The School of Humanities and Social Sciences the closing ceremony for the 23rd edition of the Senior Program, which included 82 participants over the age of 50

The University of Navarra held the closing ceremony for the 23rd edition of the Senior Program, which this year was attended by 82 people over the age of 50. The ceremony was presided over by the dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Julia Pavón; the Vice Dean for Student Affairs, Dolores López; and the program’s coordinator , Rafael Escobedo.

In her speech, the dean expressed her gratitude for the trust the participants have placed in the program, “a project the School of Humanities and Social Sciences , supports, and is committed to, so that there will be many more editions.” For his part, Professor Escobedo highlighted the human and educational value educational the experience during what has been his first year leading the program. “I’ve been able to discover the day-to-day workings of this magnificent initiative at our University and how the passion for learning knows no age,” he noted. He also wanted to acknowledge the work over more than two decades by those who have helped consolidate the project thanked the students “for making it so easy and so enjoyable to manage this adventure in learning.”

This was followed by the final lecture of academic year, delivered by architect and urban planner Maite Apezteguía, who analyzed the demographic, ecological, and architectural challenges facing cities. After taking a historical and conceptual journey from the Greek polis and the Roman city to the successive industrial revolutions, she highlighted the challenges facing urban centers stemming from the digital revolution. In light of the rise of purely virtual spaces and gatherings, the expert called for protecting and revitalizing the social fabric of the immediate environment and for “humanizing the city” through spaces for meeting, proximity, and coexistence.

Speaking on behalf of the students, María Eugenia Izu also addressed the gathering, recounting her experience in the program, which she joined after retiring. Addressing her classmates, she confessed that she aspires to be like them—“vibrant, curious, and eager to learn.” She also highlighted the quality of the classes, the cultural field trips, and the atmosphere fostered throughout the course. “In addition to knowledge, we’re taking away friendships and self-confidence.” For his part, the class mentor, Professor Ricardo Fernández Gracia, praised the students’ eagerness to learn throughout the course and expressed his gratitude “for making it so easy,” noting that “culture makes us who we are.” The ceremony concluded with the submission diplomas and the hope that the students would never lose their desire to learn.

The University of Navarra’s Senior Program was launched in 2003 with 26 enrolled students, in response to growing interest in lifelong learning. Since then, a total of 336 students have passed through the classrooms. Many of them repeat the experience each academic year, as is the case with José Luis Aiciondo Celayeta, who has been enrolled for 21 sessions; María Teresa Torres Alonso, for 19 sessions; and María Elisa Viscarret Idoate, for 18 sessions.

Designed for people over the age of 50 who are interested in continuing their education and actively participating in university life, goal an academic space for meeting , where students can continue to grow intellectually and personally while sharing knowledge a critical mindset and enthusiasm. The program combines multidisciplinary thematic modules taught by university professors and experts with activities organized by Cultural Activities Office lectures, guided tours, and field trips

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