As part of the 31st Adeje Summer University Adeje council and the University of La Laguna held the first Gala Awards Ceremony, an initiative recognising the key figures in the history of the Adeje Summer University over its 31 years of existence, a flagship educational programme in the south of Tenerife.
For the mayor of Adeje, José Miguel Rodríguez Fraga, “talking about the Adeje Summer University is talking about the mind, but we must also remember it has a heart, and this event is an example of that.” He expressed his gratitude to those receiving awards “for leaving a part of themselves in this project.”
He said that the Summer University was never simply another ‘experiment’. “It was a commitment at a time when we were preparing the population for a new reality, the result of tourism development. We had to create a reasonable space for coexistence and the university was one of its key elements.”
The rector of the University of La Laguna, Francisco García Rodríguez, emphasised the pride of reflecting on the past and honouring origins. “This project is a success because it has endured and adapted to the new challenges presented by society.” He explained that he was a student in the first edition, has directed courses, and been a speaker in others, and as vice-rector, he participated in the transition to the current model of shorter courses, making him deeply involved in this celebration. “We owe it to all those who participated over the 31 summer universities and are guardians of their legacy. As public administrators, we have that responsibility.”
In this first presentation of the UVA awards, the organisation recognised the involvement of the student who has taken part of the most summer courses, Miguel Castillo Sánchez, who is also the oldest student. At 80 years old, he says he attends the university because “I like listening to those who know, I enjoy the university environment, and sharing with young people, because they also teach us.”
The next recognition went to Antonio Alarcó Hernández and Alfonso Ángel Soleto Collado, the professors who have contributed most to the Summer University over its 31 years.
The gala also recognised Carmen Nieves Rodríguez Fraga, responsible for the creation of the Summer University during her time as councillor. “This recognition is not just mine; there is a lot of work and many people behind it. When we started, there was nothing. The only cultural centre was this one, the old town one, and now we have twelve. The municipality has changed a lot, and the idea of having a university here was unthinkable. When the mayor began his mandate, one of his main focuses was culture. Fortunately, the University of La Laguna team at that time also believed in the need to open the university.”
María Luisa Tejedor Salguero, the first female Rector of the University of La Laguna, who, in collaboration with Adeje, was responsible for launching these summer courses in the municipality, was also awarded. “Every time I come to the Adeje University, I return to the past, not with nostalgia, but with joy. 1992 was an important year for the University of La Laguna, as it celebrated its bicentennial with numerous events. In that context, the idea of summer courses arose, and Adeje, a very active municipality with a committed mayor and team, was quickly thought of. An agreement was reached in a short time, and the following year courses were already being taught, with Fernando Morán as the inaugural speaker. The courses here continue and are getting better each year. I am proud to have laid the first stone in such a successful project.”
The award
The award has been crafted by the San Juan Association. It is a sculpture made from natural materials such as wood and clay. It is inspired by a traditional identity element known as the Tabajoste, as a nod to Canarian pottery, and as an image alluding to summer, water, and its capacity to "contain," symbolising education’s role in nurturing its environment.
