The IQS Community Kicks Off Academic Year 2024-25 with the Inspiring Vision of Dr Ana García-Mina, UNIJES Representative

On Friday, 4 October 2024, Dr Ana García-Mina, a UNIJES representative since January 2024, gave an inspiring lecture in which she addressed the challenges and opportunities facing university institutions today, especially those guided by the Jesuit mission.

Starting with the “Small Society” of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, Dr García-Mina urged attendees to reflect on the purpose of higher education and imagine a future where the mission of Jesuit universities is the beacon that guides their path. “We cannot lose our souls on this path,” she stressed, emphasizing the importance of never forgetting the spiritual and human values that characterize the Ignatian spirit: serving God and others with dedication and commitment.

During her speech, the UNIJES representative addressed crucial issues such as the impact of digitization on our values and the establishment of a new cultural paradigm focused on human beings. She emphasized that Jesuit universities must not only offer quality academic training, but also foster a comprehensive education that prepares students to serve God and contribute to the wellbeing of society. She stressed that this education must go beyond technical skills and should also focus on the development of human and spiritual skills.

Within this context, Dr García-Mina highlighted that Jesuit education must not lose sight of its main objective: to prepare individuals who are not only competent in their fields, but who are also committed to others and to serving the common good.

One of the highlights of the lecture was the commitment of Jesuit institutions to social justice, a fundamental theme in the UNIJES mission. Dr García-Mina recalled the Universal Apostolic Preferences, which include walking with the excluded, caring for our common home, and journeying with youth, always promoting a culture of discovery in their educational process. Quoting Father Pedro Arrupe, she recalled one of his most famous statements: “I am not afraid of the new world that is emerging. What frightens me is when we give yesterday’s answers to tomorrow’s problems.” With this reflection, Dr García-Mina urged the audience not to stand idly by, noting that the fear of making mistakes should not be an excuse for inaction. “For this work, we need friendship and complicity,” she said, underlining the importance of working together.

Another relevant aspect of her lecture was the analysis of the evolution of undergraduate students at UNIJES schools. Dr García-Mina proposed an in-depth reflection on the motivations, attitudes, values, and transversal skills that characterize students during their university education. She considered key questions such as: What profile do we expect from UNIJES graduates? What profile do incoming and graduating students have? These questions invited attendees to reflect on how Jesuit universities must continue adapting to prepare competent, conscious, compassionate, and committed professionals for social transformation.

In the final part of her speech, Dr García-Mina reiterated the need for universities to be welcoming and friendly spaces where education is always focused on serving the common good. “Learning to serve” is, in short, the principle that guides UNIJES institutions in their educational work, and it is important to remember that true learning only makes sense when it involves serving others. The event inaugurated the IQS Community Gatherings for academic year 2024-25, and featured attendance by the Director of IQS, Dr Salvador Borrós, and participation by several members of the Board of Trustees. Without a doubt, the presence of Dr García-Mina was a stimulus to strengthen the connections of the entire university community with the mission of the Society of Jesus, reaffirming its commitment to comprehensive education and service to society.