The session recognized teachers, workers and students, as well as personalities, public and private institutions for their outstanding work.
With a solemn session, the National University of Loja (UNL) culminated its extensive agenda for the festivities for the 162 years of institutional life.
During the previous fifteen days there were different academic, artistic, scientific, cultural and sports activities related to the remembrance of the legacy of the higher institution.
The central event of the celebrations constituted in the anniversary session took place on the morning of Wednesday, December 15, at the Bolívar University Theater.
There, the UNL recognized its teachers, administrators, workers and students; as well as personalities, public and private institutions for their outstanding work in favor of higher education.
“Since 1859, personalities such as Benjamín Carrión and Pío Jaramillo Alvarado have passed, who in the university classrooms developed their creative and guiding works. Today is propitious to reflect on continuing with the firm transformation of the UNL begun in the last three years, for the construction and future of the university world ”, Natasha Samaniego, representative of the Superior Collegiate Body, expressed in the welcome.
In this framework, the UNL awarded merits to scientific production, academic contribution and highlighted the research projects with the greatest impact and results. In addition, the Center for Molecular Biotechnology was recognized for its contribution to counteracting the ravages of the pandemic with the execution of more than 20,000 free PCR tests; and the Occupational Health and Safety team for protecting the well-being of the university community.
The students were highlighted for their academic performance, the best-scored students from the faculties and the Distance Education Unit were congratulated, in addition to their artistic, cultural, sports, leadership and technological innovation merits.
A special distinction was given to Octavio Gustavo Samaniego Rodríguez, for his actions in favor of environmental and animal research and conservation, by facilitating the facilities of his farm “El Cristal”, for more than 20 years for researchers and students of the National University of Loja.
On behalf of the recognized people, Narcisa Urgilez expressed her satisfaction with the authorities for carrying out the university transformation. “The UNL has retaken the horizon of higher education, generating scientific production, the same that has allowed us to have links with society for the integral development of the southern region of the country,” he said.
Nikolay Aguirre, rector of the UNL, said that there are many reasons to celebrate 162 years of foundation. Among them, he highlighted the new degree offer with 45 degrees, reopening of the distance modality with eight degrees and 15 master’s programs.
“Today we are the third university in the country in diversification of academic offer after the Central University and the one in Guayaquil,” said the rector.
On the other hand, he urged the university community so that, through the 48 research projects, which will be developed between 2021-2023, in two years to provide a response and solution to local problems.
“That is our commitment as an institution and the challenge for you as professionals,” emphasized the rector.
Finally, the rector thanked the entire university community for their work and support in the recovery and transformation of the public university in Los Lojans. (I)
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