- The director of the technology park has been honored alongside Magdalena Álvarez, Unicaja Bank and Unicaja Foundation Antonio Banderas, and Francisco de la Torre
With the aim of recognizing significant contributions to Málaga’s economic and business development, the Faculty of Economics and Business at the University of Málaga has presented the first edition of the ‘OIKONOMOS’ distinctions (an ancient Greek term, the origin of “economy,” meaning “household management”).
These awards honor individuals and institutions that have played a decisive role in the city ‘s growth and development. In this inaugural edition, Felipe Romera, Magdalena Álvarez, Unicaja Bank and Unicaja Foundation, Antonio Banderas, and Francisco de la Torre have been the distinguished recipients. The event was presided over by UMA ‘s rector, Teodomiro López, accompanied by the Faculty’ s Dean, Eugenio Luque, as well as members of the Faculty ‘s management team.
In his speech, Eugenio Luque highlighted that the Faculty of Economics has traditionally recognized and rewarded future students with Economics Olympiads, current students with Extraordinary Prizes and mentions such as 10graduadxs10, AAA, ONE, and DMS, excellent graduates with Honorary Alumni Distinctions, and collaborators with the Faculty with Honor Insignias.
For this reason, the dean explained that these distinctions aim to honor individuals and institutions who, through determination, talent, and hard work, have significantly influenced Málaga’s economic and business growth in recent years.
The rector congratulated the awardees and the Faculty for organizing this event, which highlights brilliant individuals and entities that have elevated Málaga to new heights while maintaining strong ties with the University of Málaga.
Additionally, the rector paid tribute to the Dean of the Faculty of Economics, Eugenio Luque, who is leaving his mandate this month after 20 years of leadership. The rector highlighted Luque’s dedication and perseverance in all matters related to the Faculty and the University.
Recognitions
Felipe Romera; Director of the Andalusian Technology Park (Málaga TechPark).
According to the dean, the inauguration of the Technology Park in 1992 was a milestone that, in its own way, echoes Málaga’s transformative developments in the late 19th and early to mid-20th centuries. Felipe Romera was entrusted with launching the park at a time when technology parks were scarce worldwide. Since then, he has served as its director. With remarkable foresight, Romera firmly believed in the park’s potential to revolutionize Málaga’s business ecosystem, a vision that has now become a reality. For this reason, the Faculty has awarded him this distinction.
Felipe Romera, honorary doctor of the UMA, thanked the Faculty and the University for the recognition he has received today. Romera shared that being at the University feels like being “at home,” making this distinction especially meaningful to him. In his speech, he addressed a few words to each of the honorees, highlighting the connections he has cultivated with them over the years.
Magdalena Álvarez: Former Minister of Public Works, Vice President of the European Investment Bank, and Minister of Economy and Finance for the Andalusian Regional Government.
Magdalena Álvarez has been recognised for making many of the major infrastructures in Malaga a reality. According to Eugenio Luque, these accomplishments marked a turning point, laying the foundation for the city’s current development, enhancing quality of life, and placing Málaga at the forefront of well-equipped cities in Spain.
For Magdalena Álvarez, this distinction is a great honor, as her academic background is closely tied to this Faculty. She expressed her gratitude to the dean for the recognition and congratulated the other honorees. In her speech, she reflected on the city’s evolution, focusing on Málaga’s transformation into both a technological and cultural hub.
Antonio Banderas: Actor, Producer, Director, and Entrepreneur
This recognition highlights Antonio Banderas’ deep love for and connection with Málaga, which he proudly showcases on the global stage. It also acknowledges his cultural contributions to the city, from his most ambitious project, the Teatro del Soho, to the SohoCaixabank Theater, and his ongoing commitment to creating and supporting initiatives in Málaga. These efforts make him a symbolic ambassador for the city.
In his speech, Banderas began by congratulating the other honorees and commending the Faculty of Economics for organizing the event. He spoke about the concept of the “intangible,” reflecting on a life-changing moment when he suffered a heart attack. This experience, he shared, gave him a clearer perspective on life, leading him to stop worrying about trivial matters and focus on valuing his family, his profession, and “his Málaga.”
Francisco de la Torre: Mayor of Málaga
The distinction honors Francisco de la Torre as the driving force behind Málaga’s transformation. As the city’s mayor, he has made all these achievements possible, skillfully blending technological advancement, urban development, cultural offerings, and Málaga’s rich tourism tradition. He has fostered collaboration among all levels of government and promoted public-private partnerships. His impact extends far beyond the boundaries typically expected of a great mayor.
The mayor expressed his gratitude for receiving this recognition from a Faculty that has been deeply intertwined with the city’s life throughout its more than 50 years of existence. He emphasized the vital role of higher education in today’s society, highlighting the significance of the University of Málaga, an institution he passionately advocated for during its founding.
UNICAJA Bank and Unicaja Foundation
A defining characteristic of Unicaja has been its enduring commitment to Málaga’s society and its economic fabric, transcending the present day. Unicaja has been a pioneer and leader in promoting Málaga’s economic and social development, supporting institutions, and making numerous strategic projects a reality. The Foundation’s social work has been particularly noteworthy, funding initiatives of undeniable social value that would have been overlooked under strict economic profitability criteria. This contribution was highlighted by Eugenio Luque in recognizing the impactful work of Unicaja Bank and Fundación Unicaja.
José Manuel Domínguez, President of Fundación Unicaja, and Isidro Rubiales, CEO of Unicaja Bank, accepted the distinctions on behalf of the organization.
The President of Fundación Unicaja expressed his gratitude to the Faculty for the recognition, noting his 50-year connection to the institution. Meanwhile, Isidro Rubiales shared his pride in receiving this honor on behalf of the entity he represents, from a Faculty where he himself studied and which stands as a benchmark in Málaga.
The event was enlivened by performances from singer María Figueroa and the Tuna of the Faculty of Economics.