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President Correa’s invitation to believe in the transforming power of education

President Correa’s invitation to believe in the transforming power of education

  • Before an audience of over 800 people at the Aula Magna, Universidad de Santiago de Chile bestowed an honorary doctorate on Rafael Correa, President of Ecuador, for his academic merits, his strong commitment to universities’ development, for favoring links between Chile and his country, and for contributing to South American integration. Dr. Juan Manuel Zolezzi, President of Universidad de Santiago, said that this high academic honor was promoted by the Faculty of Administration and Economics and also highlighted President Correa’s contributions, specifying that he has driven “the largest educational reform in the history of his country, in order to improve the quality of primary, secondary and higher education; a public policy that has become an example for all Latin America”. After receiving a gold medal, the highest institutional distinction, President Correa said he was “honored” and he invited the University community “to believe in talent and in the transforming power of education, science and technology.”

On May 14th, our University bestowed an honorary doctorate (Honoris Causa) to his Excellency, the President of the Republic of Ecuador, Rafael Correa Delgado.

The highest academic distinction, bestowed by Universidad de Santiago on distinguished figures who contribute to knowledge and humanity, was awarded to the Ecuadorian head of state in a crowded ceremony held at Aula Magna, headed by Dr. Juan Manuel Zolezzi, President of our University.

Distinguished Ecuadorian and Chilean guests attended the solemn activity. Diplomatic delegations from several countries and high authorities of our University, like Dr. Silvia Ferrada, Dean of the Faculty of Administration and Economics, were also present. This faculty was the one that promoted President Correa’s distinction.

Members of the University’s community and other guests, like Joan Turner, Víctor Jaras’ widow and his daughter Amanda Jara Turner also attended the ceremony.

Dr. Zolezzi highlighted President Correa’s achievements and significant social contributions, particularly, to education in his country, the reasons why he deserved the Honorary Doctor distinction and the “Universidad de Santiago de Chile Medal”, gold category.

Contribution to education

Dr. Zolezzi said that President Correa “has driven the largest educational reform in the history of his country, in order to improve the quality of primary, secondary and higher education; a public policy that has become an example for all Latin America.”

“This fact has a special meaning to us- he added- when we are before the Chileans’ majority clamor asking for large educational reforms (…) we are certain that this is the time to implement them, because education is the best tool to defeat inequality.”

Dr. Zolezzi said that through this distinction to the Ecuadorian head of state, “we are expressing our highest respect and admiration for him as an example to the world’s young generations, which are constantly fighting for noble, just and viable causes that identify men as men, by understanding humanity and justice; that identify men with their origins, with nature; that make them feel as part of a world vision, as citizens of the world.”

After President Zolezzi’s words, Universidad de Santiago’s General Secretary Gustavo Robles read the official resolution document by which President Correa was distinguished, for his contribution to favoring links between the Republic of Chile and his country, his strong commitment to universities’ development, as well as for his academic merits and contribution to the South American region integration.

“Believe in human talent”

In his speech, President Correa, an economist who has been re-elected for a third period to the Presidency of his country, said he felt “honored” for being conferred this distinction by our University and expressed his admiration for Chilean people and Chilean historical figures like Salvador Allende, Víctor Jara and Pablo Neruda.

With great eloquence and knowledge of the reality of the countries of what he called “Patria Grande” (Latin America), President Correa reviewed his major achievements during his tenure regarding matters like economy, health, labor policies and, especially, education, where he highlighted the progress made by his administration.

While he was speaking, the new Universidad de Santiago’s Honorary Doctor- the 14th awarded since the institutional regulations were established in 2000- was interrupted several times by loud applause by an audience that crowded the Aula Magna. Regarding education, he highlighted, for example, the creation of four new universities during his tenure, the closure of 14 “deficient” universities and the higher rate of participation in higher education of the lowest income quintile of his country.

Also, President Correa reiterated his support to the idea of education as a human right and he called for “believing in human talent.”

“I strongly believe in the transforming power of education, science and technology; even more, my hopes rely on this power: my hope for the future of our planet, for a sustainable way of living, for the possibility of offering a good life to all humankind (…),” he emphasized.    

“Promoting knowledge will allow a higher scientific and technological progress, but what is most important, its application for the common good. In Ecuador we have banked on investing in talent in order to achieve sustainable and sovereign development,” President Correa concluded.

To see the photo gallery, click on the following link: http://www.udesantiagoaldia.cl/content/presidente-de-ecuador-rafael-correa-doctor-honoris-causa-por-la-universidad

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Translated by Marcela Contreras

 

Researcher at Universidad de Santiago was awarded a prize by the International Society of Electrochemistry

Researcher at Universidad de Santiago was awarded a prize by the International Society of Electrochemistry

  • Dr. Federico Tasca, of the Faculty of Chemistry and Biology, won one of the ISE Travel Awards for Young Electrochemists, together with other young scientists around the world who are significantly contributing to this field. At present, Dr. Tasca is focused on studying biofuel cells to generate electricity.

