After the death of Santiago Gangotena, founder and chancellor of the Universidad San Francisco de Quito, it is necessary to reflect on the value that the Academy represents as an experience of deep, constructive and lasting transformation. The university is a living, lively and honorable institution, where knowledge and knowledge are built, where research and innovation are developed. Her autonomy and freedom make her a force within herself, because regardless of her ideology, her goal is to create critical and collaborative thinking to foster progress.

Genius and character

The protection and defense of university autonomy warrants critical thinking. Autonomy that defines the boundaries between the state and the Academy, and is expressed through the freedom of conscience and free human beings. But this autonomy also defines the identity and uniqueness of each university, whether public or private. An identity that coexists with differences and is at the same time complementary; because the university should lead a dialogue, think, understand on the basis of respect and brotherhood. Any violation of autonomy, both institutional and personal, represents violence against dignity and integrity.

The defense and protection of academic freedom guarantees collaborative thinking. The freedom that a human being is able to dedicate to knowledge and truth from an autonomous conscience, is able to connect with society, with common interest and human coexistence. From this mutual, free and independent relationship, a culture of joint responsibility in the service of society is created. A culture where there is no place for hatred, contempt or discredit, both institutional and personal. Any violation of academic freedom is an attack on truth and justice.

Truth, goodness and beauty

The nature of the university is its critical and self-critical ability; its strength is its collaborative and transformative power. This transformative capacity of the university challenges us to look at ourselves as a society. We do not need a fragmented or conflicted society, in political or social competition, mobilized by conflicting interests that distort the essential reason for the university impulse: the constant search for knowledge, which minimizes mediocrity and strengthens authenticity.

To understand the relationship between the university and society, it is imperative to value autonomy and academic freedom as fundamental rights and obligations in social life, because the convergence of university interests is the answer to the search for solutions that concern us as a society; It is then up to us to transform ourselves in order to connect with the social, manufacturing and government sectors in a transparent, efficient way and above all respecting freedoms.

Young people should believe in their abilities, discover their possibilities and dedicate themselves to positive and creative transformations. that transcend generation after generation. Every moment in college leaves a legacy that inspires us to grow by making us grow. (OR)