The European Atlantic University (UNEATLANTICO) has started the new academic year with almost 900 new entrants among undergraduate, master’s and doctoral degrees.
The opening event was attended by the Councilor of Education, Vocational Training and Universities of Cantabria, Sergio Silva; the president of the Ibero-American University Foundation (FUNIBER), Santos Gracia; the rector of UNEATLANTICO, Rubén Calderón; and the general secretary of the institution, Jesús Peña.
In his speech, the Secretary-General presented the institutional report of the academic year and made the appeal to the students who received the extraordinary awards for the best records of the Academic Year Promotion 2025-2026. underlined that more than 75% of the new enrolments are Cantabrian students, which consolidates the role of the university as a formative reference in the region. In addition, he noted the increase in the number of students compared to the previous year and recalled that more than 700 students benefited from scholarships and study grants.
The secretary general also highlighted the new agreements signed with companies and institutions, which expand the offer of external degree internships, as well as the commitment of the university to continue growing. In this sense, he mentioned the investment of 30 million euros for the construction of a second university residence with capacity for 240 places. He also highlighted the academic consolidation of the institution with the implementation of new masters and official doctorates, the renewal of accreditation by the National Agency for Quality Assessment and Accreditation (ANECA) and the creation of new vice-rectorates. In addition, the most outstanding students from each degree of the 2024-2025 class were recognized.
Following the laudatio given by the rector of the Universidad de la Romana, Manuel Hernández Ruigómez, the UNEATLANTICO Medal was awarded to Franklin García Fermín, Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology of the Dominican Republic, and to José Antonio Cancel, Deputy Administrative and Financial Minister of the same Ministry. Then, García Fermín gave the inaugural lesson under the title «Gratitude as the essence of education and service».
The Minister of Education, Sergio Silva, subsequently intervened to highlight the trajectory of UNEATLANTICO since its inauguration, calling it «a protagonist of the educational, cultural and social reality of the region». In addition, he highlighted the project of the new university residence and the plan to expand the sports facilities.
Finally, the rector, Rubén Calderón, closed the event with a speech in which he stressed the importance of teaching, research, knowledge transfer and internationalization of the campus. Calderón also emphasized UNEATLANTICO’s commitment to retaining Cantabrian talent, thanks to the offer of degrees that previously did not exist in Cantabria and forced many young people to study outside the community.
Awards to the best students of the year 2024-2025
Faculty of Health Sciences
From the Faculty of Health Sciences, Fernando Maniega, director of the degree in Physical Activity and Sports Sciences(CAFYD), presented the recognition to Óscar Pérez Barcena. Iñaki Elío did the same with Mario Ibáñez Villegas, graduated in Human Nutrition and Dietetics (NHD)and Juan Luis Martín was responsible for handing over the diploma to Patricia Morán Quijano, who finished the degree in Psychology (PSI).
Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities
From the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Silvia Aparicio, director of the degree in Business Administration and Management (ADE) presented the recognition to Génesis Gabriela Roquel. Helena Garay also presented the award to Laura Chiva, of the degree in Journalism (PER) and Josep Alemany to Gonzalo Alonso Armengod, graduated in Primary Education (EP).
Higher Polytolechnic School
university master’s degrees
In the master’s programs, Josep Alemany presented the recognition to Cristina Estefanía Corral, of the University Master in Teacher Training and Juan Luis Martín to Itziar Pérez Jiménez, of the University Master in General Health Psychology.