- Life of the Institution,
A look back at the ceremony at which Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, was awarded an honorary doctorate
on the June 9, 2023
On Friday 9 June 2023, the President of the European Commission received one of the most prestigious academic awards at Toulouse Capitole University: the title of Doctor honoris causa. Here's a look back at the ceremony, which put Europe in the spotlight.
On Friday 9 June 2023, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, was welcomed to Toulouse Capitole University. During a ceremony, the President of the University, Hugues Kenfack, awarded her the title of Doctor honoris causa to celebrate her exemplary career and to honour her current strategic role as head of the European executive.
Awarded an honorary doctorate, Ursula von der Leyen thanked UT Capitole for its warm welcome.
From Saint-Exupéry to cutting-edge industries, she praised Toulouse's pioneering spirit and its ability to innovate and look to the future. In her view, Toulouse Capitole University is "a reflection of this Toulouse spirit", but also "a good illustration of our European project". It embodies "the creativity, pragmatism and determination that are also at the heart of our Europe". UT Capitole is a dynamic university that is constantly "pushing back the boundaries".
Watch the replay of the ceremony
(Multicam footage of the ceremony, produced by the Centre Audiovisuel & Multimédia team, will be available soon)
Ursula von der Leyen's tribute to UT Capitole, Toulouse and its region
Awarded an honorary doctorate, Ursula von der Leyen thanked UT Capitole for its warm welcome.
From Saint-Exupéry to cutting-edge industries, she praised Toulouse's pioneering spirit and its ability to innovate and look to the future. In her view, Toulouse Capitole University is "a reflection of this Toulouse spirit", but also "a good illustration of our European project". It embodies "the creativity, pragmatism and determination that are also at the heart of our Europe". UT Capitole is a dynamic university that is constantly "pushing back the boundaries".
You are not only one of the oldest universities in Europe and the world, but also one of the best academic and research establishments in France and Europe today.
- Cérémonie de remise du DHC à Ursula von der Leyen
- Cérémonie de remise du DHC à Ursula von der Leyen
- Cérémonie de remise du DHC à Ursula von der Leyen
- Cérémonie de remise du DHC à Ursula von der Leyen
- Cérémonie de remise du DHC à Ursula von der Leyen
- Cérémonie de remise du DHC à Ursula von der Leyen
- Cérémonie de remise du DHC à Ursula von der Leyen
- Cérémonie de remise du DHC à Ursula von der Leyen
- Cérémonie de remise du DHC à Ursula von der Leyen
- Cérémonie de remise du DHC à Ursula von der Leyen
- Cérémonie de remise du DHC à Ursula von der Leyen
- Cérémonie de remise du DHC à Ursula von der Leyen
- Cérémonie de remise du DHC à Ursula von der Leyen
- Cérémonie de remise du DHC à Ursula von der Leyen
- Cérémonie de remise du DHC à Ursula von der Leyen
- Cérémonie de remise du DHC à Ursula von der Leyen
- Cérémonie de remise du DHC à Ursula von der Leyen
- Cérémonie de remise du DHC à Ursula von der Leyen
- Cérémonie de remise du DHC à Ursula von der Leyen
- Cérémonie de remise du DHC à Ursula von der Leyen
- Cérémonie de remise du DHC à Ursula von der Leyen
- Cérémonie de remise du DHC à Ursula von der Leyen
- Cérémonie de remise du DHC à Ursula von der Leyen
The President of the European Commission also highlighted two key aspects of Europe's future: the response to climate change, "a real existential challenge", and the fight against the return of war to Europe, "that old demon". To meet the challenges of today and tomorrow, it is encouraging all Europeans, especially students, to get involved in a cause close to their hearts: "The Europe of your generation will only be built through your commitment".
Welcome speech by Chairman Hugues Kenfack
In his speech, Hugues Kenfack paid tribute to the President of the European Commission, expressing his admiration for this "courageous and exemplary" fighter: "It is a great honour for us to welcome you today, dear Madam President, as an honorary doctor of the Toulouse Capitole University".
We can't fail to admire you, and we don't know in what order we should exclaim: "What a woman", "What a mother", "What a minister" and, now that you've been elected head of the European Commission, "What a President".
- Accueil de la présidente de Commission européenne, Ursula von der Leyen
- Accueil de la présidente de Commission européenne, Ursula von der Leyen
- Accueil de la présidente de Commission européenne, Ursula von der Leyen
- Accueil de la présidente de Commission européenne, Ursula von der Leyen
- Accueil de la présidente de Commission européenne, Ursula von der Leyen
- Accueil de la présidente de Commission européenne, Ursula von der Leyen
Everything about you embodies Europe: your origins, your childhood in Brussels, your command of European languages, your vast culture; in fact, you are Europe!
President Hugues Kenfack retraced the career of Ursula von der Leyen, who started out as a doctor, then became a German federal minister for more than fourteen years, before being elected President of the European Commission in 2019. He also recalled her strength of conviction and her many actions at the head of Europe to meet the major challenges of the climate emergency, the war in Ukraine and violence against women.
Updated on June 12, 2023