The University of Vigo (UVigo) held its fifth awards ceremony at the Redeiras building, honouring the achievements of eight alumni, including three honorary alumni. The event highlighted the "work, effort, and enthusiasm" of the recipients, as noted by the university's rector, Carmen García Mateo, in her speech.
Among the honorees, writer Ledicia Costas received the Alumni Honorífico award for her significant professional contributions that enhance the recognition and prestige of UVigo. Although she was unable to attend the ceremony, her achievements were acknowledged with a video presentation.
Engineer Alejandro Sanz Fonta, part of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team, was awarded the Alumni Distinguido by Ernesto Pedrosa, president of the UVigo Social Council, for his outstanding professional career recognised at regional, national, and international levels. Additionally, Tomás Clavijo Rey-Stolle, director of the Naval Military School in Marín, was named Amigo-Alumni UVigo for his support of activities that align with the university's values.
The ceremony also recognised five alumni in various categories: Iria Varela Campo, co-founder of ODS Protein, received the award for Emprendemento; Ramón Méndez González, a localiser and translator in the video game industry, was honoured in the Humanidades category; Álvaro Soto Táboas, founder of Voar Motos, received the Impacto Social award; Alberto González Muiño, co-founder of Alén Space, was recognised for Traxectoria Profesional; and David Aramburu Núñez, a radio physicist at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, was awarded in the Investigación category.
The awards were chosen through a popular vote and presented by various notable figures, including Luis Pérez Freire, director of Gradiant, and Rexina Rodríguez Vega, a writer and translator. The ceremony aimed to promote excellence and acknowledge the personal and professional contributions of the UVigo alumni community, fostering a sense of belonging to the institution.
In her closing remarks, García Mateo expressed pride in the achievements of the awardees, stating, "You represent the talent cultivated in our classrooms." She emphasised the university's commitment to being a public, Galician institution that values the contributions of its entire community and works towards common goals.
Dolores González, vice-rector for Students and University Life, welcomed attendees and outlined the growth of the Alumni-UVigo community, which has expanded from over 1,000 members at its inception in 2022 to 3,500 today. She highlighted ongoing initiatives, including a mentorship programme designed to connect students with alumni for practical insights into their careers.
García Mateo concluded by encouraging attendees to take pride in their association with UVigo, reaffirming the university's dedication to quality education, research, and societal contribution.
