Beatriz Malagón Picón, director of the factory Cementos Alfa of the Grupo Cementos Portland Valderrivas in Mataporquera (Cantabria), was admitted to the programme on 22 October 2026 Alumni Distinguidos of the Universidad de Cantabria The university has recognised the graduate for her career in the cement industry and her contribution to building links between academia and industry. In her speech, Malagón described cooperation between universities and companies as an “essential alliance for the progress of our society”.
The Universidad de Cantabria has run the Alumni Distinguidos programme for years, to raise the profile of outstanding graduates and figures from business and public institutions, and to deepen their exchange with students and teaching staff. According to the university, the appointments are intended to strengthen networks, provide insights into leadership and transformation, and support the integration of professional practice into teaching. Formats range from talks and mentoring to modules in the Programa Ejecutivo de Gestión Directiva.
Malagón heads production at Cementos Alfa in Mataporquera, a major employer in Cantabria. In her speech, she highlighted industrial challenges such as decarbonisation, energy efficiency and workforce training. Malagón said university research and education were key levers for modernising methods, digitising processes and embedding new skills in businesses. The Universidad de Cantabria points to Malagón’s repeated contributions to university events, including guest lectures, contributions to the Programa Ejecutivo de Gestión Directiva and joint sustainability projects.
There are practical opportunities for the region: cooperation between Cementos Alfa and the Universidad de Cantabria could foster research into climate-friendly binders, placements in production and maintenance, and further training for specialist and managerial staff. The appointment also shows how a public university systematically brings industrial stakeholders into its teaching and knowledge-transfer structures to address innovation and skills needs in the industrial south of Cantabria.
The appointment and the programme’s aims are documented in statements by the Universidad de Cantabria and regional press reports. The available statements do not give specific financial data, schedules for individual projects or contractually binding commitments. The institutions have not yet published further details of ongoing cooperation projects.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).