The Italian researcher Dr. Federico Tasca has been working for one year at the Faculty of Chemistry and Biology, developing projects in two parallel research lines. On one hand, he is doing research work on producing electricity from biofuel cells, to replace oil with alternative energies, but this still has not reached the levels suitable for its mass production.

On the other hand, with the collaboration of two students of the Bachelor of Science in Chemistry Program of that Faculty, he is conducting a study called Bilirubin Oxidase from Myrothecium verrucaria Physical Adsorbed onto Graphite Electrodes, on a reaction catalyzed by an enzyme in a fungus (that could be present in other sources, even in bacteria) that mainly affects wood.

The details of this latter research will be included in the oral communication that Dr. Tasca will present at the 65th Annual Meeting International of the International Society of Electrochemistry that will be held in September in Lausanne, Switzerland.

“This award recognizes the work that I have done in my postdoctoral research at Stanford and, this year, at Universidad de Santiago; it is one of the highest recognitions that you may be given after a postdoctoral experience and during the transition to become a professor,” Dr. Tasca says.

“For me, the award is very important because it means that my work is meaningful from a theoretical point of view and that the electrochemists community is aware of that,” he adds. He says that this award gives prominence to his work and also gives the University’s researchers the possibility of creating new networks and contacts.

“Many opportunities have been opened- he says- because the ISE awards this prize to promote the researcher’s participation in conferences, paper writing and promoting science, as an active researcher.”

Federico Tasca started his professional career in Italy, where he received his Master’s degree. After that, he completed his doctorate program in Sweden, where he learned bioelectrochemistry, and finally, he did his postdoctoral research at Stanford University, California, USA. Then he left the academic world for a year and traveled through South-East Asia and South America, working as a Chemical Engineer.

This is why he came to Chile and visited Santiago three times. Here, he met Professor José Sagal, who put Dr. Tasca in contact with Universidad de Santiago, just when he was no longer comfortable with travelling. Dr. Tasca was thinking of settling down when he learned about the opportunity to join the Faculty of Chemistry and Biology. He has been working here for a year and expects to stay for at least four more years.

The International Society of Electrochemistry (ISE) is considered as one of the most important scientific associations worldwide in this field. It was founded in 1949 and today it has members from 70 different countries.

Translated by Marcela Contreras

University confirms its commitment to equity and social inclusion

University confirms its commitment to equity and social inclusion

  • In a ceremony held on December 21st, at the Aula Magna, young students from 14 low-income schools of the Metropolitan Region were awarded diplomas after successfully completing the Propedéutico-Unesco Program “New Hope, Better Future”. This educational inclusion initiative is offered since 2007 by our University, what makes it a pioneer in this field. A total of 66 students were granted scholarships to enter the Bachelor’s Program in Science and Humanities. The Academic Vice President, Fernanda Kri, pointed out the University’s commitment when facing the challenges posed by equity, funding and quality. María Galaz, one of the program graduate students, expressed her thanks to Universidad de Santiago for the opportunity given to youngsters.

On December 21st, with the presence of their families, friends, teachers and commune authorities, 91 high-school students were awarded their diplomas for graduating from the Propedéutico-Unesco Program “New Hope, Better Future”, the University’s Preparatory Program.

Among the attendees to the ceremony were the Academic Vice President, Fernanda Kri, on behalf of the University’s President; the Director of the Unesco Chair Program, Francisco Javier Gil; the Program Coordinator of the Unesco Regional Bureau for Education, Paz Portales; the Mayor of San Francisco de Mostazal, Sergio Medel; the Mayor of Graneros, Claudio Segovia; the Director of the Preparatory Program at Universidad de Santiago, Máximo González, the Executive Director of the Preparatory Program, Lorna Figueroa and the Director of the Bachelor’s Program in Science and Humanities, Marcela Orellana.

During its seventh version, the Preparatory Program brought together 146 prominent students from low-income schools. Providing the students with tools and academic contents to face in a better way the challenge posed by higher education is one of the goals of the program. Although some students were not able to complete the program, 91 of them did.

More inclusion

The young students showed themselves happy and grateful for the opportunity that they were offered. María Galaz Molina, a student at Liceo Profesor Misael Lobos, in Graneros, referred to the support that students received from the program’s authorities at all times and to the comprehensive learning program that should facilitate them accessing higher education.

Nayareth Bascuñán agreed with María. Nayareth is a student at Cardenal Oviedo School, in Maipú, who was distinguished by her academic performance during the program. “It has been an unforgettable experience, not only academically: I have also developed myself as a person,” she said.

