António Horta Osório graduated in Management from the Católica Lisbon School of Business & Economics in 1986. He also taught at CATÓLICA-LISBON for over a decade and is considered the leading Portuguese manager of today, having achieved a highly successful global career in the financial sector. He was the first alumnus of Católica to be awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the University in 2022.
This donation, made together with his family, reflects a strong and long-standing connection with his alma mater, for which António Horta Osório has profound affection and gratitude.
The family donation, totaling 1.5 million euros and made by António, his wife Ana, and their children Maria, Margarida, and Pedro, includes, in addition to an auditorium on the new campus named after Ana and António Horta Osório, the future establishment of a Chair on Mental Health, as well as the creation of an annual award for the top student in the Bachelor’s Degree in Management.
António Horta Osório stated: “The Universidade Católica Portuguesa was where I began my academic and professional journey and where I forged bonds of friendship and knowledge that have accompanied me throughout my life. This donation, made together with my family and inspired by the challenge presented by Rector Isabel Capeloa Gil, for whom I have great esteem and trust, is a way of giving back what I received and contributing to ensure that the University continues educating future generations with the same excellence, values, and university spirit that so deeply influenced me.”
The Rector of the Portuguese Catholic University, Isabel Capeloa Gil, emphasized the significance of this donation for the consolidation of Católica’s mission: “This gesture by the Horta Osório Family represents a decisive contribution to the sustainable and innovative growth of our University, reinforcing UCP’s commitment to educating responsible leaders who will have a positive impact on society,” the Rector stated.
Filipe Santos, Dean of the Católica Lisbon School of Business & Economics, highlighted the legacy of talent among the School’s graduates: “Since its founding, CATÓLICA-LISBON has trained generations of talented managers who are committed citizens creating value for society. António Horta Osório is an extraordinary example of this talent and competence, with a positive impact on the creation and consolidation of the largest banks in Portugal, Spain, and the United Kingdom. He is also a reference for his efforts in promoting Mental Health. His generosity will enable CATÓLICA-LISBON to strengthen its leadership position in Portugal and globally in attracting talent and developing business leaders.”