Thursday, December 4, as night fell over Cours Fauriel, ICM students in formal attire gathered to celebrate Saint Barbara.
The first stage in celebrating the patron saint of miners, this evening took place in light and music. Honored in mining towns, Saint Barbara is an unmissable tradition in Saint-Etienne and an opportunity for the School to connect with its history and its region.
A moment blending tradition, ambition, and rediscovery: a statue of the Saint was indeed found by Patrick Bouzenot and carried by two engineering students, proud of the discovery. A familiar feeling filled the air; in the School’s hall, everyone was Stephanois.
The brass band rang out on the steps, and guests gathered in front of the School to admire the facade illuminated for the end of the year. 3, 2, 1… the names of illustrious mining engineers appeared in the night to applause. Refreshments awaited students and staff to conclude this wonderful evening: praline brioches that, on this night, were not from Lyon but truly from Saint-Etienne.
