At the closing of the 50th anniversary celebrations of the University, the President of Portugal Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa awarded this institution with the title of Honorary Member of the Order of Public Instruction for "five decades of devoted service to education and culture".
While finishing his intervention at the closing of the Cycle of Great Conferences "Global Futures", in the presence of the Rector Isabel Capeloa Gil, and the Great Chancellor D. Manuel Clemente, the President declared: "Your excellencies, it is never late to accomplish a duty of conscience. In the case, a duty of national conscience".
"This is thus the moment to formally recognize the contribute of the Portuguese Catholic University to Portugal, which is the same as saying to the Portuguese: five decades of devoted service to education and culture, of notable sense of community mission, of serious concern for the common good."
The President praised the input of UCP’s chancellors, rectors, principals, professors, employees, parents, students, benefactors, and friends. Last, but not least, he praised the Catholic Church, which he considers an integral part of the Portuguese national identity. The Order of Public Instruction recognizes outstanding services in the fields of education and teaching.
