In an emotional ceremony that resonated deeply with all attendees, the Library of the Faculty of Health Sciences was renamed in honor of Lucy Perea Suárez, the first woman to graduate in Medicine from our Alma Mater. This decision by the Superior Council not only celebrates her legacy but also aligns with Unicaucana’s campaign: “It’s not a day, it’s not a month, it’s a lifetime!”—making March the perfect occasion to honor a woman who broke barriers and paved the way for future generations.

Lucy Perea Suárez was not just a pioneer in her field; her story remains a powerful inspiration for those who follow in her footsteps. According to Alonso Arturo Ruiz Perea, her nephew and a current professor of medicine, “Lucy pursued this career at a time when it was rare for a woman to do so.” Graduating on December 13, 1958, at the Francisco José de Caldas Auditorium, she defied the social norms of her time, becoming a symbol of empowerment and dedication. In an era when medicine was almost exclusively dominated by men, she stood out for her academic excellence and unwavering determination. Even as a student, she demonstrated a brilliant mind by researching the relationship between stress and conditions such as cleft lip and palate, anticipating concepts that are now fundamental in modern medicine.

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During her student years, Lucy was already ahead of her time, focusing her thesis on the connection between stress as an etiological factor for cleft lip and palate. As Ruiz points out, “This is precisely what we see today—stress as a risk factor for many diseases.”

Driven by her vocation to help others, Lucy worked at the San Juan de Dios Hospital in Cali, where she provided medical care with compassion and professionalism for three years. She later earned a scholarship to study Gynecology and Obstetrics in Belgium, where she honed her skills and broadened her perspective on women's health.

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Upon returning to Cali in the 1970s, Lucy became a leading advocate for women's reproductive rights. She spearheaded contraceptive campaigns in vulnerable communities, bravely confronting not only social challenges but also severe criticism from ecclesiastical authorities. Her courage and social commitment left an indelible mark on the fight for equality and human rights.

Without a doubt, renaming the library is a living tribute to her indomitable spirit and dedication to health and well-being. A commemorative plaque now marks this historic moment, serving as a permanent reminder to students and academics that Lucy Perea Suárez's legacy remains present every day. As we walk through the doors of this library, carrying a name of such profound significance, we are reminded that we continue to build upon the foundations laid by women like Lucy. May her legacy inspire us to keep striving for a fairer and more equitable world for all.

Ultimately, this event was not just a recognition; it is a lasting reminder to every member of our academic community of the impact each of us can have on the world. May every page read within this library be a tribute to Lucy and a testament to her contributions. Let her story motivate us to be brave, innovative, and committed to our ideals in this institution where we transform lives and make dreams come true through education.

 

Written by: Communications Management Center