After several days of preparation, on Friday, November 10th, 2023, at the Paraninfo Francisco José de Caldas and in the Claustro de Santo Domingo, the University of Cauca celebrated its 196 years of trajectory. It commemorated 196 years of shaping professionals in the region, influencing territories, contributing to the country's development, transforming lives, and turning dreams into reality.

Almost two months prior, preparations began to celebrate our educational institution's milestone in a grand manner. This time, we decided to do things a bit differently. Despite our 196 years of history, the swiftly evolving times urged us to innovate and strengthen bonds with our community. One of the changes we made this time was to invite our entire Unicauca community to sing the Alma Mater's anthem. Usually, this anthem is sung by skilled, talented vocalists. However, on this occasion, we wanted everyone to be part of this sublime act. Therefore, well in advance, we rehearsed the notes of this important symbol, with non-singers who love their institution. This heartfelt participation moved the hearts of all who proudly belong to and regard the University of Cauca as a heritage, not just of Popayán city but also of the region and the country.

Likewise, different university departments took the time to decorate the spaces in accordance with our grand celebration. This activity fostered teamwork and reinforced a sense of belonging to this institution. Students, teachers, administrative staff, and other employees began to deeply feel the aspirations they wish to see fulfilled in the coming years for our Alma Mater. We believe that with the commitment of each member of our community, these aspirations will manifest in the future. In the days preceding the celebration, we had an ideal accomplice who helped create recognitions awarded to all those who have made the University of Cauca a benchmark in higher education today. Inspired by the flame of our coat of arms, this individual crafted a unique and unparalleled artistic piece that helped pay tribute to those who have made these 196 years possible: our people, the most valuable heritage of this institution of thought.

As you can see, every detail was meticulously planned. As it is our duty to honor those who have made this entire history possible, while the university community sang the University of Cauca's anthem, we paid homage to the founders of our Alma Mater through a floral tribute. It is essential to keep our history in mind to continue growing and improving. After the homage, the central event called "The Afternoon of the Best" took place. During this moment, we honored individuals who have dedicated more than 40 years of their lives to this institution, those who have excelled in achieving significant academic and cultural accomplishments during the year, concluding with the programs that received High-Quality Accreditation. Each person or team honored received the artistic piece mentioned earlier—a piece inspired by the flame of our coat of arms, crafted by the Payanesa artist and our graduate, the master in Fine Arts, María Stella Perafán Simmonds, with the support of local artisans. This artwork symbolizes that all Unicauca members carry an inner flame that we must illuminate with our knowledge, ensuring that our light passes on to posterity, guiding the path for young people who believe in the transformative power of public education.

"This is the perfect occasion to acknowledge the work of those who have left a mark and inspired us to continue pursuing our dreams. Today, the power to recount this story and continue writing it is what brings us here—the chance to raise our gaze and narrate through the stories of each one of you, resonating in every place where the university is made daily. Today, we want to recognize the work done in the hallways, in the offices, in Santander de Quilichao, in the research groups in the 42 municipalities of this department of Cauca. We talk about stories, faces, people because that's who we are—a common-unity carrying the blue and red in our hearts, the blue and red of our beloved university wherever we go," expressed the rector, Dr. Deibar René Hurtado Herrera, with deep emotion, as he opened the most special moment of the day. He also invited everyone present to continue working towards building a Bicentennial, Excellent, and Solidary University. This is an ideal that all Unicauca members must pursue to remain one of the country's best higher education institutions and a heritage for all.

Once "The Afternoon of the Best" concluded, those who were accompanying us due to the special invitation moved to the Claustro de Santo Domingo. There, they delighted in a magnificent performance by over 80 musicians on stage at the University of Cauca's Symphonic Rock concert. They rocked the audience by passionately singing some of the representative classics of this genre. Later, the Sangre Nueva Group, a musical ensemble from the Vice-Rectorate of Culture and Welfare comprising the three university sectors, took over the stage and got the attendees dancing. With profound joy, they flooded the first courtyard of the Claustro de Santo Domingo, enjoying the 196 years of their university through dance, laughter, friends, music, and celebration. Finally, the DJs from our beloved Unicauca Estéreo took on a crucial task: maintaining the electrifying atmosphere that had everyone exhilarated and eager to continue celebrating this grand occasion. Amidst cheers of "Where is the Faculty of Agrarian Sciences?", "Where are the people from Huila?", "Where are those who defend public universities?", "Long live the DJ!", students, directors, teachers, and administrative staff took over the stage. Together with the DJ, they celebrated this new birthday in grand style.

This bastion of thought deeply appreciates everyone who stood by us yesterday, as well as the institutions that expressed their joy for our celebration. We especially thank all Unicauca members who made this celebration possible, undoubtedly a special impetus to continue working for an excellent and solidarity-driven higher education.

Unicauca, #HeritageForAll.