The San Jorge University has begun the 2025-2026 academic year of its USJ Senior program with full enrollment in all three degrees offered, reaching a total of 343 students, of which 180 are new enrollees. The inaugural event featured a lecture by writer and journalist Antón Castro on the Generation of ’27 in Aragón.
USJ Senior maintains three academic programs aimed at individuals over 50:
The Senior Diploma in Contemporary Culture and Civilization, which was the foundational program that started the initiative in the 2019-2020 academic year.
The Expert Degree in Thinking and Creativity, lasting two academic years, which was launched in October 2022.
The Expert Degree in Geopolitics and Security, lasting one year, focused on analyzing the international context of the 21st century, current geopolitical actors and their strategic interests, as well as security challenges in the age of globalization.
Silvia Carrascal, rector of San Jorge University, celebrated the start of the academic year as the continuation of a journey that demonstrates that the desire to learn knows no age, that curiosity does not retire, and that knowledge remains the best ally for living fully, purposefully, and passionately. She stated that this desire to continue learning is an act of courage, generosity, and hope that transforms students into role models, inspiration, and examples for their families and friends.
Inaugural Lecture on the Generation of ’27
Antón Castro, who is also a professor at USJ Senior, delivered the inaugural lecture titled «An Aragonese Perspective of the Generation of ’27». In his presentation, he described how this generation of poets emerged, assimilating the poetry of 1898 and introducing the modernism of Rubén Darío and the new influences of Juan Ramón Jiménez, renewing the worldview.
The journalist highlighted the prominence of key Aragonese figures such as Luis Buñuel, who dazzled with his knowledge of Spanish culture, and Pepín Bello, who brought an unformulated Aragonese surrealism. He also mentioned Salvador Dalí, whom he described as an «incredible artist,» and Federico García Lorca, of whom it was said he was irresistible and had immense poetic talent.
Castro concluded his presentation with a review of various Aragonese writers, painters, filmmakers, and sculptors who marked this historic moment.
Pedro Baringo, president of the San Valero Group Board, dedicated a few words to the new students, highlighting the sparkle in their eyes that shows their excitement, and wished them enjoyment and for all their expectations to come true.
Carlos Escribano, Archbishop of Zaragoza and Grand Chancellor of San Jorge University, asserted that it is essential for students to continue pushing forward with their creativity so that the programs become increasingly enriched and the horizon expands with new proposals.
Carlos Buil, director of USJ Senior, announced as a significant new feature the possibility for students to participate in mobility programs with other senior universities in Valencia and Italy.
