They did not disappoint—delivering an engaging event in a hybrid format that made use of IEU’s WOW room, with the award nominees featured on screen.
Second year Bachelor in International Relations, and President of the Rotaract club, Sofia Kritikopoulos, also considered the event a resounding success. Although she had never attended an IEU Clubs Award ceremony before, she felt it was indistinguishable from an in-person event. “I think our university did a great job adapting with the necessary means. I was able to tune in from California with no issues and it felt like I was really at campus watching everything happen live. I think the flow of the event was excellent and helped keep people entertained throughout.”
Sofia Kritikopoulos 
Beyond building relationships with other students on campus, the clubs connect you to the global IEU community through the alumni network. Sofia says she joined the Rotaract club to meet people with similar interests as her. She was crowned winner of the Spirit Award for her impactful work as class representative and leaving her mark on the IEU community.
The ceremony was hosted by Chief of Campus Life, Julianna Pereira and Associate Director of Student Affairs, Jennifer Serrat, with individual awards presented by other members of Campus Life who were connected from their homes. The event was divided into three parts. The first part consisted of the presentation of the six club awards to the winners, the second part focused on the Spirit Award, the Blueprint Award and the Best Event of the Year Award, with the last part of the ceremony being devoted to those who are graduating this year.
¨The first thing that was said in our first meeting after the pandemic hit was, ‘Let’s see how to move it online.’ We started to see it as an opportunity rather than a setback. We were able to increase our social media presence and invite speakers who would never have been able to attend in-person.¨
Nur Younis, President of the Madrid chapter of the IEU SDG (sustainable development goals) Club – winners of the Best Social and Community Club.
Clubs have always been an integral part of campus life at IE University. There are more than 100 active clubs that have created upwards of 1,300 events for students this year—over 300 of which were seamlessly moved online due to COVID-19. The last three months has seen 14,000 attendees for online events held by IEU’s clubs. Juliana Pereira said that this proves the strength of the IEU community.
¨The result was a fun experience for all those who attended the event. It really showed us that all IEU traditions are important and that, no matter what, the IEU community will do its best to make sure that the traditions are happening every year. I would recommend future students, especially freshmen students, to not hesitate to be part of the many Clubs IE University has, either as a coordinator or simply as a member. Indeed,being able to participate in a club in any way is such a nice opportunity and the experience will be without any doubt really enriching!¨
Liza-Marie Azar, President of the IEU Dance Club
The IEU Club Awards was a recognition of the hard work, persistence, and entrepreneurial spirit that IE University is known for. Despite the unavoidable pandemic that impeded on the lives of IE University students, the tenacity shown by the club leaders and members ran uninterrupted. The virtual award ceremony was a pleasant culmination to a turbulent year. Congratulations to everyone!
List of awards and winners:
- Best Art Society Club: IE Theatre Production
- Best Social and Community Club: IE SDG Club
- Best Sports Club: IE Yoga Club
- Best Geographic Club: IE Africa Club
- Best Professional Club: IE Consulting Club, IE Women and Business Club, IE Sports Management Club
- Most Adaptable Club: IE Sports Management Club
- Event of the Year: IE Women in Business Club’s “Leading Forward” event
- IE Blueprint Award: IE Consulting Club
- IE Spirit Award: Wei Liu and Sofia Kritikopoulos