The SEA-EU Alliance recently marked a major milestone since its official launch in November 2019. To celebrate, its nine partner universities organized a simultaneous hybrid event. This unique gathering combined local festivities with a live online connection, bringing together rectors and representatives from across the alliance.
A Hybrid Celebration with Key Leaders
The central event was moderated by Marcela Iglesias, General Coordinator of SEA-EU. Key representatives from each university delivered speeches, including:
- Casimiro Mantell, Rector of the University of Cádiz
- Piotr Stepnowski, Rector of the University of Gdańsk
- Dragan Ljutić, Rector of the University of Split
- Alfred J. Vella, Rector of the University of Malta
- Martina Schmode, Head of the International Center at Kiel University
- Patrícia Pinto, Pro-Rector for SEA-EU at the University of Algarve
- Gabriele Sampagnaro, Rector’s Delegate for SEA-EU at the University of Naples Parthenope
- Ketil Eiane, Pro-Rector for Research and Development at Nord University
Each speaker expressed pride in SEA-EU’s growth. They emphasized how the alliance has evolved from an ambitious project into a dynamic network. With four joint academic programs about to launch, SEA-EU is shaping the future of European higher education.
Casimiro Mantell highlighted SEA-EU’s journey from a shared vision to a thriving academic community. Martina Schmode, speaking for Kiel University, praised the alliance’s commitment to innovation, calling it a “beacon of knowledge and progress.”
Festivities Across the Alliance
The event was both festive and emotional. Each location celebrated with commemorative cakes, cookies, and pastries. University leaders, SEA-EU governance teams, and key stakeholders joined in.
- Over 450 people attended the hybrid event online.
- More than 2,000 participants in Cádiz alone queued to collect commemorative cookies.
- Many others took part in celebrations across all nine universities.
Each university also hosted its own local celebrations, featuring:
- Sweet and gift giveaways
- Campus decorations
- Integration with other major events
Highlights from Each University
University of Cádiz
At the University of Cádiz (UCA), the official SEA-EU event took place in the Faculty of Medicine. The celebration gathered Rector Casimiro Mantell, university authorities, and SEA-EU nominees. This key moment reinforced the alliance’s long-term impact and commitment to European cooperation.
Beyond the official event, festive celebrations were held across all UCA campuses. Thousands of students and staff participated, enjoying commemorative cookies and special gifts distributed throughout the day.
University of Malta
The Pro-Rectors and Administrative Directors attended a special event where Rector Alfred J. Vella reflected on SEA-EU’s achievements. He emphasized its role in international cooperation and its strategic importance for the university. Guests enjoyed a specially crafted SEA-EU cake while sharing their experiences.
Kiel University
Kiel’s event focused on networking and reflection. Jonathan Durgadoo, SEA-EU Project Office Manager, described how SEA-EU has grown into a strong interdisciplinary network. He highlighted its impact on European education and research.
Nord University
At all eight campuses, staff and students enjoyed SEA-EU cakes. In Bodø, Pro-Rector Ketil Eiane joined the digital event from a lecture and celebrated with students afterward.
In Levanger, the anniversary coincided with a weekly concert by music students. They even included SEA-EU in their performance and led the audience in singing the birthday song.
University of Gdańsk
Gdańsk combined the anniversary with the opening of its new Welcome Center. Located in the university’s library, this space is designed to support international students and visitors.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony included:
- Piotr Borawski, Deputy Mayor of Gdańsk
- Piotr Stepnowski, Rector of the University of Gdańsk
- Anna Jurkowska-Zeidler, Vice-Rector for Cooperation and International Relations
University of Split
The celebration began with a speech by Rector Dragan Ljutić in the University Council Hall. He stressed SEA-EU’s long-term impact on university operations, research, and international recognition.
University colleagues, faculty deans, and SEA-EU governance teams attended. After the formal ceremony, guests enjoyed traditional delicacies, cake, and champagne in a relaxed atmosphere.
University of Algarve
At the University of Algarve (UALG), the SEA-EU anniversary was merged with another major institutional event to attract a larger audience and maximize engagement. By integrating the celebration into a high-profile gathering, UALG successfully brought together students, faculty, and staff, reinforcing the university’s strong commitment to the alliance. The event created a lively atmosphere where attendees learned more about SEA-EU while enjoying festive treats and activities.
University of Brest
Although the University of Brest (UBO) was present at the hybrid event, their main SEA-EU anniversary celebration will take place in the coming weeks due to scheduling constraints. UBO is planning a dedicated event that will allow for greater participation from its academic community. This upcoming celebration will further highlight SEA-EU’s impact and strengthen ties within the alliance.
Parthenope University of Naples
On the occasion of the SEA-EU birthday, Parthenope University invited all its staff to join the virtual meeting and joint celebration of all nine partner universities in its Meeting Hall. The University staff gathered in the Hall to listen to the empowering birthday speeches of Rectors and institutional representatives, celebrating together five years of collaboration, innovation and joint efforts to achieve higher levels of international integration and thus building a sea of new opportunities. The event, which also featured a cake-cutting, a toast and group picture, represented a perfect networking chance for newcomers and for university staff not directly involved in the SEA-EU activities to learn more about SEA-EU, about its goals and promising future.
SEA-EU: A Stronger Future Ahead
This anniversary celebration was a powerful reminder of SEA-EU’s strength and ambition.
Over the past five years, the alliance has made remarkable progress and continues to shape higher education and research across Europe, reinforcing the vision of a truly European University.
