ISMT 2025 Christmas Dinner: From resilience to building the future

2025-12-10

The Christmas Dinner of ISMT took place on 10 December at the emblematic D. Dinis Cultural Centre, gathering the academic community, local government officials, and institutional partners in a celebration marked by a sense of relief, gratitude, and a focus on the future.

The Christmas Dinner of the Instituto Superior Miguel Torga (ISMT) took place on 10 December at the emblematic D. Dinis Cultural Centre, gathering the academic community, local government officials, and institutional partners in a celebration marked by a sense of relief, gratitude, and a focus on the future. Whilst last year’s gathering took place under a cloud of uncertainty, this year’s edition celebrated the stability and determination that ensured the institution's viability.

From a "heavy heart" to a "clear heart"

The tone of the evening was set by Manuel Castelo Branco, President of the ISMT Board of Directors, who did not forget recent difficulties in order to fully appreciate the present moment.

"We would surely be here today, but in a different way. With a heavy heart, as we were last year. [...] And if we now have a clear heart, we owe a great deal to the entire Intermunicipal Community," he stated.

The President of the Board made a point of greeting the current and former mayors present individually, mentioning names such as José Manuel Silva, Miguel Baptista, and Mário Jorge, alongside an affectionate reference to Humberto Oliveira, as well as Eduardo Nogueira dos Santos (Mayor of Penela, a former student and former President of the ISMT Students' Association). The presence of Cândida Malça, President of the Polytechnic of Coimbra, was also highlighted, symbolising cooperation between educational institutions.

There was also a special word of thanks to the Executive Committee of the Coimbra Region Intermunicipal Community (CIM-RC), specifically to Helena Teodósio and Ricardo Cruz, for their decisive role in the institute’s recovery.

The strength of the region and "Diverging to Converge"

Representing the CIM-RC, Executive Secretary Jorge Brito divided his speech into two notes: a past of resilience and a future of work. Brito praised the "grit and capacity" of the Mayors who fought against an "inorganic" process to save the institute.

"Without your commitment and your dedication, we would not be here today," he reinforced, addressing the local leaders.

Regarding the future, Jorge Brito praised the daily working dynamic with the current board, describing it as a positive "challenge" where the maxim "diverge to converge" applies, which is essential for the institution's growth.

"We are Miguel Torga"

The voice of the students was heard through Rui Morais, President of the Students' Association (AEISMT). In an emotional speech, Morais underlined that the ISMT is a "pluralist home" where students do not merely attend, but are the institution itself: "We are Miguel Torga".

The student leader highlighted the unprecedented proximity to the board, sharing an episode in which Manuel Castelo Branco rejected quarterly meetings in favour of monthly meetings, insisting that "the Association must collaborate on the school's policies".

"Miguel Torga recognises the vision of its students and what they have to build," concluded Rui Morais, thanking the board for the openness and respect shown.

Connection to the local community

The proximity to the local surroundings was reaffirmed by Francisco Rodeiro, President of the Santo António dos Olivais Parish Council. He reinforced the Parish Council's willingness to maintain close collaboration with the ISMT, considering it a "fundamental pillar" for the parish and the city, and expressed total openness to protocols that enhance the institution.

The ISMT 2025 Christmas Dinner concluded as a moment of unity, where the memory of overcome difficulties served as the foundation to renew hope and the collective commitment to higher education in the Coimbra region.