The Universidad Espiritu Santo (UEES) commemorated three decades of achievements in an emotional solemn session, in which it highlighted its history, evolution, social impact and plans for the future that have consolidated it as a leader in Higher Education in Ecuador and Latin America. The ceremony was attended by national and local authorities, such as Mónica Palencia, Minister of the Interior; Vicente Auad, Governor of Guayas; Marcela Aguiñaga, Prefect of Guayas; Juan José Yúnez, Mayor of Samborondón; and Pablo Beltrán, President of the Higher Education Council, among others.
UEES Chancellor Carlos Ortega Maldonado recalled the beginning of the university, with just 40 students in a small rented facility. «Thirty years ago, a founding team led by Galo García Feraud and composed of committed visionaries initiated an ambitious project: to create a modern, self-sufficient and excellence-oriented university,» he said.
That dream has come true, as UEES has obtained prestigious recognitions this year 2024, such as the number one university in Ecuador, for the second year in a row, and to be in the 7th place in Latin America, according to the ranking of Times Higher Education. In addition, it positioned itself as the number 1 in Latin America in online education, according to the European Innovatec ranking, and it is the only 5-star university according to QS Stars. These achievements have allowed UEES to become a country brand and an ambassador of higher education at the international level.
In his speech, the chancellor announced ongoing and upcoming projects, highlighting the expansion of the university through UEES Online and his vision of exporting education to countries such as Colombia, Spain, Italy, United States, Peru, among others.. «Next January 16, Ecuador's first online university campus will be inaugurated, an initiative that will expand educational coverage and strengthen our internationalization,» he said.
He also reaffirmed the university's commitment to society through high-impact projects, such as research on cerebrovascular diseases and type 1 diabetes in the province of Santa Elena; the study of external agents that affect respiratory health; the reforestation of 600 hectares of mangrove forest on the Ecuadorian coast; and programs for STEM and high quality education that benefit women and schools in vulnerable sectors, among others.
The academic also called for action and national unity to achieve a prosperous and respectful Ecuador, capable of facing the country's challenges. «All this private effort needs an adequate political, public, legal and economic environment. Therefore, we must have a comprehensive view of the country and a firm commitment to it,» he stressed.
The celebration concluded with thanks to the leadership of Joaquín Hernández, former rector of the university, and a message of confidence in the new leadership headed by Isidro Fierro and Juan Pablo Ortega, who will continue to consolidate UEES as a leading university in the region. academic and social reference. With the motto «Non progredi regredi est» and its firm commitment to ethical, democratic and family values, UEES looks forward to a future full of challenges and opportunities.
Universidad Espíritu Santo (UEES), began its academic activities in 1994 as a private, self-financed, non-profit institution. Its spirit of commitment and constant innovation are present in the quality of the service it offers to its community.
