The Undefeated University

In a moment when the University is preparing to choose a new Dean, under a formula that now contemplates an election according to programmes and plans of action, in an international competition, we can say that we are in the time of the wonderful.

For decades, we got used to contemplating the State and the public thing as something that is unchangeable, unshakable, unproductive, ineffective and captive to an immense tradition of official services and of a compassionless corporate interest. It seemed all hope of regeneration was in vain. The Brazilian have a tasty expression to describe the system: “engessado” (i.e. stuck in a cast).

To lose provincialism seemed yet another hopeless battle. The people living in Porto got used to having in their territory a Oporto Bakery and leave it to Lisbon to have a Portuguese bakery. Blended with reasons founded on discrimination and inferiority, this attitude has also its roots in a permanent justification of failures based on a convenient capital of complaint: the parish jealousy.

By electing its Dean within an international competition, the University of Porto shows that it has stopped looking to the side and started facing straight ahead. It becomes a leader, instead of a mere follower. It stops being secondary to become a role model.

This is just a sign (what a sign!...) of the peaceful revolution that lurks North of the Vouga river. The private foundational model that has been recently adopted to manage the university and assure public service is an option of courage: let us praise this absolute boldness. The bourgeoisie of Porto have always fought for their autonomy (and the kings had but to acknowledge it), and that has always been good for the country. For a sound reason, Porto is known as the Invicta, the undefeated city, for it has never been overpowered.

A worldwide renowned university in Porto,  the last thing it requires is falling back into limited perceptions and resuming the old habits of the shire. This University with world status is an asset for Portugal.

Let the new and Invicta University come: we expect much from it because we are prepared to surrender everything to this dream.