Of the new students, more than 900 are starting an undergraduate degree, over 130 will pursue a university master’s degree, nearly 80 will take a university-specific qualification and almost 200 will join USJ Sénior. The university also has 463 international students, who account for 12% of its student body, as well as 419 Spanish students from outside Aragon.
The rector of University San Jorge, Silvia Carrascal, focused much of her speech on the challenges posed by technological advances. She argued that universities must train professionals capable of making the most of tools such as artificial intelligence without losing critical thinking, the ability to understand complex problems and responsibility in decision-making.
THE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE CHALLENGE
The president of the Government of Aragon, Jorge Azcón, also focused on technological transformation during the ceremony. Azcón said that university education is a “fundamental driver” for Aragon and stressed the need to prepare young people to use new digital tools with sound judgment and put them at the service of society.
The opening lecture was delivered by USJ secretary-general and professor of Ecclesiastical Law José Manuel Murgoitio under the title Praise of Non-Confessionalism. His speech addressed the differences between secularism and non-confessionalism and defended a model that allows people with different beliefs and convictions to live together on equal terms.
The ceremony was also attended by institutional representatives including the councillor for Education, Science and Universities, Carmen Susín; the councillor for Health, Ángel Sanz Barea; the mayor of Villanueva de Gállego, Inés Baudín; and the first vice president of the Cortes of Aragon, Carmen Rouco, as well as representatives of Aragon’s business and social sectors.
