CIS University and Miami Dade College joined forces to celebrate the first edition of “Humanitas: A Conference on the Essence of Education”, an educational event designed to restore the fundamental values of teaching by placing human beings, their holistic development, emotional well-being, and capacity for personal transformation at the center of the learning experience.
The conference, held at the Miami Dade College Kendall Campus, brought together educators, experts, students and institutional representatives in an atmosphere of dialogue and constructive reflection. The event served as a collective invitation to rethink the ultimate purpose of education and its impact on the society we hope to build for the future.
The opening remarks were delivered by María Díaz de la Cebosa, President of CIS University, RFK Human Rights Spain, Cruzada por los Niños and the International Studies Foundation (ISF). In her speech, the president emphasized the urgent need to redesign the educational system from a more human perspective—one that sees each student not only as a learner, but as a whole person in the process of self-discovery, with emotions, concerns and dreams. Her remarks were met with attention and curiosity from the audience, sparking a space for reflection and meaningful conversation.
One of the most powerful moments of the day was the presentation of the flagship Way of Saint James program, promoted by the International Studies Foundation. The initiative allows North American students from diverse backgrounds to travel to Spain and walk one of the oldest pilgrimage routes in the world. Through this immersive experience, students not only discover a new culture but also challenge themselves in a journey that blends introspection, resilience, and personal growth. The program perfectly embodies a vision of transformative education—one that extends far beyond the classroom and the textbooks.
The conference program continued with a multidisciplinary panel on mental health in the educational environment, one of the most pressing issues facing today’s academic institutions. Panelists addressed the need to view students’ emotional well-being as inseparable from their learning processes. Real-life cases, current gaps in education systems and actionable strategies were discussed to better integrate mental health support into university life in a structured and sustainable way.
Throughout the day, the atmosphere was filled with reflection, innovation, and commitment. It was more than just a series of lectures; it was a vibrant space for collaboration, where ideas, connections and joint projects emerged organically. The spirit of Humanitas came to life through several guiding principles, centered on people and their power to build a more just and humane world.
This first edition was, without a doubt, a resounding success that sets the stage for what’s to come. Preparations are already underway for a second edition in 2026, with the clear goal of establishing Humanitas as an annual must-attend event for those who believe that education is far more than teaching: it is about guiding, inspiring and transforming.
