Mauro Martinoni appointed Honorary Member of USI in memoriam

On the occasion of USI's 30th Dies academicus, Mauro Martinoni, former Head of the Cantonal Division of University Studies, who recently passed away, has been appointed an Honorary Member of Università della Svizzera italiana in memoriam "for his wit, creativity, and pragmatic commitment, which enabled the foundation and development of the Università della Svizzera italiana."

Laudatio for Mauro Martinoni
Interim Rector Gabriele Balbi
Faculty of Communication, Culture and Society

Check against delivery

We come now to a deeply moving moment in our ceremony: the conferment of the title of Honorary Member of USI upon Mauro Martinoni.
Mauro Martinoni had welcomed the news of this honour and the invitation to be here with us today with great enthusiasm. For us, too, it would have been a true pleasure to celebrate this anniversary alongside him. Sadly, as we know, Mauro left us a month ago; for this reason, the words we speak today take on an even deeper significance.

As a central figure in the birth and growth of our University, Mauro Martinoni witnessed the USI project through every stage of its development. From his position as Head of the Cantonal Division of University Studies, he accompanied the institution's journey with dedication and a sharp wit that remained constant through to its most recent chapters.
He was one of those with the vision to imagine, build, and consolidate our institution, becoming, in every sense, one of its founding fathers. His work, often carried out with discretion and out of the spotlight, was instrumental in turning ambitious ideas into a solid and recognised reality.

Alongside this and many other commitments, Mauro Martinoni was also a member of the Foundation Board of Science et Cité and a valued supporter of the activities promoted by USI's L'ideatorio. A truly unique individual, he was a prolific source of ideas, contributing decisively to the dialogue between science and society. He did not merely understand these principles in theory; he championed them in practice, becoming a guiding light for all those who believe in a science that is open, collaborative, and deeply attuned to society's needs.

His intelligence was matched by a rare sensitivity and a subtle irony, and a profound care for people guided his commitment.

To honour Mauro Martinoni in the best possible way, we have decided to give place directly to his own words. I shall now read a beautiful passage of his writing which, better than any laudatio, reflects the depth of his thought and the quality of his perspective.

We have chosen this text from among the many that make up his intellectual legacy because it powerfully evokes the value and responsibility of the educational mission, including within the university. I quote:

"When you try to catch a butterfly, you are left with only a little dust on your fingers and a dead butterfly in your hand. The same happens when you think you can 'catch' a person's essence—perhaps through a form, such as a quality management assessment. You are left with a little dust and a sad, dead thing.

Butterflies are not usually bred. If you want to see them flying in the garden, you must plant flowers; that is, you must create favourable conditions. Plant flowers, wait for the butterflies, and then enjoy their dance and their freedom.

In the classroom, caterpillars appear, never butterflies. One must train the eye not to see the caterpillar, but the butterfly to come. At times, diagnosis, observation, and measurement focus only on the caterpillar, closing our eyes to the butterfly. A child understands whether you see them as a caterpillar or a butterfly, and they behave accordingly. Training an educator means training them to see butterflies.

Now, occasionally, caterpillars will not become butterflies, and some butterflies are poisonous. But metaphors remain just that: metaphors, not reality. A metaphor is open to interpretation; anyone can read into it what they choose. One might even believe that caterpillars are more beautiful or useful.

My wish remains: dream of butterflies.

And 'happy butterflies' to you all!"

USI confers the title of Honorary Member upon Mauro Martinoni, in memoriam, "for his wit, creativity, and pragmatic commitment, which enabled the foundation and development of Università della Svizzera italiana."