The CEU Ángel Herrera Awards, held this Monday in Madrid, were marked by a gesture that defined the tone of the gala: the prayer of a Our Father for the victims and their families of the Adamuz (Córdoba) railway accident. The San Pablo CEU University Foundation, organizer of the awards, explained that the tragedy “has marked this event, turning it into a homage”, and that the ceremony began precisely with that prayer in memory of the deceased and those who suffer their loss.
According to what El Debate has reported, the president of the San Pablo CEU University Foundation, Alfonso Bullón de Mendoza, opened the ceremony with a prayer for the victims.
In that context of homage, the organization reported that the nearly 200 attendees dedicated a great ovation to the Armed Forces, recognized in the “Ethics and Values” category for their response to “exceptional situations”, such as the one experienced in Adamuz. The jury highlighted “their exemplary performance” in scenarios of special difficulty and emergency, as well as their “spirit of sacrifice, discipline, and institutional coherence”, qualities that—according to the verdict—make them an “ethical reference” for society.
In addition to the recognition of the Armed Forces, in its XXIX edition the awards distinguished other initiatives linked to education, culture, and social action. According to Europa Press, in the educational field, the CEU awarded the Rafael del Pino Foundation for the impact of its training and professional support programs. In educational innovation in the technology sector, the recognition went to HP, for its promotion of classroom digitalization, the fostering of STEM skills, and the reduction of the digital divide in vulnerable environments.
The journalism award went to the interview “Defense of memory against competency-based education”, conducted with the philosopher and educator Gregorio Luri on the program Espacio Abierto of Castilla y León Televisión, directed and presented by the journalist Marisa Vázquez.
In the category of dissemination of Catholic culture, the CEU awarded Puy du Fou for the connection of its shows with history and for emphasizing the role of Catholic religion and culture in the construction of Spain and Western civilization. In the digital field, the influencers Tomás Páramo and María García de Jaime were recognized for their public testimony of faith, family, and hope.
In Alumni, the CEU distinguished the career of Juan López-Belmonte, president of Rovi, and the commitment of Marta Puyol, director of Scientific Dissemination of the Spanish Association Against Cancer. Finally, in solidarity and social entrepreneurship, the award went to the association Mamás en Acción, for its work accompanying vulnerable minors in the healthcare field.