The University for the elderly celebrates its graduation for the academic year 2022-2023
The former president of Deloitte, Fernando Ruiz, was the guest of honour at the closing ceremony and graduation
COMILLAS |
The former president of Deloitte, Fernando Ruiz, was the guest of honour at the closing ceremony and graduation
The University for the elderly at Comillas held the closing ceremony and graduation for the 20222-2023 academic year. The event counted on the presence of Enrique Sanz, SJ, rector of Comillas; Pablo García, director of the new Graduate School and Lifelong Learning; Carlos Sánchez de la Cruz, director of the University for the elderly and, as guest of honour, Fernando Ruiz Ruiz, former president of Deloitte Spain and president of the SERES Foundation. The students chose their lecturers, Marina Solís and Daniel Ortiz, as sponsors.
The director of the University for the elderly, Carlos Sánchez, who run the event, thanked the board for attending the event and talked about the academic year. He also pointed out some new features for the next academic year, as well as the insertion of the programmes for the elderly in a Lifelong Learning strategy. A new context that will contextualise the current programmes for the elderly in the university's postgraduate strategy and will offer possibilities for new proposals, more open and modular. I hope," he added, "that this can consolidate what our programmes have been for more than 20 years, a stimulating present and an even better future," he said.
Fernando Ruiz gave a speech on “The impact of technology on our society”. In his words, he stressed the scale and speed of these transformations, which alter the basis on which our society is founded, as well as the risks and consequences: unease, inequality and polarised societies. He concluded by pointing out that “what makes the difference between success and failure are solid values and institutions.”
Marina Solís, during her speech, insisted, based on Homer, on the privilege of life. "Make the most of every second, make every moment worthwhile. There are few things that help more than studying. To be moved by what others knew, what we know and what we can learn". For his part, Daniel Ortiz, thanked the students and praised the beauty of learning: "Learning is beautiful, it enriches us and is endless", he concluded. Antonio García, graduate and delegate of the class of 2023, gave an endearing speech, full of gratitude, using words such as pride, affection, joy and illusion.
After the presentation of stoles, insignias and diplomas, Pablo García quoted Nuccio Ordine, doctor honoris causa at Comillas, in his speech. "Learning throughout life is essential and the reason that has brought us here. Don’t stop learning", he concluded.
In his closing speech, the rector congratulated the graduates and thanked everyone at the ceremony. He did so by recalling the words of the Superior General of the Society of Jesus, Arturo Sosa, on the value of intergenerationality: “The challenge of intergenerationality consists in establishing an authentic dialogue in each generation and between generations. A dialogue that establishes spaces and conditions for listening to each other.”
In that sense, the rector highlighted two aspects: the dialogue between generations and that this dialogue can contribute to the good of humanity. “The university for the elderly can contribute to the common good. The new Graduate School offers new and more creative training possibilities” he said.