The construction of the University of Pedro López de Alba organized one of the most emblematic events of the institutional calendar of the University of Córdoba (UCO) on Tuesday: the annual delivery of distinctions by its Social Council, an event presided over by the President of the Social Council and attended by the Rector. This event serves as a tangible manifestation of the role that the social council plays as a link between the university and its surroundings. As the president emphasized in his speech, «the public university is honored when it fulfills its responsibility to those it serves, and the Social Council is precisely the channel that guarantees this responsibility of loyalty, ethical commitment, and institutional transparency.»
The distinctions awarded this year have recognized exemplary trajectories and high-impact collaborations. The Séneca Medal for human values, the highest distinction of the Social Council, was posthumously awarded to Professor Eva Vázquez for her fruitful research activity in international law and her commitment to harmony and understanding among peoples. The award was collected by her colleague, Francisco Bueno.
Similarly, the merit of the University Social Medal, which recognizes institutional collaboration with the University and its environment, was awarded to the Diputacia de Córdoba for its historical support for higher education and for its support activities for the practical training of student bodies.
The same recognition was given to the Communication Office, the Protocol Office, and the Scientific Culture Unit of UCO for their tireless work in making university activities visible and strengthening connections with the general public, as well as to historian José Manuel Cuenca for his lifelong dedication to the research and dissemination of the history of Andalusia and Córdoba.
Institutional Renewal
During the event, the new councilors of the Social Council, Carmen Jiménez and María Paz Castro, were inaugurated, taking a solemn ethical commitment in favor of the university and the community. Tributes were also paid to the outgoing directors, with special recognition given to José María Molina for his altruistic work and dedication to public service.
The new internal functions of the Social Council were formalized, with the appointment of Fernando Chacón as vice president; Manuela Hernández as vice president; Juan Carandell as secretary and president of the Academic and Economic Committee; and Pilar Bartolomé as president of the Activity Committee. Some of these officials have been selected after more than a decade of service.
The event had a significant institutional representation with civil, academic, and military authorities; representatives of local and regional institutions; commercial and social fabric representatives; international student groups, among others. Among the institutions present were the municipalities of Córdoba and Cabra, university delegates, representatives from the economy and industry in the Andalusian Regional Government, the Diputacia de Córdoba, and representatives from the Army and Security Forces.
UCO as a Backbone of the Territory
Rector Manuel Torralbo highlighted the merits of those present and emphasized the role of the University of Córdoba as «the backbone of the territory and the transmission of knowledge.» In his speech, the president of the Social Council defended «the role of the public university, the mission to teach and research by its professors, and the excellence of its public employees.»
The event concluded with the interpretation of the anthems of Andalusia and Spain, followed by a cocktail reception at the Circle of Friendship, creating a festive atmosphere but also reflecting on the university’s role in the progress and well-being of the territory.