Emili Junyent, a prominent professor and former dean of the Faculty of Arts at the Universitat de Lleida (UdL) from 2001 to 2007, was honoured at a ceremony held at the university's Rectorate. During the event, Junyent stated, "When I am asked what should be done with the Francoist vestiges, I am clear. There is no need to hide them. History is explained, not erased."
Junyent dedicated the tribute to those with whom he has shared over 50 years in academia, expressing gratitude to his team, colleagues, and friends. He particularly remembered Víctor Siurana, lamenting not having recognised him as the first rector of modern UdL, and the recently deceased poet Jaume Pont.
Born in Vilafranca del Penedès in 1946, Junyent also reflected on his ties to Lleida, noting that his mother was born in the city in 1918 as the daughter of a Republican soldier. He praised his grandmother, a co-founder of the Minerva School in the capital of Segrià, alongside Victorina Vila.
Núria Casado, the vice-rector for Culture at UdL, highlighted Junyent's lasting impact on the Faculty of Arts and the university beyond his years of service, emphasising the transformative effect of his academic, teaching, and institutional commitment.
The current dean, Isabel Santaulària, recalled that "he taught even when he was outside the classroom." Imma Lorés, the director of the Department of Geography, History, and Art History, praised his leadership style, stating that he "led without personalism" and "paved the way without ever lagging behind."
The ceremony, attended by institutional representatives including Montse Parra, director of the territorial services of the Culture department in Lleida, Andreu Vàzquez, director of the Institute of Ilerdian Studies, and Clara Arbués, director of the Lleida Museum, took place in a packed Salón Víctor Siurana.
