The Chief Executive Officer of
Telefónica, José María Álvarez-Pallete,
and Nutrition professor José María
Ordovás have been conferred with Doctorates
'Honoris Causa' by Universidad CEU
San Pablo during the academic ceremony celebrating the Feast Day of Saint Thomas Aquinas.
The Rector, Rosa Visiedo, highlighted the celebration of Saint
Thomas as one of the events that best expresses the spirit and vocation of
Universidad CEU San Pablo: "To be a
genuine university community, united by a shared identity and a common goal: to
have the interest and passion for education according to the principles and
values of our educational project, rooted in Christian humanism and the
teachings of the Church."
In her speech, Visiedo emphasised
that "their appointment as Doctor 'Honoris
Causa' reflects emblematically the profile of our University, in a condensed
expression of our project for the coming years: to be a university dedicated to
relevant research that generates new knowledge and innovation for its transfer
to society; but also a university closely connected to the business world, concerned
about the employability of its students, helping them build their life project,
of which their chosen profession is an important part, and through them,
contributing to the improvement and advancement of companies and institutions."
In conclusion, the Rector
expressed gratitude to the new Doctor 'Honoris Causa,' stating, "We are proud that you have accepted this
appointment and, with it, become part of our University, which is now also your
University, and which is enriched by your unquestionable merits."
José María
Álvarez-Pallete, Doctor 'Honoris Causa'
In recognition of his special
professional and personal merits, the Chief Executive Officer of Telefónica was
distinguished during the academic ceremony celebrating the Feast of Saint
Thomas Aquinas. In his address, Álvarez-Pallete expressed gratitude to the
University for "the honour they have
bestowed on me," and to his family for being "the people who give meaning to my life."
The CEO of Telefónica briefly
reflected on the 40 years since his time in these classrooms and the future in
which we are immersed. "It is not an
era of change. It is a change of era. Technology will help solve problems that
previously had no answers, such as diseases that currently have no cure or
climate change," he said.
Álvarez-Pallete stressed that
"this technological revolution is
different because it is abstract. Data is not visible, creating asymmetries
between those who are aware of what is happening and those who are not."
He stressed the importance of "placing
humanism at the centre and defining how we want this to happen and what the
essential rights are in this digital world."
Professor of Financial Economics, Ricardo Palomo, was responsible for
delivering the laudatio. In it, he highlighted four characteristics of
Álvarez-Pallete's figure: "his
humanistic values; his determined drive for digital transformation and
technology; his commitment to innovation; and his focus on continuous and
lifelong education." As the Dean of the School of Economics and
Business, Palomo emphasised the Telefónica CEO's concern for the challenge of
inequality and the fight against digital exclusion, "always putting people at the centre, so that we can all benefit from
the opportunities of the digital revolution and leave no one behind."
In this regard, Palomo emphasised
"his determined drive for digital
transformation and technology, which has radically transformed Telefónica,
turning it into a cutting-edge company in the telecommunications sector, committed
to promoting an innovative ecosystem not only in Spain but in all the geographical
areas where it is present."
José María
Ordovás, Doctor 'Honoris Causa'
In recognition of his academic
merits and professional trajectory, the professor of Nutrition and one of the
world's leading experts in nutrigenetics and nutrigenomics was honoured during the
academic ceremony of the Feast of Saint Thomas Aquinas.
In his speech, Ordovás reviewed
the evolution of nutrition, health, and ageing – intertwined realms and pillars
of his research. He pointed out that "life
expectancy is not just about living longer; it's about living better." In
this context, the specialist in nutrigenetics and nutrigenomics highlighted
that "roles within healthcare have
evolved, playing a crucial role in maintaining the health ecosystem."
The Doctor ‘Honoris Causa’ went on
to say, "Humanity is working to
bridge gaps, ensuring that advances in health and nutrition are accessible to
all, regardless of geographical or economic borders." He emphasised,
"The decisions we make today are
paving the way for a future where longevity is not just about adding years to
life but, more importantly, adding life to those years," underscoring
the significance of the 'Honoris Causa' title.
Professor of Nutrition and
Bromatology, Gregorio Varela Moreiras,
was responsible for giving the laudatio, in which he highlighted the fortunate
convergence of exceptional human qualities in Ordovás: "a spirit of work beyond reasonable limits; a
generous disposition towards others; and a genuinely privileged natural
intelligence."
In his speech, the director of the
CEU Institute of Food and Society noted, "In science, quality, honesty, and care in what is done are fundamental;
something that Dr. Ordovás must have put much emphasis on, as he has reached
the highest echelons in our fascinating science of nutrition." Varela
also underscored the relevance of Ordovás's scientific contributions,
describing his work as "research,
education, and dissemination, combined with his human qualities, making him
deserving of this title."
The Vice-Rector for Institutional
Relations and General Secretary of the University, María Bellido, was responsible for reading the Rector’s Decree
appointing him as Doctor 'Honoris Causa'. José María Álvarez-Pallete and José
María Ordovás now join a select group of national and international
intellectuals who have received this honour from Universidad CEU San Pablo:
Helmut Kohl, John Martin Scott, Gordon Tullock, Antonio María Rouco Varela,
Mario Monti, Vicente Palacio Atard, Francisco Rodríguez Adrados, Margaret Foti,
José Antonio Escudero, Eduardo García de Enterría, Joseph H. H. Weiler, Herman
Van Rompuy, Raimundo Bassols, Joseph A. Bellanti, S.G.O. Johansson, Alberto
Campo Baeza, Antonio Fernández de Buján, Rémi Brague, José Luis Gutiérrez,
Augusto Ferrer-Dalmau, and Marcelino Oreja.
New Doctors
During the celebration of the
patron saint of universities and university students, Visiedo had words for the
33 new doctors of the 2023/2024 academic year, reminding them that by
possessing the highest academic degree, they should always seek "truth with scientific rigour, in a
stimulating conjunction of science, reason, and faith."
The Great Chancellor of the
University, Alfonso Bullón de Mendoza,
concluded the Academic Ceremony.