María Iraburu, president: "We want to train professionals who are passionate about their work and contribute to making a better world".

Nearly 3,800 people attended the University of Navarra's Welcome workshop held in the sports center of the academic center. president María Iraburu greeted the students and their families and then spoke to them about the University's project in which they begin "an exciting stage". 

Dynamism and identity are the two words that define the University of Navarra. "We have a project that we are passionate about, characterized by a love of work. We want to transmit to each of you this vision of each of the professions as a transforming force in society. A second aspect of our university is the importance of people. The meeting between professors and students, in a climate of dialogue and openness, enriches and enhances the learning experience. 

The president then referred to the University of Navarra as an institution of solidarity. "We want to be present in the great challenges of our time, to train professionals who contribute to making a better world; and that our research provides solutions. In this sense, Iraburu recalled that this mission statement of the University would not be possible without the support of many people: friends and alumni. 

The president proposed to the students three attitudes typical of a true university student. First of all, she said, "Do not stop asking yourselves questions, even the most daring ones", "the university is above all a place of exploration and personal growth". He also urged them to foster relationships with others and friendship, in an environment of freedom and respect. And finally, to take advantage of all the opportunities of university life, including cultural, sporting and solidarity opportunities. 

María Iraburu's last words were addressed to the students' families: "Thank you from the bottom of my heart for making it possible for your sons and daughters to contribute all their talent and commitment to this University", she concluded. 

More than 2,500 first-year students

In total, this academic year 2025-26, which begins next Monday, September 1, the University will welcome more than 2,500 new first-year students in the different Degrees. Although the incorporation process is still open, so far 2,517 students have enrolled: 846 international students from 77 countries and 1,671 national students (including 661 from Navarra). Also, this semester , 396 students from universities in 40 countries will take part in an exchange program.

The workshop was divided into two sessions, addressed to different Schools and colleges. The first session was attended by students from the Schools of Economics, Communication, Law, Canon Law, Philosophy and Letters, Theology, Ecclesiastical Philosophy and ISSA-School of Applied Management. After the president's speech, the professor of the School of Philosophy and Letters and director of the Core Curriculum Institute, Ricardo Piñero, gave the session 'The good university student'. Piñero advised students "to wake up, to dare to know and go out in search of the truth. He also invited them to make the most of this university stage and to be themselves. "There is no greater stage of academic freedom than the University of Navarra. Be who you are. We are here so that you can be the best version of yourselves for others; in an environment of respect and affection, because the founder of this University, who defends the values of Christian humanism, taught us to seek the truth and to love people". 

The second part of the Welcome workshop was aimed at university students from the School of Architecture and the Schools of Science, Education and Psychology, Nursing, Pharmacy and Nutrition, and Medicine. On this occasion, after María Iraburu's speech, it was Ignacio López Goñi, professor at the School of Sciences and director of the Science Museum, who addressed the attendees: "The important thing for a university student is to ask questions. Intelligence is artificial, but wisdom is not. At the University we do not read books, we write books. We generate knowledge. That is what science is all about. He also encouraged the participants to build a network of good friends, "that will allow them to carry out creative cooperation".

During the two sessions, there was a roundtable with professors and students who gave some advice and shared their experience on campus. In addition, a specific session for exchange students and their families has been scheduled to take place this afternoon at the sports center on cultural shock, foreigners, homologation and Spanish language courses.