One innovation in this version of the program was the number of schools. In relation to the previous year, it increased by three schools, by virtue of the work done directly with the municipalities of San Francisco de Mostazal and Graneros. “Due to this initiative, we were able to extend the Propedéutico Program experience to other schools that usually do not have students accessing higher education,” Máximo González, Director of the Program said.

Regarding the above, the Mayor of San Francisco de Mostazal, Sergio Medel, said to U. de Santiago al Día: “This project has been very beneficial to our youngsters, both the ones who participated and the ones who will. It is a measure of justice.”

For his part, the Mayor of Graneros, Claudio Segovia, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity Universidad de Santiago gave to nine families of that locality, where 50 per cent of the people work as seasonal workers. These families now have new hopes that are changing their lives.

Vice President Kri said that thanks to the inclusion of good students in this kind of program, the results obtained and the student follow up during the seven years of the program have supported the decision to continue with this integration line. Regarding our University’s commitment to improve equity, funding, and teaching quality, “They deserve this opportunity and they earned it,” she said.

Vice President Kri added that this kind of policies, together with mechanisms like the School Grades Ranking (Ranking de Notas, in Spanish), “are going to make changes in the country, because good students coming from any school of Chile will have a real possibility of entering the university. Two years ago, this was unthinkable.”

She referred to the project’s renewal, with the clear intention of reaching earlier stages in high- school education.

Scholarships and opportunities

On Saturday 21st, the names of the students who were benefited with entering Universidad de Santiago’s Bachelor’s Program in Science and Humanities via Propedéutico, without the required University Selection Test (PSU, its acronym in Chile) were known.

52 students were awarded full tuition fee scholarships, while 14 will have their tuition fees covered by their municipalities, at least for a year. However, for the rest of the students, the journey does not end here: Universidad Católica Silva Henríquez and Universidad Alberto Hurtado invited them to become their students.

Francisco Javier Gil, Director of the Unesco Chair Program, agreed that the good results obtained by students, together with mechanisms like the School Grades Ranking, have highlighted the need of reconsidering the higher-education access systems. And although he showed himself very pleased by the seven years of program and by the expansion of the network of universities that are offering these Preparatory Programs (16, from Antofagasta, in the North, to Punta Arenas, in the South), he thinks that there are still challenges to face, like modifying the awarding of PSU- related scholarships. “We only have one thousand admission vacancies in the country, and there are youngsters that make their best efforts and study hard; they want to access higher education, but they cannot. So, there still a long way to say that in Chile, if you want it, you get it.”

The schools participating in 2013 were: Centro Educacional Dr. Armando Neghme, Liceo Polivalente Guillermo Feliú, Complejo Educacional Pedro Prado, Centro Educacional Pudahuel, Liceo Polivalente A-19, in Talagante, Liceo Industrial Pedro Aguirre Cerda, Liceo Poeta Federico García Lorca, Cardenal Carlos Oviedo School, Instituto Femenino Superior de Comercio Eliodoro Domínguez, Centro Educacional Técnico Profesional, Liceo Santiago Bueras, Liceo Profesional Misael Lobos, Liceo Alberto Hurtado and Liceo Elvira Sánchez

Finally, the Director of the Program at Universidad de Santiago, Máximo González, recognized that he hopes that, in the future, Preparatory Programs will not be needed for talented and skilled youngsters to access higher education.

Translated by Marcela Contreras

President Correa’s invitation to believe in the transforming power of education

President Correa’s invitation to believe in the transforming power of education

  • Before an audience of over 800 people at the Aula Magna, Universidad de Santiago de Chile bestowed an honorary doctorate on Rafael Correa, President of Ecuador, for his academic merits, his strong commitment to universities’ development, for favoring links between Chile and his country, and for contributing to South American integration. Dr. Juan Manuel Zolezzi, President of Universidad de Santiago, said that this high academic honor was promoted by the Faculty of Administration and Economics and also highlighted President Correa’s contributions, specifying that he has driven “the largest educational reform in the history of his country, in order to improve the quality of primary, secondary and higher education; a public policy that has become an example for all Latin America”. After receiving a gold medal, the highest institutional distinction, President Correa said he was “honored” and he invited the University community “to believe in talent and in the transforming power of education, science and technology.”

On May 14th, our University bestowed an honorary doctorate (Honoris Causa) to his Excellency, the President of the Republic of Ecuador, Rafael Correa Delgado.

The highest academic distinction, bestowed by Universidad de Santiago on distinguished figures who contribute to knowledge and humanity, was awarded to the Ecuadorian head of state in a crowded ceremony held at Aula Magna, headed by Dr. Juan Manuel Zolezzi, President of our University.

Distinguished Ecuadorian and Chilean guests attended the solemn activity. Diplomatic delegations from several countries and high authorities of our University, like Dr. Silvia Ferrada, Dean of the Faculty of Administration and Economics, were also present. This faculty was the one that promoted President Correa’s distinction.

