Solemnity honored graduates of the University of Brasília with the title of Honor of Merit. Guests and managers highlighted important moments in the institution’s history
The special University Council (Consuni) in celebration of the 62nd anniversary of the University of Brasília honored five graduates with the title of Honor of Merit. During the solemn session, the oldest acting dean, Maria Emília Walter – heading the Deanship of Research and Innovation (DPI) – and professor emeritus José Carlos Coutinho recalled important moments in the history of UnB that made the institution a pioneering university and of excellence. The event took place at the UnB Memory Space, formerly SG-10, on Friday (26).
The celebration began with a performance by the University of Brasília Choir – founded by students in 1981 –, led by maestro Éder Camúzis. “Congratulations to UnB on its 62nd anniversary and congratulations to Brasília, who celebrated her 64th birthday. This ceremony, in this historic building, is very moving. We have two deans at UnB [José Geraldo e Ivan Camargo] present, which demonstrates the importance of continuing the history of our University”, celebrated Rector Márcia Abrahão.
“UnB created racial quotas in 2008. Then, in 2012, we had to defend the quotas in the Federal Supreme Court (STF). And now, we have approved the 60mais selection process. Another innovation from the University of Brasília. We are a community that does not accept the loss of autonomy. It is interesting to see how our students from different generations see UnB and how we, after graduating, carry these characteristics. We are always bold, we do not give up on democracy, we do not give up on thinking about solutions to the problems of our country and our people. We continue to fight for an inclusive, democratic and socially responsible university”, highlighted dean Márcia Abrahão.
Dean Maria Emília Walter reflected on the scenario in which UnB finds itself. “Although we are going through difficult times, with movements of teachers and technicians, who are looking for better financial, work and career conditions, this is a moment in which we must celebrate our institution”, she said.
“With all the difficulties encountered by the University, throughout history, periods of military dictatorship, governments that have been cutting resources from public higher education, at the federal level, pandemics, attacks by certain social groups on our work and our activities, we resist! We resist and have resilience, courageously and attentive to the context we live in”, added the dean.
Professor emeritus José Carlos Coutinho, retired professor from the Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism (FAU), highlighted the role of the University of Brasília in defending democracy.
“I arrived in 1968. When I came here, I was a gaucho. Here, I became a Brazilian. I remember the first Consuni meeting. This meeting, which lasted almost 10 hours, ended with the punishment of students who protested against the dictatorship. I remember this fact as one of the lessons in civics that was practiced at this University. The rector from that time no longer exists, and the University is what Anísio Teixeira and Darcy Ribeiro thought of for it”, he reported.
University autonomy and inclusion were the themes of vice-rector Enrique Huelva’s speech. “Autonomy is only realized through the free exercise of diversity,” he argued. With good humor, he pointed out recent challenges faced by Brazil. “A year ago, on the occasion of the celebrations of UnB’s 61st anniversary, I stated, driven more by optimism than by reasonableness, that we would have overcome the geological inconveniences of living on a flat Earth, the biological fear of becoming some kind of crocodilian after taking a vaccine, or the funding cuts resulting from our known propensity for chaos”, he commented, when considering the need for people to remain “vigilant” to actions against the university and against science.
RECOGNITION – Five graduates from the University of Brasília received a Merit Honor title – an award given to a former student who has achieved national or international recognition. The honorees were: anthropologist Carlos Rodrigues Brandão (postmortem), architect and urban planner Cláudio Acioly Junior, nutritionist Lucilene Maria de Sousa, economist Marwil Jhonatan Davila Fernandes and doctor Paulo Marcelo Gehm Hoff. Rector Márcia Abrahão, vice-rector Enrique Huelva and deans José Geraldo (2008-2012) and Ivan Camargo (2012-2016) presented the diplomas.
Master in Social Anthropology from UnB, Carlos Rodrigues Brandão, who died in 2023, was represented by his niece Lilah Amorim. “I thank the University of Brasília, which provided this tribute to my uncle”, celebrated Lilah. Carlos left a legacy of inspiration for social researchers of different generations, in addition to a vast work dedicated to rural communities and popular education. Carlos’ widow, Maria Alice Brandão, also thanked the University. “Carlos is gone, but I’m sure he’s among us, very happy and full of love.”
Specialist in housing, favela upgrading, and urban development management, Cláudio Acioly Junior has more than 40 years of experience. He has worked in around 30 countries and is an associate professor at Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, in Massachusetts (USA). “It was UnB that provided me with this fertile, healthy and stimulating environment to develop as a professional and citizen. I am very proud to have fought for democratic freedoms, for the quality of education”, said the honoree, in a video broadcast during the event. Claudio, who lives outside the country, was represented by his mother, Teresinha Accioly. “Here, he learned to have his own opinions,” said Teresinha, upon receiving the diploma in her son’s name.
Lucilene de Sousa achieved national and international recognition for participating in research and extension projects focused on public health. Graduated in Nutrition from UnB, she is now executive director of the Foundation to Support the Hospital das Clínicas of the Federal University of Goiás (UFG). “Stepping into UnB is reliving a story of victory. I came from the rural area. I lived intensely what the University is: I lived in the Student House (CEU), I ate my meals at the University Restaurant (RU), I studied at the Central Library (BCE). Today, as an educator, I carry the banner of education that transforms, that brings opportunities,” she described.
The economist, professor and researcher at the University of Siena, in Italy, Marwil Fernandes, was also one of the graduates who received the Honor of Merit at the special Consuni. “I remember with great pride and great affection the years I spent at the University of Brasília,” he said, in a video. Resident outside of Brazil, he was represented by the professor at the Faculty of Economics, Administration, Accounting and Public Policy Management (Face) José Luis da Costa Oreiro.
Finally, doctor and member of the National Academy of Medicine Paulo Gehm Hoff received the honor for his role in consolidating institutions that support cancer treatment and research. “It’s great to participate in the celebration of UnB’s 62nd anniversary. We all want to contribute to the advancement of Brazil. UnB taught us many things beyond the practice of medicine”, he highlighted.
