The Rector has welcomed attendees to the inauguration and has stated that “the word faculty comes from the Latin facultas, in its accusative form facultatem, and refers to ideas such as capacity, power, aptitude, strength, or possibility to do something.” He explained that “originally, universities were structured into four faculties: Arts, Theology, Law, and Medicine. The Faculty of Arts occupied a central place, as it constituted the common foundational training on which the rest of knowledge rested. It was, in many ways, the foundation of university knowledge.”

Regarding the new dean, José Capilla stated: “Allow me now to congratulate Professor Laura Silvestre on her election as Dean of a faculty as emblematic as the Faculty of Fine Arts, a center that naturally integrates artistic creation, theoretical reflection, research, and cultural transfer.” He emphasized that Laura Silvestre “clearly represents the profile of university faculty that characterizes the Universitat Politècnica de València: teaching and research excellence, management experience, and a solid connection with society.”

The Rector recalled that “Laura, in this six-year term that you are beginning, you should know that you will always have my Rectorate as an ally to carry out the projects you have proposed in your program.”

José Capilla also addressed the outgoing dean: “Allow me now to express my very sincere gratitude to Pepe Galindo, who has served as dean for the past eight years. Eight years of constant work, generous dedication, and a commitment that has gone far beyond what the position demands. You have left a strong, cohesive center with a vision for the future.”

The Rector concluded his speech by congratulating the new dean and thanking the entire Faculty of Fine Arts for their commitment and pride in belonging to the Universitat Politècnica de València, reminding that “in the university, art, knowledge and technology advance together.”