Members of the University’s community and other guests, like Joan Turner, Víctor Jaras’ widow and his daughter Amanda Jara Turner also attended the ceremony.

Dr. Zolezzi highlighted President Correa’s achievements and significant social contributions, particularly, to education in his country, the reasons why he deserved the Honorary Doctor distinction and the “Universidad de Santiago de Chile Medal”, gold category.

Contribution to education

Dr. Zolezzi said that President Correa “has driven the largest educational reform in the history of his country, in order to improve the quality of primary, secondary and higher education; a public policy that has become an example for all Latin America.”

“This fact has a special meaning to us- he added- when we are before the Chileans’ majority clamor asking for large educational reforms (…) we are certain that this is the time to implement them, because education is the best tool to defeat inequality.”

Dr. Zolezzi said that through this distinction to the Ecuadorian head of state, “we are expressing our highest respect and admiration for him as an example to the world’s young generations, which are constantly fighting for noble, just and viable causes that identify men as men, by understanding humanity and justice; that identify men with their origins, with nature; that make them feel as part of a world vision, as citizens of the world.”

After President Zolezzi’s words, Universidad de Santiago’s General Secretary Gustavo Robles read the official resolution document by which President Correa was distinguished, for his contribution to favoring links between the Republic of Chile and his country, his strong commitment to universities’ development, as well as for his academic merits and contribution to the South American region integration.

“Believe in human talent”

In his speech, President Correa, an economist who has been re-elected for a third period to the Presidency of his country, said he felt “honored” for being conferred this distinction by our University and expressed his admiration for Chilean people and Chilean historical figures like Salvador Allende, Víctor Jara and Pablo Neruda.

With great eloquence and knowledge of the reality of the countries of what he called “Patria Grande” (Latin America), President Correa reviewed his major achievements during his tenure regarding matters like economy, health, labor policies and, especially, education, where he highlighted the progress made by his administration.

While he was speaking, the new Universidad de Santiago’s Honorary Doctor- the 14th awarded since the institutional regulations were established in 2000- was interrupted several times by loud applause by an audience that crowded the Aula Magna. Regarding education, he highlighted, for example, the creation of four new universities during his tenure, the closure of 14 “deficient” universities and the higher rate of participation in higher education of the lowest income quintile of his country.

Also, President Correa reiterated his support to the idea of education as a human right and he called for “believing in human talent.”

“I strongly believe in the transforming power of education, science and technology; even more, my hopes rely on this power: my hope for the future of our planet, for a sustainable way of living, for the possibility of offering a good life to all humankind (…),” he emphasized.    

“Promoting knowledge will allow a higher scientific and technological progress, but what is most important, its application for the common good. In Ecuador we have banked on investing in talent in order to achieve sustainable and sovereign development,” President Correa concluded.

To see the photo gallery, click on the following link: http://www.udesantiagoaldia.cl/content/presidente-de-ecuador-rafael-correa-doctor-honoris-causa-por-la-universidad

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Translated by Marcela Contreras

 

Researcher at Universidad de Santiago was awarded a prize by the International Society of Electrochemistry

Researcher at Universidad de Santiago was awarded a prize by the International Society of Electrochemistry

  • Dr. Federico Tasca, of the Faculty of Chemistry and Biology, won one of the ISE Travel Awards for Young Electrochemists, together with other young scientists around the world who are significantly contributing to this field. At present, Dr. Tasca is focused on studying biofuel cells to generate electricity.

The Italian researcher Dr. Federico Tasca has been working for one year at the Faculty of Chemistry and Biology, developing projects in two parallel research lines. On one hand, he is doing research work on producing electricity from biofuel cells, to replace oil with alternative energies, but this still has not reached the levels suitable for its mass production.

On the other hand, with the collaboration of two students of the Bachelor of Science in Chemistry Program of that Faculty, he is conducting a study called Bilirubin Oxidase from Myrothecium verrucaria Physical Adsorbed onto Graphite Electrodes, on a reaction catalyzed by an enzyme in a fungus (that could be present in other sources, even in bacteria) that mainly affects wood.

The details of this latter research will be included in the oral communication that Dr. Tasca will present at the 65th Annual Meeting International of the International Society of Electrochemistry that will be held in September in Lausanne, Switzerland.

“This award recognizes the work that I have done in my postdoctoral research at Stanford and, this year, at Universidad de Santiago; it is one of the highest recognitions that you may be given after a postdoctoral experience and during the transition to become a professor,” Dr. Tasca says.

“For me, the award is very important because it means that my work is meaningful from a theoretical point of view and that the electrochemists community is aware of that,” he adds. He says that this award gives prominence to his work and also gives the University’s researchers the possibility of creating new networks and contacts.

“Many opportunities have been opened- he says- because the ISE awards this prize to promote the researcher’s participation in conferences, paper writing and promoting science, as an active researcher.”

