It was with these words that Isabel Capeloa Gil, President of the Universidade Católica, presented the UCP's new visual identity during the formal session marking National University Day on 6 February.
When presenting the new logo, Isabel Capeloa Gil emphasised that a university's institutional identity ‘reflects how the institution perceives itself and wants to be perceived in its time’. The President added that ‘the new logo is a gesture of dynamic fidelity as it re-expresses itself for a new era,’ reflecting three fundamental dimensions: ‘the continuity of the mission and the renewal of language, the evolution of institutions in a changing world, and the artistic innovation that is intrinsic to an institution in transformation.’
This reflection on institutional identity paved the way for a deeper understanding of the university as a vocation of service. As such, Isabel Capeloa Gil pointed out, ‘the university asserts itself as a creator and not a reproducer, as a space for responsible transmission and autonomous development of the person.’
It is against this backdrop that the theme for the academic year, “Diaconia da Cultura”, was chosen. Understanding the university as a service, the President highlighted Católica as a space for dialogue, discernment and cultural creation, stating that “our role is not to prescribe from the pulpit, but to guide the way through dialogue around the table”.
At the formal session, Universidade Católica Portuguesa awarded an honorary doctorate to French designer Philippe Starck, recognising his contribution to art, design and contemporary culture.
In her presentation of the doctoral student, the Pro-Rector for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Céline Abecassis-Moedas, emphasised that Philippe Starck stands out as a unique creator, whose approach combines innovation and commitment. She recalled that ‘at its deepest level, design is not about objects, but about emotion, meaning and relationships,’ and that ‘an object must do more than function well: it must make us smile, reflect and, sometimes, disturb us slightly.’
Referring to the ethical and humanistic dimension of the honouree's work, Céline Abecassis-Moedas highlighted that ‘Starck is a living illustration of a Diaconia of Culture, where creativity becomes service,’ reinforcing the cultural and social impact of his design on everyday life and the spaces he shapes.
Philippe Starck expressed his gratitude for the award and reflected on the role of design as a transformative language, reaffirming creation as an act of service and emphasising that ‘we are here to serve, first and foremost, to serve,’ thus participating in ‘this extraordinary history of our humanity on Earth.’
The session was closed by D. Rui Valério, Magno Chancellor of Católica, who emphasised the role of the University as a space for dialogue, discernment and hope. He also stated that ‘the mission of this Catholic University is to be a Diaconia of Culture’ and added: ‘the service — the Diaconia — it provides to society is not only the training of competent professionals, but also the safeguarding of an open mind, capable of dialogue with the transcendent. It leads to the realisation and practice of the transformation of the world, that same horizon contemplated’.
The session also included the presentation of insignia and doctoral letters to the new doctors of Universidade Católica Portuguesa, as well as the awarding of medals to employees who celebrated 25 and 40 years of service to the institution.
