The Professor Who Ignited Change at ULL

There are occurrences that fundamentally alter the trajectory of history, unheralded revolutions that unveil their full impact with time. The association of Antonio González González (Realejo Alto 1917 – La Laguna 2002) with the University of La Laguna (ULL) exemplifies a transformation that has benefitted the generations that followed. This is not merely because they were the immediate recipients of his wisdom, but also due to the legacy that Don Antonio bequeathed to the academic institution. This is how the esteemed professor, who would have celebrated his 107th birthday yesterday, is remembered for modernising the foundations of secondary and higher education and scientific inquiry in the Archipelago. In 1986, he marked his presence at the Campoamor Theatre in Oviedo, a stage that has also hosted the likes of Joan Manuel Serrat, Carolina Marín, Michael Ignatieff, Ana Blandiana, and Marjane Satrapi, who were there last Friday to accept the Prince of Asturias Research Award in Scientific and Technical fields. His initial official involvement with the ULL dates back to 1934, the year when the realejero began his journey at the university located on the prominent San Agustín street. Thus, this month marks a significant milestone of nine decades since he entered a university system that had scarce resources and considerable needs.