RFK Spain and the University of Deusto

This past June 14, the Robert F. Kennedy Foundation had the opportunity to hold a meeting with the management team of the University of Deusto in Bilbao.

The organization's president, Dr. María Díaz de la Cebosa, together with the vice-president, Leticia Menéndez de Luarca, and its director in Spain, Anthony Verrecchio, were received by the rector of the University of Deusto, Juan José Etxebarria, and the Dean of the Faculty of Law, Gema Tomás.

After the reception in the University's main building, the Foundation's team gathered in the space of the former "John F. Kennedy Library" at the University of Deusto. Thanks to the donation of the valuable library of the now-defunct "American House in Bilbao," the John F. Kennedy Library was inaugurated in 1966, in honor of the American president, within the university's facilities. Senator Edward Kennedy later also contributed to the library's collection with another donation of books.

Also taking part in the meeting, on behalf of the University of Deusto, were the Dean of Law Gema Tomás; Stella Solernau, Secretary General of the University; Javier Arellano, Dean of Social Sciences and Humanities; Ana Herrán, Vice-Dean of Students and Research; Soledad Galarraga, Director of the Library; Gorka Urrutia, Director of the Pedro Arrupe Human Rights Institute; and Gustavo de la Orden and David Fernández Rojo, professors and researchers in Human Rights.

The meeting established the first lines of collaboration between the two institutions, with a view to taking part in joint projects to defend human rights education and social justice.

Afterward, a tour was held of the University's most emblematic sites, such as the Gothic chapel, the Degree Hall, the Assembly Hall (Paraninfo) and the University's current library.