School of Philosophy and Letters celebrates the graduation of 118 students
The School of Philosophy and Letters of the University of Navarra celebrated last Saturday, May 17, the graduation ceremony of the 118 graduating seniors. Accompanied by their families, friends and teachers, the students of the LXVII promotion of the Degree in History; the LXII promotion of the Degree in Philosophy; the LIX promotion of the Degree in Hispanic Philology ; the XXVIII promotion of the Degree in Humanities; the V promotion of the Degree in Literature and Creative Writing; and the IV promotion of the Degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) received their diploma .
The workshop began with a Mass in the chapel of the Sciences Building. Afterwards, the graduates made a floral offering to Our Lady of Fair Love at the Shrine of Our Lady of Fair Love on campus, as a sign of gratitude for the years spent at the University. The academic ceremony followed in the Museum's theater, presided over by the Dean of the School of Philosophy and Letters, Julia Pavón.
Representing the students, Miren Estruch Santamaría, from the Degree in Literature and Creative Writing, took the floor. During her speech, she vindicated the intrinsic value of humanistic knowledge in the face of the utilitarian demands of today's world: "We do not study humanistic careers for the benefit that follows in society. Clearly, neither do we study to get rich. Our careers deal with the subject of knowledge which is an end in itself and, as such, knowledge becomes the reward. The Humanities require a slow and thoughtful approach that requires time and desire, but it seems that utilitarian values take precedence over wisdom, thus endowing humanistic programs of study with an apparent uselessness. [...] And there can be no training if there is no interest, no desire to learn and no love for knowledge, so useful and valuable in itself".
Mark Gibson, professor of the Degree in Humanities, spoke on behalf of the sponsors: Javier Azanza (History); Ana Marta GonzálezPhilosophy); Luis GalvánPhilology); Javier de Navascués (Literature and Creative Writing); and Alejandro Martínez CarrascoPhilosophy, Politics and Economics). As Professor Gibson pointed out, language is a powerful tool for social transformation and staff, in the hands of humanists: "One can ask, ' What can I do to change the world, or who am I to combat these social ills we face in today's world? To that I answer, 'using the same code of silences, vibrations and noises that constitute language'. [...] Language, sounds and words, change the world because they make us feel, and feeling is what separates humans from animals."
After the submission of diplomas, the Dean closed the ceremony by quoting St. Josemaría Escrivá, founder of the University, who reminded those present of the humanistic and transforming vision that the School wishes to transmit to its students: "The university does not turn its back on any uncertainty, on any concern, on any human need. It is not its mission statement to offer immediate solutions. But, by studying problems with scientific depth, it also stirs the hearts, spurs passivity, awakens dormant forces, and forms citizens ready to build a more just society. [It thus contributes [...] to promote - through the love of Truth, justice and freedom - true peace and harmony of spirits and of nations".
