Tribute to Brother Josep Martí i Roca, an academic and spiritual reference at La Salle Campus Barcelona

Wednesday, November 5, 2025. Brother Josep Martí i Roca, a key figure in the development of La Salle Campus Barcelona, professor and one of the driving forces behind the founding of Universitat Ramon Llull, passed away last June after a life devoted to education and academic research. He became a benchmark of service to the Lasallian mission, leaving a legacy that will endure forever within the campus community, in the history of Universitat Ramon Llull, and in the broader sphere of Catalan university research. To honor his memory, a Eucharist was held on Tuesday, November 4, at the Parish of Sants Gervasi i Protasi (Mare de Déu de la Bonanova), presided over by Most Reverend David Abadías Aurín, Auxiliary Bishop of Barcelona.

The ceremony was attended by institutional representatives from La Salle District Arlep, the Lasallian association of Spain and Portugal; from the FUNITEC Board of Trustees, the Foundation of the Brothers of the Christian Schools that manages La Salle Campus Barcelona; and from Universitat Ramon Llull. Family members, friends, educators from the campus, alumni, current students, and many other members of the Lasallian community were also present. Many of them took an active part in the tribute, remembering and praising the figure of Brother Josep Martí, highlighting his legacy, his character, and his style, which have left a deep mark on all those who knew him.

Brother Josep Espuny, Deputy President of the FUNITEC Board of Trustees, reflected on Brother Martí’s exemplary career as a teacher, researcher, administrator, and a model of the Lasallian spirit. Josep A. Rom, Rector of Universitat Ramon Llull, highlighted Brother Martí’s key role in the creation of the university, of which he was a “founding father” as well as its first Vice-Rector for Research. For his part, Josep M. Santos, General Manager of La Salle-URL, recalled the many facets of Brother Martí and how he consistently excelled through decisive contributions. Finally, Brother Esteban de Vega, Auxiliary Visitor of La Salle Arlep, praised the honoree’s ever-discreet and conciliatory attitude, along with his lifelong service to education and to the Lasallian mission.

”Brother Martí was a mentor, everyone listened to him, and that's how his students remember him. We have many professors, but the ones who truly remain in our memories are the mentors”
Brother Josep Espuny

”Brother Martí was an example both as an academic and as a person, a reflection of what La Salle stands for, of what the Brothers stand for: guiding us in the process of becoming good people and good professionals”
Josep A. Rom

”He was a wise and kind man, a generous and insightful educator. He achieved great milestones and was an innovator, driving the creation of our campus as well as Universitat Ramon Llull, and becoming a leading figure in the field of acoustics in Catalunya”
Josep M. Santos

”We remember and will continue to remember him for his abilities and his attitude, for the simplicity with which he lived, and for the way he devoted his work to education. We honor his memory”
Brother Esteban de Vega

Brother Martí will be remembered for his understanding of education as a vocation of service, for his firm commitment to science and technology with purpose and in service to society, and for a life and career devoted to people, in harmony with the legacy of Saint John Baptist de La Salle, which he fully embraced. He promoted the creation of the University School of Technical Telecommunications Engineering (EUETT), the seed of the current campus. He also served as President of the FUNITEC Board of Trustees, Provincial Visitor of La Salle Catalunya, Vice-Rector for Research and Technology at URL, and was one of the leading voices in the field of acoustics in Catalonia, receiving the III ACUSTICAT Award for his career in the discipline. His memory and his legacy will live on forever within the Lasallian community. May he rest in peace.