23 October 2025
Bilbao Campus
On 23 October, the University of Deusto held the graduation ceremony of the 24th Class of the University Diploma in Culture and Solidarity, an event that brought together students, family members, faculty, and academic authorities on the Bilbao campus in an atmosphere of recognition and celebration.
The event was attended by the Rector of the University of Deusto, Juan José Etxebarria; the Dean of the Faculty of Social and Human Sciences, Ane Ferrán; the Vice-Dean for International Relations and Postgraduate Studies, Félix Arrieta; and the Director of DeustoBide, Irene Gantxegi, along with other university authorities. Representing the "la Caixa" Foundation was Ángel Garabieta, Director of Caixabank's business area in the Basque Country.
During his speech, Rector Juan José Etxebarria congratulated the new graduates on their effort and commitment, emphasising that “today we celebrate not only an academic achievement, but also a genuine display of dedication and a desire to learn”. He also recalled his special link with DeustoBide and stressed the importance of lifelong learning: "Learning is a never-ending task, a lifelong journey.
Etxebarria highlighted the social significance of DeustoBide, which last academic year brought together over a thousand participants in its training programmes, including more than 500 on the Bilbao campus, 120 in San Sebastian, and over 400 across various municipalities. He also emphasised the value of the network of 18 collaboration agreements with cultural and social organisations, as well as several town councils, which help sustain the dynamism of this school of citizenship.
The Rector thanked the commitment of all those who make this project possible - faculty, technical staff and collaborators - as well as the support of the "la Caixa" Foundation, with which the University has maintained "a solid alliance for more than a decade". This collaboration has made a decisive contribution to giving continuity and social depth to DeustoBide's lifelong learning project.
Etxebarria reminded that the university has a public responsibility that goes beyond professional education: "not only to prepare competent professionals, but also committed and critical citizens, capable of building a fairer, more humane, and more dialogue-oriented society."
The ceremony, hosted by Mª Jesús Monteagudo, a DeustoBide lecturer, concluded with an emotional gathering of the new graduates, their families, and the teaching staff. The day marked the culmination of a university stage defined by learning, intellectual curiosity, and social commitment — values that embody the essence of the University of Deusto.
