18-05-2026
Photo: João Lima/NOVA FCT
Students, friends, family members, faculty, and university leadership gathered once again on the Caparica Campus to bring to life one of NOVA FCT's most meaningful traditions: the celebration of the end of one chapter and the beginning of everything yet to come.
The Queima das Fitas is more than just a tradition. It is a collective recognition of years of dedication, late nights, challenges overcome, and bonds built to last a lifetime. Every ribbon burned carries with it a story of hard work, growth, and transformation.
Among the graduating students, Rodrigo Henriques, from Electrical Engineering, sums up the experience with the calm of someone who already knows where he's headed: "These were great years — and they're going to keep going, because I've already decided to pursue my master's degree in the same field, right here at NOVA FCT."
Cecília Krause, from Civil Engineering, shares the same energy: "Today I feel so much joy, because it's the result of all the hard work I'm now getting to celebrate. I think it's beautiful that the ending is the beginning of a new chapter." Standing nearby, her mother watches with pride: "It feels like just yesterday that she started college, and how well it welcomed her."
Friends and classmates Constança Nunes and Gonçalo Marques, from Cell and Molecular Biology, came together and got emotional talking about the day. "It's so rewarding. We were completely lost in our first year, and here we are on the last day, celebrating with the same people," says Constança, admitting: "I haven't had the courage to read the ribbons yet." Gonçalo finishes the thought with a smile: "I cried just writing them."
Ana Margarida Mendes looks back on the years with honesty: "They were intense, exhausting — I was working and studying at the same time." Even so, she highlights the campus, the location, and the faculty, and offers straightforward advice to anyone still on the fence: "Go for it. Come with an open mind."
The campus filled up with flowers, families, picnics, and even loyal four-legged friends who came to join the celebration — a festival of affection that goes far beyond any formal ceremony. Carla Santos, mother of one of the graduates, was direct: "I'm happy and so proud. Life is made of milestones, and NOVA FCT treated her well." Carla Rafael, aunt and godmother, captured the moment in an image that lingered: "One chapter of life completed — and now, wings to fly."
In his address, NOVA FCT Dean José Júlio Alferes underscored the significance of the occasion: "We are here because of you. You lived more than just an academic journey — long nights of studying, projects, exams, excitement, doubts, and friendships you'll carry with you for the rest of your lives. You grew as people. It wasn't easy: it took hard work, resilience, and the ability to push through every obstacle. And you didn't do it alone." Against a backdrop of growing international instability, the Dean also reminded graduates of the responsibility that comes with their education: "We need people who are prepared to think critically. Today, you are better equipped to face these challenges. The most important thing you learned was how to learn."
Henrique Calado, President of the Student Association, closed his remarks with a note of confidence shared by everyone present: "The future is uncertain, but today you are ready to face it."
NOVA FCT is proud to accompany this journey, year after year. Because education is not just about passing on technical and scientific knowledge of the highest caliber — it is also about nurturing a sense of responsibility, critical thinking, and the drive to contribute to a better world. The graduates celebrating today are, above all, citizens prepared to shape the future.
The path that ends here is, in truth, the starting point for everything still waiting to be built.
Photo gallery here. (Photos by João Lima/NOVA FCT)
