The Roberto Rocca Education Program marked its fourth year in Romania by granting in November 40 scholarships to students studying mechanical, metallurgical, electrical, electronics, automation and oil and gas engineering at four leading universities.

The Scholarship winners received their awards at an event in Zalau, home of TenarisSilcotub, the Program’s sponsor in Romania. The awardees, selected from more than 300 applicants, are students at the Technical University Cluj-Napoca,  the Polytechnical University of Bucharest, the Technical University of Iasi and the Petroleum & Gas  University in Ploiesti.

“TheseScholarships are not simply a financial support. We hope this initiative inspires you to reach the objectives you have set for yourself,” the event’s host, Paola Mazzoleni, TenarisSilcotub Human Resources Regional Manager, told the students.

In his keynote address to the students, Gabriel Podskubka, Tenaris Eastern Europe Regional Manager, advised the awardees to strive for excellence in all they do and become true leaders. “Don’t forget who you are nor those who placed their trust in you: parents, teachers, friends,”   he said.

Speaking on behalf of the universities participating in the program, Professor Mihai Abrudean, Pro-Rector of Technical University Cluj-Napoca, stressed the importance of cooperation between academia and industry. “Partnerships with industrial companies offer us the possibility to know the skills they need and how we can adapt our programs of study to help meet those needs,” he stated.

This was the first time the award event was held in Zalau, instead of Bucharest. Following the ceremony the students toured the TenarisSilcotub plant. 

In the last four years the Roberto Rocca Education Program has awarded 106 Scholarships in Romania.  Seven Romanian students have also won Roberto Rocca Fellowships  to support their Ph.D. studies at prestigious universities outside Romania.