150 Years Building a Legacy: The Faculty of Civil Engineering at the University of Cauca Celebrated in Grand Style in the Company of Alumni Representing Different Generations of Unicaucanas on October 13.

In the company of alumni, representing various generations of Unicaucanas, on October 13, we held an unprecedented gathering to celebrate the 150 years of the Faculty of Civil Engineering. On this gala night, a heartfelt tribute was paid to outstanding alumni; a faculty that has laid the foundations for many of the great contributions that our University has made to the region and the country.

Well in advance, the directors of the Faculty of Civil Engineering, along with the Alumni Area of our Academic Vice-Rector's Office, began preparations to hold a memorable gala night for faculty graduates. Deciding on the best way to honor and celebrate the 150 years of one of the faculties that laid the groundwork for our Alma Mater to become one of the most important Higher Education Institutions in southwestern Colombia today was no easy task.

With the aim of acknowledging undergraduate and postgraduate alumni, who, thanks to their effort and commitment, have excelled in their professions and have had an impact on various regional, national, and international areas, the Faculty's directors and representatives of the Alumni Area defined six categories. They made available a link for all alumni to nominate individuals they considered most suitable for recognition. In the end, a total of 53 nominations were received—impressive! Subsequently, the honorable Council of the Faculty of Civil Engineering held a regular session, during which they selected the names of the protagonists of this night that would be remembered for posterity.

Thus, on Friday, October 13, at the Club Campestre de Popayán, the alumni received their recognition. Who were the honorees with such notable distinction? Master Hernán Otoniel Fernández Ordoñez, Outstanding Alumni in a Public Position; Civil Engineer Yolanda Lucía Garcés Mazorra, Outstanding Alumni in a Private Position; Álvaro Guarín Cobo, Outstanding Alumni Abroad; Geotechnologist Fernando Muñoz Fuentes, Outstanding Alumni as a Job-Creating Entrepreneur; Bernardo Caicedo Hormaza, Outstanding Alumni in Research, Science, and Innovation; and Blanca Lucía Muñoz, Outstanding Alumni in Commitment and/or Social Projection. Similarly, it was decided to grant an honorary mention for a lifetime of work to the following alumni: Engineer Rodrigo José Zambrano Vejarano, Cecilio Alberto Castellanos, and Jorge Humberto Campo Perdomo.

"Beyond the profession, having been educated at the University of Cauca has allowed me to perform in many other arenas—in the economic, social, and environmental sectors. So, for the university to recognize me at such an important event fills me with great satisfaction, deep gratitude, and a commitment to continue working for the development of the Cauca department and, of course, the country," said engineer Yolanda Garcés, who received recognition as Outstanding Alumni in a Private Position. She added, "There was no shortage of details in the homage; it was very solemn and warm, from the stage setting, the agenda, and the participants—everything was well planned. I congratulate them because behind an event, there are many responsibilities."

On the other hand, Juan Carlos Casas, dean of the Faculty of Civil Engineering and host of the event, expressed with great emotion that "Our graduates are ambassadors of the Faculty of Civil Engineering, and today we call on them to accompany us and to provide an assessment of where we are, where we want to project ourselves, and what challenges we face, because when they studied, it was one moment, and now we live in a very different one."

Once the distinguished alumni received their respective recognition, the celebration continued with the presentation of the Mixed Tuna from the University of Cauca, followed by the Dance Group led by teacher Karen Arango and the musical group from the Vice-Rectorate of Culture and Well-being, 'Sangre Nueva.'

Undoubtedly, through music and dance, the alumni of the Faculty of Civil Engineering celebrated the 150 years of this legacy, thus honoring each of the students, teachers, administrative staff, and others who have contributed to shaping the history of this legendary Faculty. It thrives through its years of experience to continue contributing to building society, shaping the future engineers, geotechnologists, architects, as well as masters, specialists, and doctors with real impact in the region, the country, and abroad, leaving the mark of this illustrious Alma Mater for hundreds more years. In the memory of all who attended this gathering, the smiles of those who have, are, and will continue to make the University will remain—a heartfelt evening filled with joy and tears of happiness for the journey traveled.