Kupang, Indonesia – Fr. Dr. Stefanus Lio, SVD., S.Fil., MA., was officially inaugurated as Rector of Widya Mandira Catholic University (UNWIRA) for the 2025–2029 period, on Monday, September 22, 2025, at St. Hendrikus Ballroom on the 4th floor of the UNWIRA Rectorate Building. He succeeds Fr. Dr. Philipus Tule, SVD., becoming the 7th Rector of UNWIRA.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by members of the board of trustees, supervisors, and the management of the Arnoldus Catholic Education Foundation of Kupang (YAPENKAR), the SVD Provincial of Timor, representatives from provincial and city governments, representatives of other universities, several of UNWIRA’s institutional partners from various sectors, as well as members of the UNWIRA academic community.
In his address, the Chairman of YAPENKAR, Fr. Dr. Ubaldus Djonda, SVD., MA., extended his congratulations and conveyed his profound hopes for the new rector.
“YAPENKAR expects that Father Rector will carry out his duties while remaining steadfast to the vision, mission, and spirituality of Saint Arnold Janssen,” he stated.
He emphasized that UNWIRA must be regarded as a shared home and the top priority in the rector’s service and mission.
“As expressed in the oath, the interests of UNWIRA must be placed above personal and group interests,” he added.
Furthermore, Fr. Ubaldus underlined the importance of consistency in implementing the policies established by YAPENKAR and UNWIRA to improve the quality of services and the discipline of the academic community. He also expressed his appreciation to Fr. Dr. Philipus Tule, SVD., for his numerous achievements during eight years of leadership, including the success of producing more than 11,000 alumni who are now spread across the world.
Meanwhile, the newly inaugurated Rector of UNWIRA for the 2025–2029 term, Fr. Dr. Stefanus Lio, SVD., in his speech, emphasized that the position of rector is not merely an administrative role but a calling to serve.
“The calling to serve carries both moral and spiritual responsibilities,” he asserted.
Morally, he said, a rector is called to uphold academic integrity, promote justice, value discipline, and foster an inclusive university environment. Spiritually, the rector is called to be a servant to students, lecturers, staff, alumni, and the wider community.
He highlighted UNWIRA’s motto, “Ut Vitam Habeant Abundatius” (“That They May Have Life in Abundance”), as a spirit that affirms education is not merely an intellectual process but a mission to provide meaningful, dignified, impactful, and abundant learning.
Fr. Stefanus also recalled the legacy of Saint Arnold Janssen, the founder of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) and patron of UNWIRA, who viewed service as the greatest work in life.
“From this spirituality, we learn that knowledge, research, and community service are not meant for self-interest but serve as means to manifest God’s love that gives abundant life to the world,” he explained.
He further noted that the challenges of higher education are becoming increasingly complex.
Therefore, collaboration and partnership with various internal and external stakeholders are essential for UNWIRA to continue making real contributions to human resource development, regional progress, and the life of the Church.
In concluding his remarks, he invited the entire academic community to embody the spirit of Saint Arnold Janssen as the driving force behind UNWIRA’s mission.
“Dare to dream big, work hard with faith, and always be open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
In doing so, UNWIRA will remain faithful to its mission—to bring life in abundance to the young generation, the people of NTT, the Church, and the nation of Indonesia,” he concluded.
Source: UNWIRA