During the celebration of Santander de Quilichao's 269th anniversary, the City Hall awarded the University of Cauca a special recognition for its valuable contribution to the development of the region through higher education. The ceremony, held on July 16 in the Comfacauca auditorium in Santander de Quilichao in the afternoon, was attended by officials from our Alma Mater.

The University of Cauca was once again honored with a recognition that we received with great emotion. This time, the City Hall of Santander de Quilichao awarded our institution for the valuable contribution it has made through higher education for over a decade. The ceremony was attended by local authorities, various political and administrative figures from the municipality, as well as members of the National Army, National Police, athletes, and prominent figures from Santander de Quilichao.

Dr. Aída Patricia González Nieva, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs at our University, represented us at the event, joining the residents of the municipality who gathered out of their affection for their home. After the ceremony, she expressed with emotion, "It was a very special moment for the University of Cauca to receive this recognition from the municipality, which reaffirms our institutional commitment to being present in Santander de Quilichao and in Northern Cauca with relevant and socially committed programs."

Provided photo

In his opening speech at the event, Luis Eduardo Grijalba, the mayor of the municipality and a graduate of our Alma Mater, stated, "It is our duty today to celebrate 269 years of political and administrative life of our municipality, our beloved Santander de Quilichao. To mark this, we have organized a series of events, especially cultural ones, to enhance our land and explore new horizons from our perspective."

It is also important to mention that during this festive occasion, caricaturist Caled Aveldaño was recognized for his art, which has captured a part of the history and daily life of the municipality, significantly contributing to its cultural heritage. Many of his caricatures were displayed in the lobby of the auditorium, allowing attendees to learn more about the work of this distinguished artist.

Provided photo

Thus, the University of Cauca continues to strengthen its presence and commitment to the community in Northern Cauca, reaffirming its role as a high-quality and socially relevant educational institution. The University remains dedicated to its surroundings and views education as the highest expression of opportunity generation, as outlined in the current Institutional Development Plan. Therefore, from this institution, we extend our sincerest congratulations to the municipality of Santander de Quilichao, one of our greatest allies in the mission to transform lives and make dreams a reality.