Federico Tasca started his professional career in Italy, where he received his Master’s degree. After that, he completed his doctorate program in Sweden, where he learned bioelectrochemistry, and finally, he did his postdoctoral research at Stanford University, California, USA. Then he left the academic world for a year and traveled through South-East Asia and South America, working as a Chemical Engineer.

This is why he came to Chile and visited Santiago three times. Here, he met Professor José Sagal, who put Dr. Tasca in contact with Universidad de Santiago, just when he was no longer comfortable with travelling. Dr. Tasca was thinking of settling down when he learned about the opportunity to join the Faculty of Chemistry and Biology. He has been working here for a year and expects to stay for at least four more years.

The International Society of Electrochemistry (ISE) is considered as one of the most important scientific associations worldwide in this field. It was founded in 1949 and today it has members from 70 different countries.

Translated by Marcela Contreras

University confirms its commitment to equity and social inclusion

University confirms its commitment to equity and social inclusion

  • In a ceremony held on December 21st, at the Aula Magna, young students from 14 low-income schools of the Metropolitan Region were awarded diplomas after successfully completing the Propedéutico-Unesco Program “New Hope, Better Future”. This educational inclusion initiative is offered since 2007 by our University, what makes it a pioneer in this field. A total of 66 students were granted scholarships to enter the Bachelor’s Program in Science and Humanities. The Academic Vice President, Fernanda Kri, pointed out the University’s commitment when facing the challenges posed by equity, funding and quality. María Galaz, one of the program graduate students, expressed her thanks to Universidad de Santiago for the opportunity given to youngsters.

On December 21st, with the presence of their families, friends, teachers and commune authorities, 91 high-school students were awarded their diplomas for graduating from the Propedéutico-Unesco Program “New Hope, Better Future”, the University’s Preparatory Program.

Among the attendees to the ceremony were the Academic Vice President, Fernanda Kri, on behalf of the University’s President; the Director of the Unesco Chair Program, Francisco Javier Gil; the Program Coordinator of the Unesco Regional Bureau for Education, Paz Portales; the Mayor of San Francisco de Mostazal, Sergio Medel; the Mayor of Graneros, Claudio Segovia; the Director of the Preparatory Program at Universidad de Santiago, Máximo González, the Executive Director of the Preparatory Program, Lorna Figueroa and the Director of the Bachelor’s Program in Science and Humanities, Marcela Orellana.

During its seventh version, the Preparatory Program brought together 146 prominent students from low-income schools. Providing the students with tools and academic contents to face in a better way the challenge posed by higher education is one of the goals of the program. Although some students were not able to complete the program, 91 of them did.

More inclusion

The young students showed themselves happy and grateful for the opportunity that they were offered. María Galaz Molina, a student at Liceo Profesor Misael Lobos, in Graneros, referred to the support that students received from the program’s authorities at all times and to the comprehensive learning program that should facilitate them accessing higher education.

Nayareth Bascuñán agreed with María. Nayareth is a student at Cardenal Oviedo School, in Maipú, who was distinguished by her academic performance during the program. “It has been an unforgettable experience, not only academically: I have also developed myself as a person,” she said.

One innovation in this version of the program was the number of schools. In relation to the previous year, it increased by three schools, by virtue of the work done directly with the municipalities of San Francisco de Mostazal and Graneros. “Due to this initiative, we were able to extend the Propedéutico Program experience to other schools that usually do not have students accessing higher education,” Máximo González, Director of the Program said.

Regarding the above, the Mayor of San Francisco de Mostazal, Sergio Medel, said to U. de Santiago al Día: “This project has been very beneficial to our youngsters, both the ones who participated and the ones who will. It is a measure of justice.”

For his part, the Mayor of Graneros, Claudio Segovia, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity Universidad de Santiago gave to nine families of that locality, where 50 per cent of the people work as seasonal workers. These families now have new hopes that are changing their lives.

Vice President Kri said that thanks to the inclusion of good students in this kind of program, the results obtained and the student follow up during the seven years of the program have supported the decision to continue with this integration line. Regarding our University’s commitment to improve equity, funding, and teaching quality, “They deserve this opportunity and they earned it,” she said.

Vice President Kri added that this kind of policies, together with mechanisms like the School Grades Ranking (Ranking de Notas, in Spanish), “are going to make changes in the country, because good students coming from any school of Chile will have a real possibility of entering the university. Two years ago, this was unthinkable.”

She referred to the project’s renewal, with the clear intention of reaching earlier stages in high- school education.

Scholarships and opportunities

On Saturday 21st, the names of the students who were benefited with entering Universidad de Santiago’s Bachelor’s Program in Science and Humanities via Propedéutico, without the required University Selection Test (PSU, its acronym in Chile) were known.

52 students were awarded full tuition fee scholarships, while 14 will have their tuition fees covered by their municipalities, at least for a year. However, for the rest of the students, the journey does not end here: Universidad Católica Silva Henríquez and Universidad Alberto Hurtado invited them to become their students.

