The University of Navarra Brings Its Alumni Together in Quito and Guayaquil

To reconnect, listen, and reflect together on what lies ahead. In that spirit, the University of Navarra’s alumni trip to Ecuador made stops in Quito and Guayaquil, bringing together a community eager to maintain ties with the University and to launch new projects from within the country.

The first “ quotation ” took place on August 19 at the Marriott Hotel in Quito, featuring a session led by the university president, María Iraburu (BIO ’87 | PhD ’92), followed by a cocktail reception. Three days later, on Saturday, August 22, the trip continued to Guayaquil with a brunch at the Hotel del Parque. Between the two events, there were over 200 registrants, with more than a hundred in each city.

Above all, there was an opportunity for “ meeting ”: reconnecting with former classmates, reestablishing contacts, and hearing firsthand about the concerns and ideas of alumni in Ecuador. The gatherings also provided a chance to listen to the alumni and explore new ways to strengthen the community in Quito and Guayaquil.

During her remarks, the university president presented the 25-30 Strategy and some of the projects that will shape the university’s future in the coming years, organized around three pillars: talent, science, and commitment.

Beyond specific projects, María Iraburu wanted to return to the university’s origins and its raison d’être. She recalled that its founder, St. Josemaría Escrivá, was “a university man at heart” and that “he knew th Education y and research change the world.” This idea continues to underpin the University’s commitment to a “ staff ” education and to research capable of influencing the world of ideas and addressing real-world problems in society.

Among the challenges for the future, the university president also referred to the impact of artificial intelligence and the aspiration to make the university a place where students can learn to apply it in meaningful ways. She also spoke of the importance of inspiring young people to pursue scientific careers and of providing society with reliable information that helps people make better decisions.

For her part, Isabel Olloqui ( COM'96 | MGEC'15 | PhD'23), the Vice President of development, focused on how the 25-30 Strategy was developed and on the role alumni can play in its future. The strategy is the result of an extensive consultation process that also gathered the concerns and input of graduates. During the meetings, the “ Vice President ” encouraged them to continue sharing ideas and to participate in the projects that will be developed during this new phase.

The trip has allowed us to get to know the alumni community in Ecuador better and gather ideas for continuing our work in Quito and Guayaquil. The goal is to ensure the continuity of these gatherings and any initiatives that may arise in both cities.