At the proposal of the French Embassy in Madrid, the rector of Ramon Llull University (URL), Josep Maria Garrell, and the vice-rector of International Relations and Students, Carlo Gallucci, have received the prestigious distinction of Chevalier dans l'Ordre des Palmes académiques (Knight of the Order of Academic Palms), awarded by the Government of the French Republic, to academics who have made significant contributions to the promotion of culture and education.
The awards ceremony took place yesterday at the official residence of the Consul General of France in Barcelona, with the presence of the Consul himself, Cyril Piquemal, and the Counsellor for Cooperation and Cultural Action of the French Embassy in Madrid, Anne Louyot, representing the ambassador.
This award serves as recognition of the work carried out in the joint Franco-Spanish Universities project (UFRES), led by CRUE Universities over the last two years. CRUE Spanish Universities, of which URL is a member, is a not-for-profit organisation made up of 76 Spanish universities, both public and private. This institution is the main interlocuter for the central government, and it plays a key role in the drafting of the regulations that effect higher education. It works to recognise the value of Spanish universities, fostering relationships with the productive and social fabric of the country, as well as relationships with other national and international institutions.
The Rector of URL has explained that they accept the award on behalf of an entire team: “I take this medal as a collective recognition. Recognition of the work that many people, on behalf of CRUE, have been pursuing over a long period of time. I understand this award as a collective one, an award for a team”.
In addition, the Rector of URL has encouraged the university community to join international projects such as UFRES: “Let us demand of our political class, and the various administrations, that they facilitate and support such initiatives, with long-term visions and strategies”.
The ceremony was attended by representatives of the Spanish and Catalan governments, as well as high-level representatives of CRUE Spanish Universities, various civil, diplomatic, political and academic authorities, as well as representatives of the various institutions that make up our university.
