Catholic University of Cuyo

Catholic University of Cuyo Overview

The Universidad Católica de Cuyo (UCCuyo), colloquially referred to as "La Católica," is a prestigious institution of higher education located in Argentina. With its main campus in the province of San Juan, the university extends its reach to other provinces, including San Luis and Mendoza. Established on May 4, 1953, by Monsignor Francisco Manfredi, the university holds a profound commitment to academic excellence and values rooted in its Catholic identity.

As the institution's motto "Testimonium de Lumine" (Testimony of Light) suggests, the UCCuyo stands as a beacon of knowledge and enlightenment, striving to provide a transformative educational experience for its students. The university offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate, preparatory, and postgraduate programs, in addition to operating higher-level institutes and primary and secondary schools.

History: The university's origins trace back to the mid-20th century when, driven by the efforts of Minister of Education Atilio Dell'Oro Maini, the Argentine government passed the Decree-Law 6403 on December 22, 1955. This landmark legislation paved the way for the establishment of private universities empowered to confer academic degrees and diplomas, thereby solidifying university autonomy. Building on these developments, the Universidad Católica de Córdoba, among other private institutions, was founded on June 8, 1956.

During the presidency of Arturo Frondizi in 1958, a movement emerged with the passing of two significant laws: the Statute of Teachers and the authorization for private universities to grant professional titles. The latter led to a prominent student protest known as "Laica o libre" (Laic or Free). Eventually, a coalition of frondicist radicals, Christian democrats, nationalist Catholics, and allies, led by President Frondizi, managed to pass reforms granting legal status to new universities.

University's Evolution: The Universidad Católica de Cuyo began its journey on May 4, 1953, when Monsignor Francisco Manfredi, along with nine students and one professor, established the "Instituto Pre-Universitario San Buenaventura." The institute's operations began with the support of the Franciscan Missionary Tertiary Sisters, who provided a location at their premises in San Juan, specifically at the Colegio El Tránsito de Nuestra Señora. This site would later evolve into the Universidad Católica de Cuyo, initially recognized as the "Instituto Universitario San Buenaventura" and later receiving its current name on July 14, 1963.

Leadership and Campuses: Throughout its history, the UCCuyo has been led by visionary rectors who have contributed to its growth and prominence. Monseñor Dr. Francisco Manfredi (1953-1987), Dr. Pedro Luis María Martín (1987-2003), Dr. Guillermo Krebs (2003-2007), Dra. María Isabel Larrauri (2007-2015), and Dr. Claudio Marcelo Larrea Arnau (2015-2019) have all played integral roles in shaping the institution's path.

The university's academic offerings are distributed among various faculties, each housing distinct programs that cater to diverse educational needs:

• Faculty of Law and Social Sciences: This faculty provides programs such as Law and Notary studies, offering a comprehensive legal education that prepares students for various roles in the legal field.

• Faculty of Economics and Business: With a focus on economics, commerce, and administration, this faculty offers a wide array of programs including Accounting, International Commerce, Economics, and more.

• Faculty of Philosophy and Humanities: This faculty offers programs in psychology, secretarial studies, and psychology with a focus on clinical assistance to children. It emphasizes the holistic development of individuals.

• Faculty of Medical Sciences: The Faculty of Medical Sciences offers a variety of pre-degree and degree programs, including Nursing, Kinesiology and Physiotherapy, Nutrition, and Medicine, providing comprehensive training for healthcare professionals.

• Faculty of Food, Biochemical, and Pharmaceutical Sciences: Focused on food technology, enology, and pharmacy, this faculty educates students in areas critical to food quality, safety, and innovation.

• Faculty of Education: This faculty is dedicated to the field of education, offering programs such as Psychology, Special Education, Physical Education, and more, catering to a broad spectrum of educational needs.

With a commitment to academic excellence, the Universidad Católica de Cuyo continues to provide a transformative education grounded in its Catholic values, enriching the lives of its students and contributing to the progress of Argentina's educational landscape.