Francisco Javier Gil, Director of the Unesco Chair Program, agreed that the good results obtained by students, together with mechanisms like the School Grades Ranking, have highlighted the need of reconsidering the higher-education access systems. And although he showed himself very pleased by the seven years of program and by the expansion of the network of universities that are offering these Preparatory Programs (16, from Antofagasta, in the North, to Punta Arenas, in the South), he thinks that there are still challenges to face, like modifying the awarding of PSU- related scholarships. “We only have one thousand admission vacancies in the country, and there are youngsters that make their best efforts and study hard; they want to access higher education, but they cannot. So, there still a long way to say that in Chile, if you want it, you get it.”

The schools participating in 2013 were: Centro Educacional Dr. Armando Neghme, Liceo Polivalente Guillermo Feliú, Complejo Educacional Pedro Prado, Centro Educacional Pudahuel, Liceo Polivalente A-19, in Talagante, Liceo Industrial Pedro Aguirre Cerda, Liceo Poeta Federico García Lorca, Cardenal Carlos Oviedo School, Instituto Femenino Superior de Comercio Eliodoro Domínguez, Centro Educacional Técnico Profesional, Liceo Santiago Bueras, Liceo Profesional Misael Lobos, Liceo Alberto Hurtado and Liceo Elvira Sánchez

Finally, the Director of the Program at Universidad de Santiago, Máximo González, recognized that he hopes that, in the future, Preparatory Programs will not be needed for talented and skilled youngsters to access higher education.

Translated by Marcela Contreras

President Correa’s invitation to believe in the transforming power of education

President Correa’s invitation to believe in the transforming power of education

  • Before an audience of over 800 people at the Aula Magna, Universidad de Santiago de Chile bestowed an honorary doctorate on Rafael Correa, President of Ecuador, for his academic merits, his strong commitment to universities’ development, for favoring links between Chile and his country, and for contributing to South American integration. Dr. Juan Manuel Zolezzi, President of Universidad de Santiago, said that this high academic honor was promoted by the Faculty of Administration and Economics and also highlighted President Correa’s contributions, specifying that he has driven “the largest educational reform in the history of his country, in order to improve the quality of primary, secondary and higher education; a public policy that has become an example for all Latin America”. After receiving a gold medal, the highest institutional distinction, President Correa said he was “honored” and he invited the University community “to believe in talent and in the transforming power of education, science and technology.”

On May 14th, our University bestowed an honorary doctorate (Honoris Causa) to his Excellency, the President of the Republic of Ecuador, Rafael Correa Delgado.

The highest academic distinction, bestowed by Universidad de Santiago on distinguished figures who contribute to knowledge and humanity, was awarded to the Ecuadorian head of state in a crowded ceremony held at Aula Magna, headed by Dr. Juan Manuel Zolezzi, President of our University.

Distinguished Ecuadorian and Chilean guests attended the solemn activity. Diplomatic delegations from several countries and high authorities of our University, like Dr. Silvia Ferrada, Dean of the Faculty of Administration and Economics, were also present. This faculty was the one that promoted President Correa’s distinction.

Members of the University’s community and other guests, like Joan Turner, Víctor Jaras’ widow and his daughter Amanda Jara Turner also attended the ceremony.

Dr. Zolezzi highlighted President Correa’s achievements and significant social contributions, particularly, to education in his country, the reasons why he deserved the Honorary Doctor distinction and the “Universidad de Santiago de Chile Medal”, gold category.

Contribution to education

Dr. Zolezzi said that President Correa “has driven the largest educational reform in the history of his country, in order to improve the quality of primary, secondary and higher education; a public policy that has become an example for all Latin America.”

“This fact has a special meaning to us- he added- when we are before the Chileans’ majority clamor asking for large educational reforms (…) we are certain that this is the time to implement them, because education is the best tool to defeat inequality.”

Dr. Zolezzi said that through this distinction to the Ecuadorian head of state, “we are expressing our highest respect and admiration for him as an example to the world’s young generations, which are constantly fighting for noble, just and viable causes that identify men as men, by understanding humanity and justice; that identify men with their origins, with nature; that make them feel as part of a world vision, as citizens of the world.”

After President Zolezzi’s words, Universidad de Santiago’s General Secretary Gustavo Robles read the official resolution document by which President Correa was distinguished, for his contribution to favoring links between the Republic of Chile and his country, his strong commitment to universities’ development, as well as for his academic merits and contribution to the South American region integration.

“Believe in human talent”

In his speech, President Correa, an economist who has been re-elected for a third period to the Presidency of his country, said he felt “honored” for being conferred this distinction by our University and expressed his admiration for Chilean people and Chilean historical figures like Salvador Allende, Víctor Jara and Pablo Neruda.

