News
The academic and researcher will be in charge of leading the university during the period of 2022-2026.
In a solemn and moving ceremony, the Federico Santa María Technical University invested its new rector, Dr. Juan Yuz Eissmann, who will lead the institution during the 2022-2026 term. The event, held in the Aula Magna Theater of the Valparaíso Main Campus, was attended by national and regional authorities, as well as representatives from the entire university community.
Following the traditional oath, administered by Jerome Mac-Auliffe, Secretary General of the institution, the new authority thanked his family for their support and encouragement, emphasizing that his mission will be "to bring the poetry of a campaign to the prose of a government, maintaining the conviction and the essential elements that we have set out: the legacy, the institution, the people and the future.".
In that regard, Rector Yuz noted that one of his tasks will be to defend the public role of the university, which, in his words, “must continue to be adequately recognized by the country and supported to guarantee its future continuity; I will assume the task as Rector of ensuring that those who define constitutional and legal changes understand, recognize and value this contribution.”.
Along the same lines, she emphasized that “we will work to enhance the role of the Gender Equity and Inclusion Unit and the InES Gender Project, to mainstream the enormous challenge we have in terms of gender equity, inclusion and diversity.”.
Investiture Ceremony
As it does every four years, the university community gathered for a ceremony marking the beginning of a new term. This year, the traditional event was led by the Rector of USM, Dr. Juan Yuz; the Secretary General, Jerome Mac-Auliffe; the President of the Board of Trustees, Roberto Medina; and the outgoing Rector, Dr. Darcy Fuenzalida, who served in the position for eight years.
Before a packed Aula Magna Theater, university authorities entered the stage, and then everyone joined together to sing the national anthem. Afterward, the outgoing rector delivered his farewell remarks and best wishes for the new administration, followed by the speech from the president of the Governing Council, the investiture ceremony, a musical interlude, and the new rector's address.
The investiture consists of the official proclamation of the Rector, through the public presentation of two historical institutional symbols: the rectoral medal, which contains the effigy and testament of Federico Santa María Carrera, and the pin with the university's coat of arms, which the new authority must wear in all public activities.
Great challenges and good wishes
To conclude his first speech of his term, Rector Juan Yuz expressed his gratitude for the kind words he had received, emphasizing that “as the face of a new administration, I value the many expressions of support I have received from colleagues, staff, alumni, and students. On a more personal note, I thank my family, because without everything they have given me throughout my life, I would not be here,” he concluded to applause from the theater.
Meanwhile, moments earlier, the president of the Governing Council, Roberto Medina, offered his best wishes to the incoming rector, also praising the work of the outgoing rector. “Dear Rector Yuz, the entire university community wishes you the very best of luck because we all care about your success. You have the energy and the ability to guide the university toward its centennial and ensure it continues to be recognized for its excellence.”.
Outgoing Rector Darcy Fuenzalida reviewed the University's various achievements and challenges during his tenure, thanked those who supported him, and invited the new Rector to continue the institution's progress. “Let us continue working with loyalty to the University and with commitment to the university community. We have many challenges ahead, and I encourage you to continue contributing with the same dedication and commitment shown over these past eight years.”.
*Source of press release and images: Federico Santa María Technical University
Spanish 
English