The School of Civil Engineering at the Universitat Politècnica de València (ETSICCP) held its traditional Christmas event last Friday in the newly renamed “Rafael Couchoud” Auditorium, honoring the UPV’s first rector and civil engineer. The event brought together students, retirees, staff, and authorities to celebrate academic excellence and recognize those who have dedicated their professional lives to the School.

UPV Rector Pepe Capilla: “A committed and renowned school”

UPV Rector Pepe Capilla highlighted the leadership of the ETSICCP, ranked as the best civil engineering school in Spain by the Shanghai Ranking. “This school not only trains excellent professionals but also demonstrates a constant commitment to quality research and collaboration with society and companies,” he said.

Capilla thanked the chairs and companies supporting the academic excellence awards, acknowledging the importance of complementing traditional education with transversal skills. He also paid tribute to retirees who “have witnessed the evolution of a university that is now a technological benchmark in Spain.”

The rector emphasized the School’s crucial role during the DANA, with notable contributions to media coverage and infrastructure reconstruction. “This School has led by example, and as a university, we have responded with solidarity and joint effort.”

Eugenio Pellicer: A cycle comes to an end as director

School Director Eugenio Pellicer experienced a special moment as this was his last event as ETSICCP director. In his speech, Pellicer thanked the support of the university community and congratulated the awarded students for their dedication and effort. “It has been a privilege to lead this school, which is not only a leader in Spain but also an international reference,” he stated.

Pellicer noted that, in a year marked by the effects of the DANA, the School reduced the size of its traditional nativity scene as a sign of respect, reaffirming its commitment to academic excellence and community values.

Esther Gómez: “We owe everything to this School”

Esther Gómez, Secretary for Universities, a civil engineer, and former UPV Vice-Rector, emphasized her personal connection to the ETSICCP. “This School has been my home: I was a student, scholar, sub-director, and vice-rector here. It’s an honor to return and share this moment,” she said.

During her speech, Gómez announced significant legislative developments, including the reform of the Valencian universities law and the creation of new scholarships, such as GV Talent and Manuela Solís, ensuring equal opportunities in higher education. She also praised the accreditation of the dual master’s degree as a milestone in academic training.

Tribute to retirees and academic recognitions

The event featured a heartfelt tribute to professors and staff who retired over the past two years. Former School Director Vicent Esteban offered words of gratitude, stating that “institutions are defined by the people who make them.”

Several awards were also presented to outstanding students for their academic trajectories and final projects, sponsored by chairs of companies like Torrescámara, Bertolín, BECSA, CHM Construcciones, and Metalesa.

Closing message and holiday wishes

The event concluded with words of encouragement and Christmas wishes from the rector, director, and secretary. The festive atmosphere continued outside with the traditional Christmas basket raffle and a celebratory toast.