Last year, the association de Amigos de la Universidad de Navarra raised 4.5 million euros, of which 2.5 million were invested in postgraduate program scholarships for researchers. The rest, 2 million, went to Amigos Building, which has been financed entirely by this association since 2000, through grants from individuals, companies and private institutions.

About 200 people gathered in Pamplona to celebrate the XXXIV general session of delegates of this entity. Founded in 1960, the association is made up of about 2,500 Friends. The majority -95%- are individuals from all walks of life, and the remaining 5% are companies, foundations and private institutions from all over the world.

Next challenge: support the development of the Institute for Culture and Society

During the workshop the President of the University of Navarra, Alfonso Sánchez-Tabernero, spoke about the projects of the University of Navarra, and then the director general of the association of Friends, Roberto Bandrés, made a balance of the course and the objectives for the new course 2013/2014.

Among the projects, the aim is to further strengthen the scholarship program and support the Institute for Culture and Society (ICS). For this reason, one of the sessions was dedicated to the ICS, whose research contributes to solving the main challenges of today's society. To this end, it establishes a genuine dialogue to understand the reality and seek practical solutions, innovative proposals and relevant contributions.

Also speaking at workshop was José Mª Bastero, president of the association de Amigos. Some of the day's activities were held in conjunction with the work sessions for national and international Alumni delegates.