On the occasion of the delivery of their Gold Medals, The University of La Laguna is honoring six institutions whose work has made a decisive contribution to the social, educational, and communicative development of the Canary Islands. This is one of the university's highest awards, which this year will be given to Radio Televisión Canaria, Radio Club Tenerife, UNED, ECCA.edu, RTVE Canarias, and the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC). The awards ceremony will take place next Tuesday, June 10, at 6:00 p.m. in the University Auditorium.
With this recognition, the university wants to distinguish the commitment, trajectory and impact of each of these entities, as well as their relevant contribution to the knowledge, culture and cohesion of Canarian society.
Voice and public image of the Canary Islands
Since its inception in 1999, Radio Televisión Canaria has been present at the most important moments in our recent history, informing, entertaining, and connecting the entire archipelago. From its beginnings, it has been a bridge for the culture, identity, and diversity of society, with programming that reflects the reality and values of the Canary Islands.
Over these 25 years, the organization has progressively improved its technical and human resources and expanded its offerings with new channels, such as Televisión Canaria Dos. It has also invested in online platforms, bringing its content to all generations and corners of the Canary Islands.
Their collaboration with the University of La Laguna has been ongoing, including student training through external internships and the recent creation of an Institutional Chair in Communication, which strengthens the ties between academia and the public broadcaster. This award will be presented to Paco Luis Quintana, news director of Televisión Canaria, and Mayer Trujillo, director of Canarias Radio.
Transformative work through education
Founded in 1964, ECCA.edu has been a cornerstone of distance education and literacy in the Canary Islands, fulfilling its mission to educate those who could not access traditional education, especially in rural areas or vulnerable situations. Its system combined radio broadcasts, printed materials, and personalized tutoring, always adapting to the needs of its students.
Throughout its six decades of history, the station has evolved, embracing digitalization without abandoning its commitment to inclusion and educational equity. Furthermore, its collaboration with the University of La Laguna has strengthened this commitment, fostering joint projects and the development of a more innovative and accessible education for all. José María Segura Salvador, CEO of the ECCA Foundation, will accept the award.
The Canary Islands' link with the world
Radio Televisión Española in the Canary Islands has been an essential part of life in the islands for 60 years, connecting them with the rest of Spain and the world. From the 1970s onwards, with the satellite connection to the mainland, it consolidated its presence by focusing on local production and technological upgrades.
In this way, she has been a direct witness and narrator of the great moments of our history and has brought Canarian culture and folklore to thousands of homes, inside and outside the Archipelago.
The collaboration with the University of La Laguna has been key to training new generations of professionals and to promoting science and culture, with projects such as Doble Hélice and the daily participation of the institution's expert staff in its programs. Francisca González Santana, director of RTVE in the Canary Islands, will accept this award next Tuesday.
Commitment to excellence and academic collaboration
The University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has been a driving force behind knowledge and development in the Canary Islands since 1989. Since then, it has distinguished itself through its diverse and high-quality academic offerings and its commitment to research and innovation in areas such as marine sciences, engineering, biotechnology, and tourism, generating knowledge and talent that have propelled the islands' progress.
Their collaboration with the University of La Laguna has been and continues to be exemplary, strengthening the "Canary Islands public universities" brand as benchmarks of quality and a unique vision for higher education in the islands. Together, they have promoted projects such as the Tricontinental Atlantic Campus, recognized as a Campus of Excellence; they have developed joint postgraduate degrees and collaborate on research and educational innovation projects. The medal will be presented to the Rector of the ULPGC, Lluís Serra Majem.
Evolution and commitment to the culture and information of the Canary Islands
Radio Club Tenerife, with 90 years of history, is the pioneering radio station in the Canary Islands, being the first non-print media outlet in the archipelago. Since then, it has been present at the most important events in the history of the Canaries, playing a fundamental role during the Transition, when it established itself as a leading source of information.
Back in the 1970s and 80s, it brought radio even closer to the public, even connecting with the Canarian diaspora in Venezuela through satellite broadcasts. Today, as part of Cadena SER, it continues to innovate with new podcast formats and digital platforms. The University of La Laguna will present the award to Lourdes Santana, director of Radio Club Tenerife.
Universal access to higher education
The National University of Distance Education (UNED) has been a pioneer in distance education and the democratization of knowledge since its founding in 1972. Thirty years ago, it arrived in the Canary Islands, enabling thousands of people to access university studies while balancing family, work, and academic life. Its model has been key to guaranteeing equal opportunities in the islands.
The UNED has collaborated closely with the University of La Laguna, with the vast majority of its tutors being faculty members of that institution. Furthermore, it promotes research projects, continuing education, and student and faculty exchange programs, enriching the Canary Islands' university ecosystem. The medal will be presented to the Rector of the UNED, Ricardo Mairal Usón.
The celebration will be enlivened by a musical performance from the Canarian composer and singer Fabiola Socas and will close with the common singing of the anthem "Gaudeamus".
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