Luxembourg School of Finance Celebrates its 2010 Graduating Class
“This is one of the most important moments in the life of a University and in your life in particular” began Prof. Rolf Tarrach, Rector of the University of Luxembourg, to the large number of invited guests that included graduating students and their families, current students as well as corporate leaders, and Professor Jean Dermine, Professor of Banking and Finance at INSEAD, a long time friend and visiting lecturer at the LSF.
Mr. Lucien Thiel, Member of Parliament and President of the LSF Foundation echoed this sentiment while tracing the origins of the LSF’s founding in 2002 to its present form today with 60 current students, 140 graduates and an active LSF Alumni association.
“The LSF understands the role it has to play in the financial centre” continued Mr. Thiel, “and we are confidant in the direction, Professor Wolff is taking.
Increasing enrolment isn’t the only sign that people are noticing the LSF. La Place Financière itself is paying heed as evidenced by the recent announcements of annual scholarships offered to students by PRiM (the Luxembourg association for Risk Management Professionals) and ALCO (the Luxembourg Association of Compliance Officers) and in the interest expressed by prospective employers in LSF students. The interest in the LSF extends beyond Luxembourg’s borders to the New York Federal Reserve, where Professor Wolff will be presenting his ideas on how to save banks without using taxpayers money, a subject he lectured on in a conference at an LSF-organised event at the Chamber of Commerce in January.
The LSF is taking additional steps to promote its Master of Science in Banking and Finance internationally. It has been accepted in the Financial Times Masters in Finance 2010 course listing as of June. In addition, it will be the subject of a series of advertisements in The Economist during the months of April, May and June.
Developments in the curriculum are also being considered. On the agenda is the eventual addition of an optional Islamic Finance module that will allow a sizeable component of choice to students, thereby enhancing the value of their degree.
The future looks promising. We assume, however, that the smiles on the graduates faces that evening had more to do with their having completed their studies.
“I am so relieved!” said Alessio Mottola, a graduating part-time student. “But what am I to do with my time now?”
-“Join the Alumni Association!” chimed in Pierre Triniane, President.
