To use the knowledge acquired to build ‘innovative solutions’ that contribute to improving a constantly changing world. This was one of the wishes left to the graduates of the Universidade Católi ca Portuguesa (UCP) in Braga by the vice-chancellor of UCP yesterday at the solemn ceremony to hand over diplomas to the 200 or so graduates from various courses for the 2023/2024 academic year.
‘University education is much more than the transmission of technical knowledge. It is a transformative process that instils curiosity and broadens horizons. They must also leave university as citizens capable of contributing innovative solutions in a constantly evolving world,’ said Isabel Vasconcelos. Recalling that we are living in ‘times of profound transformation’, she noted that ‘the knowledge acquired is not an end in itself’, but provides ‘powerful tools’ that allow us to ‘question, build, reinvent’, as well as ‘mould a future that reflects humanism and ethics’ towards ‘a fairer world’. As examples of contributions to this integral formation provided by Católica, Isabel Vasconcelos mentioned, among others, the ‘discourse of an identity nature in all the courses’, the application of new learning methodologies ‘to reinforce each person's civic and ethical awareness so that external needs are better perceived by the university’ and the carrying out of voluntary work.
Pro-rector recalls academic excellence and ability to train leaders
The work carried out by UCP Braga was also highlighted by Paulo Dias, who this week took office as the institution's pro-rector, a position previously held by João Duque, whom he remembered for the ‘invaluable legacy’ he left behind.
‘UCP Braga stands out not only for its academic and research excellence, but also for its ability to train leaders with political, civic and environmental awareness,‘ he said, in what he considered to be “a unique moment in the life of the university”, since it “celebrates the effort and dedication” of each of the students, but also of the institution's teachers and staff.’This is one of the highlights of a higher education institution because we also celebrate the materialisation of the values and principles that define UCP's identity,’ he said.
Paulo Dias also didn't forget the students' families in what has been “a journey of sacrifices”, overcome with the “unconditional support of family members who believe in your potential, who have been and will always be your support every day”. ‘We hope we have lived up to your best expectations,’ she said.
Like the vice-chancellor, the pro-rector also emphasised the potential of education to change the world. ‘This is not a process that ends in the classroom or the library. It's a continuous process throughout life. That's why this is also a moment of continuity. May what you have learnt in this house bear fruit in your personal and professional lives,’ he wished, considering the graduates as “the hope that education remains and continues to be the most solid foundation for building a more prosperous and equitable future”.
D. José Cordeiro delivers message
The Archbishop of Braga was unable to attend the session, but was represented by Canon Luís Miguel Rodrigues, Avelino Lima, vice-director of the Faculty of Theology, who read a message. ‘The diploma is the symbol of a journey, of effort and growth as human beings. It signifies a stage that has been completed and another that is beginning, that of the world of work. We are always learning. Now the mission is to combine technical knowledge with practical day-to-day knowledge. To do this, we need the courage to relate to each other because we can't do anything on our own,’ he told the students, emphasising the added responsibility that, as professionals trained at a Catholic university, they have to contribute to “building a world where God's love can shine through”. It should be noted that over the last 30 years, more than 8,000 students have graduated from the UCP Braga Regional Centre.
