April 30th, 2025. Nexus, UPV. The Rector of the Universitat Politècnica de València, José Esteban Capilla Romá, presided this afternoon over the official welcome ceremony for the new Student Council, also honoring the outgoing team and the school and faculty delegations. In his address, the Rector emphasized the key role of students as active agents in university life and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to a more participatory, inclusive, and socially engaged university.
“The Student Council fully makes sense because there is no greater commitment to the university community than devoting oneself to its governance,” said Capilla. He began his speech with a quote by William Butler Yeats: “Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire,” as a metaphor for the responsibility and passion behind student representation. Throughout his address, he highlighted the impact of the new University System Law (LOSU) and UPV’s pioneering role in implementing it, particularly with the recent approval of new statutes that place students at the heart of university governance.
Capilla explained the deep significance of changing the name from “Delegation of Students” to “Student Council,” emphasizing that “naming is shaping” and that shifting from “pupil” to “student” reflects a new vision of those who actively learn and engage in university life. “‘Student’ literally means someone who strives and is dedicated, and that is what we recognize in those of you who take part in representation,” he added.
The Rector also announced the imminent start of construction on the new Generación Espontánea building, which will be completed within a maximum of two years. He also praised programs such as PIAE+ and the Psychological Support Service for Students (SAPE), describing them as “cornerstones of a university that, beyond training the best professionals, cares for people like no other in Spain’s public system.”
During the event, hosted by journalist Luis Zurano, speeches were delivered by Javier Esquerdo, the outgoing president of the Student Council, and his successor, Elena García Lleó.
Esquerdo offered an emotional and thoughtful speech. He reviewed his years of leadership during which the Council worked with a clear goal: to improve the university from the student perspective. He particularly highlighted the Council’s active role in drafting the new statutes and the transition to the new name. “Being part of student representation teaches you that if you fight for something, you can achieve it,” he stated. He also shared a personal reflection on what the experience had meant to him and encouraged his fellow students to get involved, grow, and leave a lasting mark during their time at university.
His successor, Elena García Lleó, gave an inspired, committed, and socially conscious speech. She began by expressing pride in belonging to the UPV and reviewing some of its most significant institutional achievements. She then addressed key challenges currently facing students: housing and transport difficulties, academic overload that hinders participation in university life, and the urgent need to strengthen mental health support through dedicated resources and care. She also emphasized the role of the Student Council as a collective space that organizes activities, supports student integration, and promotes engagement. “We want to leave the university better than we found it. And we’ll do it together, with transparency, collaboration, and commitment,” she concluded, thanking her team, family, and friends for their support.
Capilla closed his remarks with a quote from Nelson Mandela: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,” and reaffirmed that students are a fundamental part of the university’s future: “We want to experience this paradigm shift with you —not from above, but from within.”
