22 September 2026
Bilbao
On THURSDAY, 24 September, the University of Deusto will launch the celebrations marking its 140th anniversary, coinciding with the official opening of the 2026–2027 academic year. The institution, which opened its doors on 25 September 1886 with just 115 students, is starting this new academic year with more than 12,500 students in its classrooms, of whom around 10 per cent are international students from 50 countries. This evolution reflects the consolidation of a people-centred university model focused on transforming society and fully engaged with global challenges.
The academic ceremony will begin at 16:00 in the Ceremonial Hall on the Bilbao campus. Following the reading of the 2025–2026 academic year report by the General Secretary, Stella Solernou, the Superior General of the Society of Jesus and Chancellor of the University, Arturo Sosa SJ, will deliver the Inaugural Lecture, entitled «Knowledge that serves, wisdom that opens up the future». Next to speak will be the Rector of the University of Deusto, Juan José Etxeberria SJ, and the Basque Lehendakari, Imanol Pradales. Later, at 19:00, the Cathedral of Santiago in Bilbao will host a Mass, presided over by the Bishop of the Diocese of Bilbao, Joseba Segura.
An ethical compass for life
The commemoration of this 140th anniversary marks a milestone for reflecting on the role of the university in a changing and uncertain global context. In the words of Rector Juan José Etxeberria SJ: «Reaching our 140th anniversary fills us with gratitude for the journey we have travelled, but above all, it calls us to renew our mission: to place holistic education at the service of a fairer, more humane and sustainable world. In turbulent times, university education cannot be limited to the transmission of technical knowledge; it must serve as an ethical compass for life. We want to continue educating competent, socially aware and committed professionals, capable of understanding complexity, exercising sound judgement and being present where social and environmental exclusion is most acute».
As part of the global network of universities entrusted to the Society of Jesus, the University of Deusto is marking this anniversary by combining its deep-rooted ties to the Basque Country with an unmistakable international outlook, reaffirming its commitment to generating knowledge with real-world impact and working alongside society to find responses.
