Università Mediterranea, the value of service, the strength of the community
On Tuesday, December 23, the Aula Magna Ludovico Quaroni hosted, for the first time in the University's history, a ceremony dedicated to the retired Technical, Administrative, and Library Staff of the Università degli Studi Mediterranea. This initiative, with its strong symbolic and human value, engaged the entire university community.
The event, sponsored by the University of Reggio Calabria and inspired by the values of service, belonging, and community, was attended by a large and enthusiastic crowd: dozens of retirees, along with their families, current colleagues, and the University's academic and institutional leaders, took part in an intense day filled with memories, gratitude, and shared pride.
For the first time, the University has chosen to pause to say "thank you" to those who have dedicated their professional lives to the silent yet essential daily functioning of the university institution. This gesture, not ritualistic, is deeply felt in the highest sense of the word: recognizing the value of people as the foundation of the quality of institutions.
In his speech, Rector Giuseppe Zimbalatti emphasized the profound significance of the initiative:
"This day stems from a clear conviction: a university is not just about buildings or scientific achievements, but above all about people. Our retired colleagues represent an invaluable human and cultural heritage. With their work, day after day, they have built the prestige and reliability of the Mediterranean. Today, we publicly return our gratitude and respect."
Marcello Spagnolo , PTAB Staff Representative in the Academic Senate , also gave a particularly heartfelt speech, recalling the motivations behind the proposal to establish a true University Pensioners' Day : "This initiative represents the most beautiful response to the desire to maintain the community's connection. Retiring does not mean leaving the University's history. On the contrary, it means taking with you its memory, values, and skills. Celebrating a day dedicated to pensioners means recognizing their role and fostering an intergenerational dialogue that enriches everyone."
Along similar lines , Marco Santoro, PTAB Representative on the Board of Directors , emphasized organizational well-being and a long-term vision: "Recognizing those who have completed their service means strengthening the sense of belonging even among those who work at Mediterranea today. It's a powerful message: here, people matter, before and after active service. This day can become a bridge between generations, a space for meeting, exchanging experiences, and passing on valuable knowledge and memories."
The ceremony, following the traditional institutional greetings, included the presentation of certificates of recognition and a crest bearing the University symbol to all participants. It was enriched by delightful musical performances by the Ensemble Musicale della Mediterranea, and concluded with a moment of conviviality that further enhanced the festive atmosphere. Throughout the afternoon, emotion permeated the room several times, confirming the profound need for initiatives that place the human dimension of work at the center.
Finally, there was a look to the future: among the proposals that emerged was the idea of creating an Association of Pensioners of the Università Mediterranea , as a lasting testimony to their contribution and as a further tool for participation and dialogue.
Today's event was not just a ceremony, but the launch of a new cultural and institutional journey. A strong signal from a University that recognizes the value of service, that cares for its community, and that clearly affirms that the memory and dignity of work never fades .
