On the distinguished night of Educational Excellence, titled 'Celebrating the Future,' an initiative by the Ministry of National Education (MEN), the University of Cauca was honored with five medals of the Manuel Zapata Olivella Order. This recognition was bestowed upon our academic programs that, for the first time, achieved High Quality Accreditation. The ceremony took place on December 15th at the Pacific Events Center in Yumbo, Valle del Cauca, highlighting the actors who have demonstrated outstanding performance within the educational system this year.

Remaining as one of the best public universities in the region and the country is no simple task. It undoubtedly involves constant effort to maintain high standards of quality expected from public institutions of higher education. At the University of Cauca, our mission is to continue providing opportunities for young people to transform their lives by receiving an education at an excellent institution. Throughout 2023, the Center for Quality Management and Institutional Accreditation, with the dedicated commitment of our various academic programs, continued to drive the necessary actions to fulfill continuous improvement plans. These efforts enable us to uphold our title as a distinguished institution with High Quality Accreditation, known for excellence and solidarity.

Events like the Night of Educational Excellence and receiving five Manuel Zapata Olivella medals are therefore deeply emotional milestones. They represent the fruits of the efforts and dedication of the Unicaucanos towards contributing to the great dream we call our "Alma Mater." Regarding this, Dr. Alexander Buendia, Director of the Center for Quality Management and Institutional Accreditation, who represented the University of Cauca at the ceremony, expressed: "At this event, distinctions were awarded and the educational work of different actors in the National Educational System was honored. In particular, our university brought home five Manuel Zapata Olivella medals because between May 28, 2023, and July 31, 2023, five of our programs received High Quality Accreditation. It was a very interesting and emotional event, where educational sectors from Preschool to Higher Education participated."

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Who were honored with such an important distinction?

These are the programs of History, Civil Engineering, Band Direction, Instrumental Music, and Graphic Design. Therefore, it would be impossible not to take this opportunity to extend, on behalf of our entire community, our heartfelt congratulations to all those who, with their hard work and tireless effort, made this achievement possible. We also encourage other programs that are progressing through the different stages that will ultimately allow them to obtain High Quality Accreditation, to continue with their effort and great commitment. Beyond achieving accreditation, it is an opportunity to change the lives of many people and perhaps entire generations, thanks to the offering of an education of excellence.

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Finally, from this regional center of thought, we are proud to culminate this year 2023 with such wonderful news, as they are recognitions that exalt joint efforts. This drives us, with even greater determination, to take on the challenges of 2024 with enthusiasm, inspiration, joy, and the firm conviction that every action we take will contribute to the well-being of this university. As we approach our Bicentennial, our dream is to reach more and more young people.

More about the event:

The Night of Educational Excellence, 'Celebrating the Future,' is an annual event organized by the Ministry of National Education, where this department awards distinctions to actors within the National Education System who have demonstrated outstanding performance during the current year. In this context, the Manuel Zapata Olivella Medal is named in honor and recognition of the Cartagena-born physician, anthropologist, and writer of the same name, who through his work, contributed to disseminating, recording, and preserving Afro-Colombian culture.

For more information:

Center for Quality Management and Institutional Accreditation

Email: acredigral@unicauca.edu.co