The School of Industrial Engineering in Vigo has commenced a series of activities to mark its 50th anniversary, highlighting its significant contributions to the industrial, technological, and social development of the region.
On 20 October, the school's foyer transformed into a radio station for a day, allowing participants to share memories and celebrate half a century of history. The current director, Professor José Fariña, noted that 20 October 1976 was the inaugural day of classes for the Technical School of Industrial Engineers of Vigo, which was then part of the University of Santiago de Compostela.
Joining the conversation was the school's first director, former rector Luis Espada, alongside past directors José Cidrás and Juan Pardo, who reminisced about key moments in the school's history. This included the 2011 merger of the former University School of Technical Industrial Engineering, located on Torrecedeira Street, with the Technical School of Industrial Engineers of Vigo, situated on the campus.
The anniversary celebrations will continue on Saturday with an institutional event that aims to bring together various generations of professionals trained at the institution under the theme 'Born, lived, the future to come'. The programme will commence at 10:45 with a reception for attendees, featuring an exhibition of alumni portraits and historical photographs, as well as spaces for businesses and networking.
At 11:00, Director José Fariña and the Rector of the University of Vigo, Carmen García Mateo, will officially open the event, which will include a round table discussion titled 'They made school', featuring retired faculty and company executives, along with a presentation on industry, talent, and innovation, focusing on the role of engineering in Vigo over the next decade.
At 12:30, a book commemorating the 50th anniversary, produced by the University of Vigo's Graduate Observatory and presented by Professor Luis Espada, will be unveiled. This publication encapsulates the half-century history of Industrial Engineering studies.
The gathering will conclude with a cocktail reception, fostering reconnections and the sharing of memories among the various generations that have passed through the school.
Additional anniversary events include an exhibition at the school's city centre location about 'Destornillo', the former student festival of Peritos, which began in 1954 and evolved into a celebration that transcended academic boundaries. This exhibition will open on Thursday, 29 October, at 19:30, featuring historical participants who will share their experiences and memories of a celebration that defined an era. Under the slogan 'Against everything, because yes', this festival symbolised the irreverence and participatory spirit of the student body, leaving a unique mark on the university and cultural life of Vigo.
Organised by Coitiivigo, the exhibition will provide the local public with an opportunity to remember the origins of industrial studies in the city and to honour the legacy of the generations that contributed to the school's history.
