The institution turned 55 on June 28

On June 28th, the date Feevale when University and its sponsor, Associação Pró-Ensino Superior em Novo Hamburgo (Aspeur), celebrated 55 years, the ceremony of the Institution's new management took place. Marcelo Clark Alves, who had been at the helm of Aspeur since 2021, was reappointed to the position, while professor José Paulo da Rosa became rector of Feevale, replacing Cleber Prodanov, who had been in the position since 2018. The ceremony took place at Feevale Theater, where the members of the Administration, Advisory and Fiscal Councils of Aspeur and the members of the Rectory of Feevale were also sworn in for the 2024-2027 term. In his speech, the president of Aspeur, Marcelo Clark Alves, recalled that, when he took up his first term, in June 2021, it was a pandemic period, and it was not possible to get together. “These were difficult moments, which were overcome with wisdom and dedication from a tireless group of professionals, professors and counselors, who are concerned about the future of our Feevale”, he said. He also highlighted that this new mandate is beginning at the occurrence of the greatest climate tragedy in Rio Grande do Sul. “We need to prepare ourselves as a university to be protagonists in the reconstruction of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, along with the business community and the community”, he stated.

Cleber Prodanov, who has held the position of rector since 2018, thanked Aspeur for all the opportunities he has received since 1995, when he joined Feevale. "Life took us to ups and downs, to different moments, distressing and comforting, but we managed to bring today, to the new rector, a beautiful, thriving university with a great heritage, which is the people that make up this group" - he praised - "I'm sure that everyone's support over the last six years has been definitive for us to grow and see that the University's purpose of being innovative, entrepreneurial, creative, with high quality education, has been achieved. I hope to see Feevale positioning itself increasingly, being known and recognized on the national and international scene". The new rector, José Paulo da Rosa, recognized the work of professor Cleber Prodanov and his predecessors. “In these 55 years, Feevale has grown a lot, and contributed greatly to the development of the entire region. We have an enviable structure in Novo Hamburgo, Campo Bom, Porto Alegre and six other towns. We have partnerships with 155 organizations in 32 countries and evaluations from the Ministry of Education prove the excellence of the University’s education and research”, he emphasized.

José Paulo highlighted that the pandemic, the advancement of technology, distance education and climate, economic, political and cultural changes have significantly altered the education scenario, especially in Higher Education, and this requires strategies to face the new Times. “Feevale will continue to be this community university, with a global outlook. We will act strongly, with strategic planning as our guide. We will follow the fundamentals that guide our actions and keep our commitment to build a better community, together”, he emphasized.

The new rector also stressed that the new management will enhance teaching and research, value professors and administrative technicians, delight students, enhance the feeling of belonging in all interested parties and intensify management tools. “Feevale, with its history, structure, quality of its staff and services, with the strength of this new Rectory and its team and, with everyone's partnership, will be one of the best alternatives in teaching and research in this society in constant transformation”, concluded José Paulo.

The representative of the Consortium of Community Universities of Rio Grande do Sul (Comung), Gelson Rech, who is rector of UCS, said that it is an honor to count on Feevale as a partner on this journey towards the development of the communities in which community institutions are located. "There have been more than five decades of this University, contributing to the human educational formation of thousands of citizens. We congratulate the administration that ends today and reiterate our appreciation for an excellent work to the new team. This journey will be demanding, but, with the talent of everyone, it will also be extremely rewarding", he emphasized.