RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil.
The Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro gave recognition to the academic career of Vera María Candau last December.
The President of the University, Dr. Josafá Carlos de Siqueira sj, invited Professor Candau to an event to honor her with the following words: "I would like to thank you for your distinguished contribution to the University and outstanding service to the Brazilian Education and for contributing to Excellence in Teaching, Research and Extension of the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro-PUC-RJ."
At the event, the contribution made by Vera Maria Candau to the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (PUC) was highlighted. The speeches and testimonies acknowledged Professor Candau as a great colleague, Professor, educator, counselor, researcher, and writer.
Vera María Candau is a relevant personality in Education for the University, for Brazil and Latin America because of her academic career, values, commitment and her openness to new paths with creativity and innovative strength.
She certainly leaves an imprint on the Department of Education of the University, which she has structured, organized and enriched to transform it into a pioneering space in Education and Teaching. Vera María Candau has been involved in the creation of Bachelor’s and graduate degree programs, has directed theses and has developed different lines of research. She has been recognized as seeker of new issues and new ways, such as Human Rights, Multiculturalism and others. The production of her thought is extensive, with many publications in journals and books. She has a gift to organize and facilitate working groups.
At the event someone said: "Vera is more than Emeritus because she is one of the pillars of the Department, University Campus, Education in Brazil and Latin America. She is a Trainer of teachers who are taking her mark to many other universities in the country."
The Dean of Education highlighted the quality of her contribution to the identity and structuring of the University, making it an academic and ethical point of reference.
The President, Dr. Josafá Carlos de Siqueira sj, said that Vera is one of the people who give their lives for the institution, who know its history with intense dedication to its development, growth and projection beyond the University. Being Professor Emeritus is a well-deserved distinction, as she will continue participating at the University, where she has a lot to give. Being Professor Emeritus is knowing what has been received, knowing how to age maintaining youth, not giving up her institutional membership, continuing to contribute, responding to the talents received and sharing in the fruits and conquests. It is continuing her presence at the University in a different manner, giving of her experience and helping to recreate and maintain the quality of an inclusive and supportive education.
At the event Vera María Candau received the certificate of Professor Emeritus and the highest honor the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro has granted to very few people, the Medal of Dom Sebastão Leme, founder of the University.
In her words of gratitude Professor Candau explained what the University has meant to her since the beginning when she was a student. She traced her different opportunities for intellectual work, the relationship of university education and commitment to society, with a strong social impact and inclusion. She further identified characteristics of a Christianity lived with a projection of solidarity that promotes transformation. She highlighted the educational climate. This was quite a journey made with creative pursuits and fruitful achievements, in collaboration with others, with many challenges and few resources.
The creation of the Graduate Program is one of her contributions. A program with interdisciplinary relationships, intercultural, pioneer in Education and with great influence in Brazil.
Vera Maria Candau holds educational dreams and is willing to continue contributing to new research and knowledge for an education that can reinvent the school. This is her current challenge, in which she has been working with other groups and developing lines of thought.
In her final words she quoted Cecilia Meireles’ poem: "Reinvenção": Porque a vida, a vida, a vida, a vida só é possível reinventada”.
María Rosa Morala