With great eloquence and knowledge of the reality of the countries of what he called “Patria Grande” (Latin America), President Correa reviewed his major achievements during his tenure regarding matters like economy, health, labor policies and, especially, education, where he highlighted the progress made by his administration.

While he was speaking, the new Universidad de Santiago’s Honorary Doctor- the 14th awarded since the institutional regulations were established in 2000- was interrupted several times by loud applause by an audience that crowded the Aula Magna. Regarding education, he highlighted, for example, the creation of four new universities during his tenure, the closure of 14 “deficient” universities and the higher rate of participation in higher education of the lowest income quintile of his country.

Also, President Correa reiterated his support to the idea of education as a human right and he called for “believing in human talent.”

“I strongly believe in the transforming power of education, science and technology; even more, my hopes rely on this power: my hope for the future of our planet, for a sustainable way of living, for the possibility of offering a good life to all humankind (…),” he emphasized.    

“Promoting knowledge will allow a higher scientific and technological progress, but what is most important, its application for the common good. In Ecuador we have banked on investing in talent in order to achieve sustainable and sovereign development,” President Correa concluded.

To see the photo gallery, click on the following link: http://www.udesantiagoaldia.cl/content/presidente-de-ecuador-rafael-correa-doctor-honoris-causa-por-la-universidad

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Translated by Marcela Contreras

 

Researcher at Universidad de Santiago was awarded a prize by the International Society of Electrochemistry

Researcher at Universidad de Santiago was awarded a prize by the International Society of Electrochemistry

  • Dr. Federico Tasca, of the Faculty of Chemistry and Biology, won one of the ISE Travel Awards for Young Electrochemists, together with other young scientists around the world who are significantly contributing to this field. At present, Dr. Tasca is focused on studying biofuel cells to generate electricity.

The Italian researcher Dr. Federico Tasca has been working for one year at the Faculty of Chemistry and Biology, developing projects in two parallel research lines. On one hand, he is doing research work on producing electricity from biofuel cells, to replace oil with alternative energies, but this still has not reached the levels suitable for its mass production.

On the other hand, with the collaboration of two students of the Bachelor of Science in Chemistry Program of that Faculty, he is conducting a study called Bilirubin Oxidase from Myrothecium verrucaria Physical Adsorbed onto Graphite Electrodes, on a reaction catalyzed by an enzyme in a fungus (that could be present in other sources, even in bacteria) that mainly affects wood.

The details of this latter research will be included in the oral communication that Dr. Tasca will present at the 65th Annual Meeting International of the International Society of Electrochemistry that will be held in September in Lausanne, Switzerland.

“This award recognizes the work that I have done in my postdoctoral research at Stanford and, this year, at Universidad de Santiago; it is one of the highest recognitions that you may be given after a postdoctoral experience and during the transition to become a professor,” Dr. Tasca says.

“For me, the award is very important because it means that my work is meaningful from a theoretical point of view and that the electrochemists community is aware of that,” he adds. He says that this award gives prominence to his work and also gives the University’s researchers the possibility of creating new networks and contacts.

“Many opportunities have been opened- he says- because the ISE awards this prize to promote the researcher’s participation in conferences, paper writing and promoting science, as an active researcher.”

Federico Tasca started his professional career in Italy, where he received his Master’s degree. After that, he completed his doctorate program in Sweden, where he learned bioelectrochemistry, and finally, he did his postdoctoral research at Stanford University, California, USA. Then he left the academic world for a year and traveled through South-East Asia and South America, working as a Chemical Engineer.

This is why he came to Chile and visited Santiago three times. Here, he met Professor José Sagal, who put Dr. Tasca in contact with Universidad de Santiago, just when he was no longer comfortable with travelling. Dr. Tasca was thinking of settling down when he learned about the opportunity to join the Faculty of Chemistry and Biology. He has been working here for a year and expects to stay for at least four more years.

The International Society of Electrochemistry (ISE) is considered as one of the most important scientific associations worldwide in this field. It was founded in 1949 and today it has members from 70 different countries.

Translated by Marcela Contreras

University confirms its commitment to equity and social inclusion

University confirms its commitment to equity and social inclusion

  • In a ceremony held on December 21st, at the Aula Magna, young students from 14 low-income schools of the Metropolitan Region were awarded diplomas after successfully completing the Propedéutico-Unesco Program “New Hope, Better Future”. This educational inclusion initiative is offered since 2007 by our University, what makes it a pioneer in this field. A total of 66 students were granted scholarships to enter the Bachelor’s Program in Science and Humanities. The Academic Vice President, Fernanda Kri, pointed out the University’s commitment when facing the challenges posed by equity, funding and quality. María Galaz, one of the program graduate students, expressed her thanks to Universidad de Santiago for the opportunity given to youngsters.

