On 7 January, as part of its 50th anniversary celebrations, the School of Engineering of the University of Minho (EEUM) launched its Book of Memories – Fifty Years, Eleven Presidents, One Future. The event took place on the Azurém campus in Guimarães, bringing together former and current leaders, teachers, staff and partners of the institution.

At the opening of the event, the president of the EEUM 50th Anniversary Commemorative Committee, Maribel Santos, highlighted the importance of revisiting the past, understanding the present and planning the future of the School, emphasising the contribution of the entire academic community over the last five decades. Maribel Santos also gave special recognition to students, past and present, technical, administrative and management staff, and teachers, highlighting the decisive role played by the School’s presidents over the last 50 years.

The book was presented by the Rector of the University of Minho, Pedro Arezes, former president of EEUM, who described the work as an ‘exercise in collective memory’, in which the history of the School of Engineering and the history of the University itself intersect. The Rector pointed out that the publication brings together testimonies marked by demanding decisions, diverse contexts and the School’s ability to adapt and reinvent itself over time.

Pedro Arezes also emphasised that EEUM is more than just an ‘academic unit of excellence’, stating that it is ‘a living community’ built by teachers, researchers, technicians, administrative and management staff, students and external partners, with strong links to the region, industry and society. He noted that, although the students’ academic journey is temporary, they are the ‘cornerstone of the construction we have been building over the course of 50 years.’

The Rector gave special thanks to the team involved in producing the book and highlighted the quality of the photographs: ‘They are not mere visual records, they are silent narratives, full of identity, which capture spaces, people and moments with remarkable aesthetic and human quality.’ He also recalled the edition launched 25 years ago by the late Professor António Guimarães Rodrigues, emphasising that this new publication ‘dialogues with it, extending and updating it, without losing its connection to the future.’

Regarding the role of EEUM at the University of Minho, Pedro Arezes stated that the School is one of the institution’s ‘structural pillars’, with widely recognised scientific, technological, economic and social impact, and highlighted that, despite the challenges of resource management, the School’s contribution has been rightly valued.

In their closing remarks, former presidents of the School, Paulo Pereira and João Monteiro, highlighted the privilege and honour of having served EEUM, emphasising the work carried out during their terms of office and the relevance of the School in the context of the University of Minho.

Closing the session, Maribel Santos pointed out that the book launch is part of a commemorative programme that runs until March, with the closing concert scheduled for 18 March. Although the printed edition is limited, the work is available in digital format on the School of Engineering website.

SOURCE: SAS UMinho