Introduction of H.R.H. Felipe, Prince of Asturias

Remarks by President John J. DeGioia
Introduction of H.R.H. Felipe, Prince of Asturias
Copley Formal Lounge
Georgetown University
March 18, 2009

It’s a pleasure to welcome you all here this morning, especially:

• Bob Gallucci, Dean of the School of Foreign Service—and the next President of the MacArthur Foundation;

• Jeffrey Anderson, Graf Goltz Professor and Director of the BMW Center for German and European Studies;

• And Roberto Soto Garvia, the Prince of Asturias Visiting Professor.

It’s also truly a privilege to have with us today his Royal Highness, the Prince of Asturias—Prince Felipe of Spain…who has done so much to promote and advance Spanish interests, and Spanish culture, around the world.

Baltasar Gracian, the great Spanish Baroque philosopher, author—and Jesuit Scholar—once wrote, “Great ability develops and reveals itself, increasingly, with every new assignment.” And this could certainly be said about our honored guest, Prince Felipe.

Whether it’s his ongoing work with a range of foundations…his support of development projects in Ibero-American countries…or his efforts to promote volunteerism…His Highness has certainly displayed his ability—as well as his compassion and concern—with every new program and project…

…And as we’re all aware, His Highness is not only a member of the Spanish Royal Family—but of the Georgetown family…so we are immensely proud of his many achievements, accomplishments, and activities since leaving the Hilltop.

Prince Felipe received his Masters from our School of Foreign Service in 1995, and since completing his studies, he has engaged his duties—including numerous international commitments and official visits—as Heir to the throne.

He holds senior ranks in all three of Spain’s military branches—and also has his helicopter pilot’s wings.

In his promotion of Spain’s economy and culture, he has shown special interest in creating centers and university chairs in foreign universities to increase knowledge of the history and current realities of his country.

But in addition to his official and other duties, Prince Felipe is Honorary President of several associations and foundations. These include the Codespa Foundation—which finances economic and social development activities…and the Principe de Asturias Foundation, which recognizes outstanding humanitarian, social, cultural, scientific, and technical work throughout the global community.

Within the framework of these and other organizations, he has focused his efforts in the fields of development, the environment, universities, young people—and especially volunteer work. In 2005, then U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan named His Highness an “Eminent Person,” to support his work on the international level at enhancing the importance of volunteer workers to humanitarian and other efforts.

Throughout his work, Prince Felipe has demonstrated the values we espouse at Georgetown: A concern for the less fortunate…a call to serve others…and a challenge, as he noted at the 27th presentation of the Principe de Asturias Awards in 2008, to see that “diversity is a source of mutual enrichment.”

As we know, the founder of the Jesuits—St. Ignatius Loyola—was also a son of Spain. The Order, and its ideals of scholarship and service, was later nurtured by Spaniards like St. Francis Xavier and Fr. Pedro Arrupe—who urged us all to be women and men for others. And it continues to thrive through the efforts of individuals such as the current Superior-General of the Jesuits, Fr. Adolfo Nicolas of Palencia.

It’s hard to imagine another place—another nation or people—so deeply connected with the Jesuit heritage. And that’s why it’s particularly fitting that the heir to the Throne of Spain is someone who has not only studied in the Jesuit tradition…but who has continually exemplified the Jesuit ideals—and the spirit of St. Ignatius Loyola—of engaging in the world to make it a better place. Heir to the Spanish throne…Prince Felipe is also a fitting heir to our Jesuit heritage.

Georgetown is proud to call him a member of our community…and we are proud to have him with us today. It’s now my great pleasure, and privilege, to introduce to you His Royal Highness, Felipe, Prince of Asturias…