In January of 2008
If the schedule set by the Ministry of Education and Science for establishing the new organization of university studies is met, the Comillas Pontifical University-ICAI-ICADE will renew some of its short-cycle degree programs in January 2008, and the rest in January 2009, as stated by the Rector of the institution, José Ramón Busto, SJ, in his speech The opening ceremony for the 2007-08 academic year was held today, attended by the Vice-Grand Chancellor of the University and Provincial of Castile of the Society of Jesus, Joaquín Barrero Díaz, SJ, among other dignitaries. The Cardinal Archbishop of Madrid, Antonio María Rouco Varela, presided over the Eucharist that preceded the ceremony.
The Rector referred "to the four dimensions that must permeate our teaching and, therefore, the future design of our study plans," for which he used quotes from Father Kolvenbach, Superior General of the Society of Jesus, "not only because he is the inspiration for my words but, above all, because with this I want to pay homage to him by thanking him for the support he has given and the impetus he has given to higher education and the university institutions of the Society during the twenty-five years of his generalate, which is about to be completed."
First and foremost, Professor Busto pointed out, curricula must be practical, guided by the principle that they should primarily address students' educational needs and their preparation for professional practice. They must also foster a well-rounded human development. "We cannot," he added, "train excellent professionals who are uncultured or illiterate in terms of humanity. Furthermore, holistic education is one of the dimensions envisaged for undergraduate degrees in the guidelines of the Bologna Process."
Third, the new curricula at this university must foster an education for justice, and finally, “we must be able to educate our students in the faith,” the Rector added. “It is precisely this openness to the mystery of God—for believers, the only answer to the enigma of humankind—that most distinguishes us in the academic world. As a Catholic university,” Busto said, “we could not be satisfied even if we had succeeded in producing valuable professionals, good citizens, and individuals committed to social justice, if we had failed to offer them the Christian faith and its demands as the horizon of meaning for human existence.”
Regarding the celebration of the Year of Science in 2007, the Rector pointed out that, contrary to an instrumental view of science, philosophical critique shows us that every instrument is linked to a particular understanding of the world and of humankind, and that, therefore, the axiological non-neutrality of the means lies not only in their use, but also in the inherent bias of the scientific and technical means themselves, given that they are creators of values and culture. "Hence," he added, "the mission of the university cannot be limited to the discovery and formulation of functional knowledge, but must delve deeper into each area of knowledge until it reaches the meaning of human existence and the world."
The Rector also highlighted that the University Institute of Spirituality of the Faculty of Theology is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, with a clearly positive track record. He emphasized that this anniversary will be commemorated with an International Congress entitled "Experience and Mystery of God."
Student exchanges are on the rise
The Secretary General, Ana Soler, read an excerpt from the Academic Report for the 2006-07 academic year, in which a total of 9.973 students enrolled. Internationally, the report highlighted the positive response from students to the increased availability of exchange and study abroad programs, achieved through the collaboration of the International Relations Office and the various faculties and schools. Last year, 862 international students attended the university, of whom 290 participated in the Socrates-Erasmus program, 136 benefited from bilateral agreements, and 436 from specific programs.
In the area of scholarships and grants, it is worth highlighting the awarding of 16 university excellence scholarships to our students and 168 scholarships for outstanding academic achievement from the Community of Madrid. Students also received 237 grants from the Ministry of Education and Science and 349 from our university. Furthermore, the number of scholarships awarded through the Goya Leonardo Program for internships in European companies was 140.
During the past academic year, the university secured four new projects within the National R&D&I Plan, in addition to the three obtained through the CENIT program and the 14 proposals approved by various public bodies. In international R&D activities, the submission of 11 proposals to the European Union's Seventh Framework Programme (2007-13) stands out. Internally, two calls for proposals recognizing the university's own R&D&I projects have been published, funded by the university's centers; and a new grant has been awarded within the University's own R&D&I Project Funding Program, managed by the Vice-Rectorate for Research, Development, and Innovation.
Globalization breaks the vicious cycle of poverty
The inaugural lecture of the academic year, "Globalization and the Economy," was delivered by Ángel Luis López Roa, a professor at the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration (ICADE). The lecture focused on the concept of globalization, its mechanisms and effects, and the new interpretations of the term. "Globalization is not a passing fad," the speaker asserted, "but rather an integral part of our lives that will shape them in the future."
In terms of economic globalization, Professor López Roa asserted that the economy is merely an adjective accompanying the behemoth of globalization, shaping one aspect of this conglomerate. This globalization framework is precisely structured around the internet, freedom of access to information and knowledge, and consequently, the speed of decision-making.
López Roa stated that, thanks to globalization, we can speak of breaking the vicious cycle of poverty and opening the virtuous cycle of saving. While referencing academic literature on economic development, he asserted that breaking this cycle is being facilitated "because people have the means to save and meet their loan payments or to improve their options based on almost unlimited access to information and knowledge."
Could it be said that economists have found the vaccine against poverty through their "trade, not aid" approach? the speaker asked. It would be presumptuous to claim so, he answered, but it is indeed one of the most effective ways to reduce poverty sustainably. And, moving on to the conclusions, he pointed out that "the most important thing is that, in reality, we are not talking about economics but about education… which is what truly liberates people from poverty."
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