantique's graduation ceremony took place February 7, at the Cité des Congrès in Nantes. Jean JOUZEL, emeritus director of research at the CEA, member of the French Academy of Sciences, and sponsor of this year's graduating classes, handed out their diplomas to the 648 new IMT Atlantique graduates in the presence of students, their families, faculty and staff member - nearly 1,300 people gathered for the occasion.
Jean Jouzel, emeritus director of research at the French Atomic Energy and Alternative Energies Commission (CEA) and a renowned climatologist, is known for his work on the link between atmospheric CO2 concentrations and global warming. As Vice-Chairman of the IPCC Working Group from 2002 to 2015, he played a key role in raising global awareness of climate issues. His unwavering commitment to the fight against climate change and his major scientific contributions make him a source of inspiration for future engineers.
“Limiting global warming and its consequences is still possible”.
Jean Jouzel sent a strong message to his sponsees, urging them to mobilize their skills to meet tomorrow's environmental challenges: “We anticipated global warming 50 years ago. Today, we are living it. All aspects of our societies' functioning are affected: environmental, economic, social, societal and cultural. Faced with a future that could exceed +4°C in France, it is urgent to act. Your generation has a key role to play, both professionally and personally. The necessary transformation involves reducing CO2 emissions, adaptation, solidarity... It is attractive to your generation, particularly in terms of research and innovation, and improving quality of life. Let's act together, now! Limiting global warming and its consequences is still possible."
An invitation to mobilize and take action that resonated with the words of a number of graduates spoken by Mathieu Pierronne and Lilian Renou: “Let's not give in to the idea that everything is determined, and that we are powerless. ... Today, we call on you to act, to speak out, to convince, to pass on, to take ownership of these social issues and to get involved! ... We have the opportunity to give back to society what it has given us. So let's seize the opportunities offered by our training to put ourselves at the service of the common good and the general interest.”
648 graduates honored
The institution graduated 385 general engineers, 88 specialized engineers by apprenticeship, 100 masters of sciences' students, 2 specialized masters students and 91 PhDs. A total of 648 graduates join the IMT Atlantique alumni community.
Christophe Lerouge, president of IMT Atlantique, warmly congratulated them all and invited them to carry the values of the institution far and long: “Dear graduates, today marks a decisive stage in your career. You have overcome many challenges with tenacity and commitment, and this success belongs to you. This diploma is not only recognition, it is also a responsibility: to embody the excellence and values of IMT Atlantique. The world is waiting for you, ready to be transformed by your boldness and creativity. Be ambitious, be committed, and above all, be proud of your achievements!"
Louise Lewonczuk, president of IMT Atlantique Alumni, gave them a few words of advice at the start of the ceremony: “Boldness, nuance and encounters are the common thread running through our collective adventure. Beyond these three words, be curious, be daring, explore the richness of details and cultivate your eye for subtleties. By cultivating encounters with authenticity and discernment, you'll weave solid and dynamic networks, essential foundations for your future. The Alumnis, of which you are now a part, are an invaluable part of this, bearing witness to and relaying this collective wealth.”
An even larger Alumni community gathered on the institution campus that evening for the traditional gala organized in honor of the graduating class.
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by Fabienne MILLET-DEHILLERIN
