Argentina (Universidad Austral) Knowledge, humanism and dedication
At the Buenos Aires campus, the rector of Universidad Austral, Julián Rodríguez, hosted the presentation of the institutional book that covers the history of the University, within the framework of its 30th anniversary . With the presence of authorities, professors and special guests, during the meeting referents from the university field reflected on “what it means to make a University”.
On Wednesday, April 6, at its headquarters in Buenos Aires, the Austral University (UA) held the presentation of the book Saber, Humanismo y Delivery . Rector Julián Rodríguez opened the meeting, which was attended by authorities from the field of education, deans of academic units, professors and special guests.
“This book talks about what happened, but, above all, about what is going to happen”, Rodríguez began in the framework of the presentation in a meeting full of emotion, since it meant the closing of the celebrations for the 30 years of Austral University that began in March 2021.
Divided into five chapters, Knowledge, Humanism and Delivery pays tribute to all those who made the dream of an educational project possible and promoted it. At the same time, it expresses the mission of Austral: to transform society through the development and transmission of knowledge and training in virtues .
The rector explained that the work reflects the identity of the UA, written from the voice of its protagonists: founders, professors, researchers, staff, students and graduates . “We honor the dedication, spirit of service and commitment of the academic body, directors and staff. This book is a sample of his dedication; many of them gave their time, their reflections and their memories to these pages. And also to the graduates, who trusted the University to train and today are bearers and ambassadors of the Austral legacy”, he said.
Looking to the future, Rodríguez explained that the book “also expresses what we want to be. It is a guide, it is a beacon, which allows us to be clear about the horizon, the purpose, the mission, the direction that we have to follow”.
Testimonials, images, milestones, technology and research, the book will also be available in a digital version of which a preview was presented and can be downloaded at the following link: Knowledge, Humanism and Delivery .
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO MAKE A UNIVERSITY?
The meeting had a moment of reflection on education and the meaning of creating a university in our country.
Néstor Pan, president of CONEAU (National Commission for University Evaluation and Accreditation); Héctor Floriani, former rector of the University of Rosario, and Gerardo della Paolera, founding rector of the Torcuato Di Tella University, participated in a panel moderated by Austral University professor Carlos Pujadas.
Gerardo della Paolera opened the debate and argued that the core of education is in the research professor: “When one speaks of knowledge and knowing, it is the research professor. It is fundamental that the university has them and supports them”.
In his turn, Héctor Floriani, stated that a university is an alliance between teachers and apprentices to advance in the deepening and dissemination of knowledge: “Today and here, in the 21st century and in Argentina, universities can and must contribute to progress true in the management of public affairs, in social inclusion and in caring for the environment. Contributing to the construction of a sustainable future is a challenge imposed on universities”.
Then, Néstor Pan stressed the importance of universities having a clear educational project and, in this sense, highlighted the UA: “All the accreditations they have presented have excellent results. La Austral has a security and a conviction in what it is doing as a university, with a strong and sustainable project that differs in the strength it has in the points where it wants to be strong without seeking to cover the entire system ”.
The closing of the meeting was in charge of Rodolfo De Vicenzi, president of CRUP (Council of Rectors of Private Universities of Argentina), who stated that the main function of universities is to operate as agents of change and transformation of realities to contribute to development sustainable of society.
“ The north of the Universidad Austral is clear . It is fair to recognize their achievements that, at the same time, are complete and consistent with the ends and purposes that they declare from the institution. The Austral University Hospital, the scientific institutes, the permanent hierarchy in the international rankings, its national prestige, the model Campus, its Business Park, the headquarters in Buenos Aires and Rosario, and its academic offer, among other aspects, are impressive. All this justifies the enormous recognition they have from their community and society as a whole”, De Vicenzi concluded.