Traditional year-end event for university community celebrated preparation for Christmas as new managers for 2021-2024 took office
Br. Evilázio Teixeira / Photo: Bruno Todeschini
The morning of Tuesday, Dec 8, saw the celebration of Celebrar em Comunidade. This year, because of the pandemic, the event was held online, through PUCRS’ official Youtube channel.
At the opening, PUCRS’ Philharmonic Choir performed the song Anunciação, by Alceu Valença, which portrayed the idea of reconstructing hope and creating new futures. After that, PUCRS’ Chaplain, Rev. Gustavo Haas reinforced these ideas to the sound of the liturgical chant A luz resplandeceu em plena escuridão and some reflections from the Bible.
As the ceremony went on, the President of PUCRS, Br. Evilázio Teixeira, shared some of the highlights of the period 2017-2020 for which he is happy and thankful. He recalled major events such as the expansion of the Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul (BraIns), the repositioning of the São Lucas Hospital, the cultural activities held at PUCRS, the implementation of the Academic Schools, the remodeling of the academic activities involving the programs and new teaching-learning models, the construction and consolidation of PUCRS Online, among many others.
Two members, who are now saying goodbye to this four-year period took the stage to share some thoughts and words of gratitude: the Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies and School of Health and Life Sciences Professor, Dr. Carla Bonan, and the Senior Vice President of PUCRS and Director of BraIns, Dr. Jaderson Costa da Costa.
After the Brazilian national anthem was played and the President thanked the audience, the second part of the ceremony began. The President of PUCRS, Br. Evilázio Teixeira, began a second term and the new Senior Vice President, Br. Manuir José Mentges, took office. The announcement was made by the Chancellor of PUCRS, Dom Jaime Spengler, who read and handed the directive of appointment. The other members who will serve as managers for 2021-2024 were announced one by one, as well as the associate deans and program coordinators.
In his speech as president, Br. Evilázio Teixeira, stressed that the great challenge for the future of a university such as PUCRS “is still to prepare people to be better human beings and good professionals; promote teaching and research with an eye to the pursuit of knowledge as the best service that can be provided to humanity”.
Photo: Bruno Todeschini
For the next four years, the president highlighted three fundamental strategic pillars, which have been suggested as priorities for the coming years, considering their context and relevance for the University: Academic Programs, Teaching Model and Institutional Performance. Evilázio also mentioned the goals to be accomplished in view of these priorities. At the occasion, the president announced the change of name and remodeling of operations of the then-Office of the Vice President for Extension and Community Affairs (PROEX) to Office of the Vice President for Institutional Identity. This new office will engage in nurturing the institutional identity and the strengthening of ties with the community.
He ended his speech by renewing his vows with the Marist mission. He also reaffirmed his commitment to fostering strategic partnerships and to overcoming challenges “in a cohesive and consistent manner, with wisdom and humbleness towards the mission, with the premise of caring for life”.
The ceremony ended with some words by president of the Marist network, Br. Inácio Etges, and a present to the President and Senior Vice President: a bonsai (a purple-colored flower, which is a symbol of the Marist Brothers). The Metropolitan Archbishop of Porto Alegre and Chancellor of PUCRS, Dom Jaime Spengler, delivered the final speech and gave his blessings to the audience.
