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National, regional and university authorities arrived at the San Miguel Campus to celebrate a new year.
Hundreds of attendees came to the ceremony for the anniversary of the Catholic University of Maule, an event in which the change of command took place between the rector, Dr. Diego Durán Jara and the new rector, Dr. Claudio Rojas Miño.
With authorities such as the Undersecretary of Higher Education of the Ministry of Education, Verónica Figueroa Huencho, or the president of the G9 Network and rector of the University of Concepción, Dr. Carlos Saavedra Rubilar, among others, it began with the Eucharist presided over by Monsignor Galo Fernández, who reviewed the history of the UCM, thanking the legacy left by Dr. Durán after being in office for two terms.
“Today, we especially want to thank Don Diego Durán Jara for his commitment and dedication during these two terms he has served as rector, no less than a third of the University's autonomous history. It has certainly been a fruitful time, a period of great growth for the UCM, in its size, its scope, its complexity, and its excellence,” said Monsignor Galo Fernández.
He also highlighted that the largest university in the Maule Region is also the one with the greatest social mobility at the national level.
“Among the various achievements of this period that one could detail at this moment, I would only like to highlight the recognition we have received as the institution that has fostered the greatest social mobility in the country. There are certainly many more achievements, but I would like to emphasize this one as if it were a precious pearl, because it is so consistent with our mission of serving the region and, in particular, those who have lacked opportunities. Thank you, Don Diego,” he emphasized.
Monsignor also had words for Dr. Claudio Rojas, who had previously been rector of the UCM.
“I trust that she will feel at home and that she will be able to appreciate and value all the new things that have blossomed within her during this time. I am also certain that in this new period she will be able to contribute to us in a new way, with all the wealth of experience in various areas of higher education that she acquired during her time away,” he said.
10 years of growth
After the mass, it was time to carry out the traditional public accountability report, an instance in which the rector Dr. Diego Durán reviewed the main milestones of his administration, which was 10 years, divided into two periods.
“It’s a very emotional moment; so much has happened during these 10 years. I’m very happy with everything that’s been accomplished and the contributions the community has made, with great progress and sacrifices, so I leave happy. All that remains is to invite the university community to continue believing that we are capable of doing much more, such as achieving accreditation for excellence,” he said.
After the academic ceremony, the new UCM rector, Dr. Claudio Rojas Miño, stated that “The university is currently in a promising position, having grown and developed significantly. It is eager to develop into a comprehensive university, which, it should be noted, also brings many complexities. Undoubtedly, growth in postgraduate studies, doctoral programs, and international relations is part of that complexity,” he said.
“These are complex times that we must face calmly. There will often be controversial issues, for which we must remain composed and keep a long-term vision, acting accordingly. Part of our institution's DNA is the spirit of service that we must continue to develop,” added the new UCM rector.
*Press release and images: Communications Department – Catholic University of Maule
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