On December 21st, with the presence of their families, friends, teachers and commune authorities, 91 high-school students were awarded their diplomas for graduating from the Propedéutico-Unesco Program “New Hope, Better Future”, the University’s Preparatory Program.

Among the attendees to the ceremony were the Academic Vice President, Fernanda Kri, on behalf of the University’s President; the Director of the Unesco Chair Program, Francisco Javier Gil; the Program Coordinator of the Unesco Regional Bureau for Education, Paz Portales; the Mayor of San Francisco de Mostazal, Sergio Medel; the Mayor of Graneros, Claudio Segovia; the Director of the Preparatory Program at Universidad de Santiago, Máximo González, the Executive Director of the Preparatory Program, Lorna Figueroa and the Director of the Bachelor’s Program in Science and Humanities, Marcela Orellana.

During its seventh version, the Preparatory Program brought together 146 prominent students from low-income schools. Providing the students with tools and academic contents to face in a better way the challenge posed by higher education is one of the goals of the program. Although some students were not able to complete the program, 91 of them did.

More inclusion

The young students showed themselves happy and grateful for the opportunity that they were offered. María Galaz Molina, a student at Liceo Profesor Misael Lobos, in Graneros, referred to the support that students received from the program’s authorities at all times and to the comprehensive learning program that should facilitate them accessing higher education.

Nayareth Bascuñán agreed with María. Nayareth is a student at Cardenal Oviedo School, in Maipú, who was distinguished by her academic performance during the program. “It has been an unforgettable experience, not only academically: I have also developed myself as a person,” she said.

One innovation in this version of the program was the number of schools. In relation to the previous year, it increased by three schools, by virtue of the work done directly with the municipalities of San Francisco de Mostazal and Graneros. “Due to this initiative, we were able to extend the Propedéutico Program experience to other schools that usually do not have students accessing higher education,” Máximo González, Director of the Program said.

Regarding the above, the Mayor of San Francisco de Mostazal, Sergio Medel, said to U. de Santiago al Día: “This project has been very beneficial to our youngsters, both the ones who participated and the ones who will. It is a measure of justice.”

For his part, the Mayor of Graneros, Claudio Segovia, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity Universidad de Santiago gave to nine families of that locality, where 50 per cent of the people work as seasonal workers. These families now have new hopes that are changing their lives.

Vice President Kri said that thanks to the inclusion of good students in this kind of program, the results obtained and the student follow up during the seven years of the program have supported the decision to continue with this integration line. Regarding our University’s commitment to improve equity, funding, and teaching quality, “They deserve this opportunity and they earned it,” she said.

Vice President Kri added that this kind of policies, together with mechanisms like the School Grades Ranking (Ranking de Notas, in Spanish), “are going to make changes in the country, because good students coming from any school of Chile will have a real possibility of entering the university. Two years ago, this was unthinkable.”

She referred to the project’s renewal, with the clear intention of reaching earlier stages in high- school education.

Scholarships and opportunities

On Saturday 21st, the names of the students who were benefited with entering Universidad de Santiago’s Bachelor’s Program in Science and Humanities via Propedéutico, without the required University Selection Test (PSU, its acronym in Chile) were known.

52 students were awarded full tuition fee scholarships, while 14 will have their tuition fees covered by their municipalities, at least for a year. However, for the rest of the students, the journey does not end here: Universidad Católica Silva Henríquez and Universidad Alberto Hurtado invited them to become their students.

Francisco Javier Gil, Director of the Unesco Chair Program, agreed that the good results obtained by students, together with mechanisms like the School Grades Ranking, have highlighted the need of reconsidering the higher-education access systems. And although he showed himself very pleased by the seven years of program and by the expansion of the network of universities that are offering these Preparatory Programs (16, from Antofagasta, in the North, to Punta Arenas, in the South), he thinks that there are still challenges to face, like modifying the awarding of PSU- related scholarships. “We only have one thousand admission vacancies in the country, and there are youngsters that make their best efforts and study hard; they want to access higher education, but they cannot. So, there still a long way to say that in Chile, if you want it, you get it.”

The schools participating in 2013 were: Centro Educacional Dr. Armando Neghme, Liceo Polivalente Guillermo Feliú, Complejo Educacional Pedro Prado, Centro Educacional Pudahuel, Liceo Polivalente A-19, in Talagante, Liceo Industrial Pedro Aguirre Cerda, Liceo Poeta Federico García Lorca, Cardenal Carlos Oviedo School, Instituto Femenino Superior de Comercio Eliodoro Domínguez, Centro Educacional Técnico Profesional, Liceo Santiago Bueras, Liceo Profesional Misael Lobos, Liceo Alberto Hurtado and Liceo Elvira Sánchez

Finally, the Director of the Program at Universidad de Santiago, Máximo González, recognized that he hopes that, in the future, Preparatory Programs will not be needed for talented and skilled youngsters to access higher education.

Translated by Marcela Contreras
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