The Miguel Hernández University (UMH) of Elche and the University of Alicante (UA) held a joint ceremony this morning to mark the closing of the 2011/12 academic year for the Family Business Chairs at both institutions. The diploma presentation took place in the Auditorium of the Germán Bernácer Building at the UA and was presided over by the Rector of the UMH, Jesús Tadeo Pastor Ciurana; the Rector of the UA, Manuel Palomar Sanz; the President of the Alicante Family Business Association, Francisco Gómez Andreu; and the Regional Minister of Education, Training, and Employment, María José Català Verdet.

During the closing ceremony, speeches were also given by the Director of the UMH Chair, Marcos Requena Penat; the Director of the UA Chair, Fernando Olivares; and the Director of CAM Social Welfare, Bernardo Chuliá Martí, representing the sponsors of the chairs.

During the ceremony, diplomas were awarded to the students who completed their studies in the Family Business Chairs courses in Elche and Alicante. In addition, José María Dumas Ortiz, a student from the University of Alicante Chair, spoke on behalf of the students.