Naples. 'We have managed to make a dream come true. On the proposal of the Doctorate of Social Sciences and Statistics, approved by the Department of Social Sciences, we will award an honorary doctorate to the King of Spain. It has a special value, I believe it is the first honorary academic title that the Federico II has awarded to a non-Italian Head of State. The reasons are easy to understand, Spain is a very important country with a very high level of civilization and the role of the Head of State is deeply linked to the stability of the country. It is one of the cases in which the awardee is more important than the award. The Federico II is very selective in awarding honorary titles and this highlights the importance of the result achieved. The Spanish Royal House, over the centuries, has done so much for Naples and also for the Federico II. I myself grew up academically in a context dedicated to Charles III, he built the Palace of Portici, home to my Department, that of Agriculture. I like to think that the awarding of the doctorate closes the circle of an ancient history making King Felipe a Frederickian.'
Thus Matteo Lorito, rector of the University Frederick II, on the awarding of the Honoris Causa Doctorate in Social Sciences and Statistics to His Majesty King Felipe VI of Spain, which will take place TOMORROW, Thursday 12 December, at 16.30 pm, at the Teatro di San Carlo in Naples, in the presence of the President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella.
The event, which is part of the celebrations for the 800th anniversary of Federico II, is divided into two parts: the first, celebrating the University, conducted by Rai journalist Marcella Maresca, a Federico II native, and then the academic rite of conferring the honorary title.
Rector Matteo Lorito will give institutional greetings and introduce the ceremony, Director Dora Gambardella will present the Department of Social Sciences and Professor Enrica Amaturo, coordinator of the Doctorate in Social Sciences and Statistics, will give the Laudatio Academica. Afterwards, the King of Spain Felipe VI will give the Lectio Magistralis. At the end, the proclamation will take place.
'The teaching staff of the Doctorate in Social Sciences and Statistics has enthusiastically approved the attribution of the title of Doctor of Research honoris causa to the King of Spain Felipe VI, in consideration of his constant personal and institutional commitment to culture and social development, and to the values of cohesion and social justice - explains Professor Amaturo -. We have in fact believed that the action of His Majesty Felipe VI constitutes an extraordinary example of how the social sciences can become a founding element in the construction of a more just, inclusive and democratic society.
Of particular note are the Sovereign's attention to the rights of young people and women, and his support for the work of volunteers.
Article published on 11 December 2024 - 20:34
