With the Academic Opening Ceremony, we officially begin the activities of 2023. The ceremony took place in the Olivo building on the Pilar Campus and was presided over by the rector of the Universidad Austral, Mag. Julián Esteban Rodríguez Priore.
After the singing of the National Anthem, the ceremony began. The rector was accompanied by the Vice-Rector for Research, Dr. Domingo Tarzia and the Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs, Dr. Lourdes Perea MuñozThe Vice-Rector of the Campus was also present. Rosario and Dean of the Faculty of Business Sciences at that campus, Mag. Ana Galiano; the Vice-Rector for Students and Extension, Specialist. María Susana Urrutia; the Secretary General, Mag. Luis García-Ghezzi; the deans of the Faculties of Business Sciences of Pilar, of Law, of Biomedical Sciences and of the School of Education, also the Deans of the Faculty of Communication, of Engineering, of the IAE Business School and the Institute of Family Sciences.
Also present were the Director General of the Austral University Hospital, members of the Superior Council, of ACES, of the Board of Directors, the Vicar of the Prelature of Opus Dei, and provincial and municipal authorities.
The rector delivered his traditional opening address for the academic year. He spoke of the challenges we face today as educators and invited reflection on a reality to which we cannot turn a blind eye: the departure of so many young professionals from our country in search of a better future, more opportunities and more security.
In this regard, he posed the following question to the faculty: What are we going to do? How can we help them commit to changing the reality that surrounds us, and how can we support them when they face difficulties? I ask myself, and I ask you: What do they find in us when they share their concerns or their dreams with us?”
“I am convinced that, as a University, we must help bring about change in our country through our students and graduates, and their social commitment. Let us show our own passion for service, for the good of all, let us inspire the responsibility to take charge of our common destiny! "And when they, the students, find fire in our hearts and see that we ignite environments of hope and coherence in our commitment, then they will know that it is worthwhile to stay and that it is possible to dream of a new future," he encouraged them.
As every year, a professor gave a master class. This time, it was given by Dr. Víctor Herrero, a member of the Faculty of Engineering, and was titled “The Challenge of Artificial Intelligence”Herrero presented the main characteristics of human intelligence and opened a debate about the scope, challenges and risks that artificial intelligence brings.
“Humanists and educators must have a level of technical knowledge that allows them to give the true and immense value that this human creation has, to educate humanity to usefully face the challenge it presents to us.”He encouraged those present.
Later, Herrero added: "By giving true value to what, in my opinion, we mistakenly call artificial intelligence, we can greatly enhance human intelligence, with both good and bad results."
