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More than fifteen hundred new dreamers begin to transform their story at an almos...

More than fifteen hundred new dreamers begin to transform their story at an almost bicentennial university

29 April, 2026

From January 26 to 30, 2026, the caucana Alma Mater was transformed into a haven of dreams and hopes, opening its doors to a new generation beginning their university journey in this institution that is #HeritageOfAll. And yes, within the framework of “#FestiU, getting to know your home,” an initiative led by the Vice-Rector’s Office for Culture and Wellness, this week became a mosaic of encounters and experiences, where every corner of the University resonated with laughter and aspirations for the future.

These young people have not only arrived at an institution with nearly two centuries of history; they are about to become part of a celebration that will mark a milestone of great significance: the bicentennial of the University of Cauca! This special moment will be an indelible mark on their journey, a chapter that we will write together and that will remain in history. Thus, despite the cold and rain that accompanied the week, the excitement for the beginning of this important stage shone brightly. The passion for learning and the hope for everything that lies ahead overcame any adversity. With overflowing enthusiasm, the new members of the University of Cauca community immersed themselves in each day, ready to discover what this new adventure has in store for them.

On the first day, the coliseum of the University Sports Center in Popayán was filled with energy and expectation. There, they met the rector and the vice-rectors, as well as the deans of their faculties. It was also a moment of recognition for three students who stood out for their exceptional scores that allowed them to enter the program of their dreams, while the various groups and collectives of the University introduced themselves, weaving a network of support that will enrich their academic experience.

Of course, given that it was a special occasion, the official welcome began with Dr. Deibar René Hurtado Herrera, rector of the University of Cauca, who delivered a warm and deeply inspiring message to this new generation: “You are not arriving at just any institution; you are arriving at an institution with an enormous academic, research, and social outreach trajectory. A University that is connected to the territory and to the struggles that take place there, but also connected to the possibility of being an institution for peace. And it is so because this is a University that provides opportunities like the one it is offering you, just as it offered them to us, who turned that opportunity into a mechanism to transform realities, that is what I invite you to do. I believe we have made a great effort, and that is why I feel very proud, because in these four years of university administration we have gone to almost all the municipalities of Cauca to bring young people like you so that you can have the opportunity to study here, because we know that if we do not make these efforts, many of the young people who are with us today at this welcome would not have the opportunity to be here.”

In line with this message, #FestiU made it possible to learn about stories that reflect the true meaning of the University of Cauca, such as that of Neidy Juliana Rendón Chaucanes, originally from the municipality of Guachucal, Nariño, who was admitted to the Phonoaudiology program and attended the freshman welcome day visibly moved, accompanied by her mother and grandfather: “I found the welcome very inclusive, because I felt that they think about everyone, they think about how to bring us together, so that we feel comfortable and in a calm environment, so I hope it continues like this. I am also excited that it will soon be 200 years of history, 200 years of learning and of many people who have been trained here, and it will be an honor to live that experience.” In addition, Neidy referred very emotionally to the opportunity to be accompanied by her family members: “It feels good, even though I am no longer in the department where I was born, it feels like that part is still with me.”

Likewise, Helen Tatiana Rosero Dulcey, from the municipality of El Tambo, shared her experience, recalling that she first learned about the University of Cauca through the Open Doors activity: “I came last year with the Cuatro Esquinas Educational Institution, and the experience was very nice, very pleasant. It helped me clarify my doubts about which program to choose, and thanks to that visit I decided to enroll in Physical Engineering. I was motivated by the people I met that day, the experiments, and the way they expressed themselves really caught my attention, because I really like mathematics and physics. Regarding the welcome, I have found it very good, very pleasant, because it allows us to learn about different ways of thinking and people’s interests. My expectations are to improve my academic performance and also grow as a person, to be able to help my department, my town, and make a good impression on behalf of my municipality. I truly feel very proud to be here, to learn, to enjoy, because many people do not have this opportunity. I feel very happy, very proud, and I will try to make this experience very meaningful, to help others and to learn. To those who have the possibility of entering, I say: do everything you can to get into this University, because it is wonderful to be here, and fight for it, because if you truly want something, you can achieve it,” she expressed, deeply moved, acknowledging that being part of the University of Cauca is an opportunity not everyone has and one she embraces with great happiness, gratitude, and commitment.

As reflected in these testimonies, and in many more that remain untold, the University of Cauca reaffirms itself as a true #HeritageOfAll. This public institution, accredited in High Quality, not only transforms lives, but also turns dreams into reality, working tirelessly so that young people from all corners of Colombia can access higher education as a path of hope and peace. Throughout the week, the Vice-Rector’s Office for Culture and Wellness offered a wide range of activities designed to ensure that these new members of the University of Cauca community feel at home from the very first moment. From the Parents’ School and the presentation of the PermaneSer program, to spaces led by the Divisions of Sports and Culture, magic circus, oral storytelling, and stand-up comedy, each gathering became a celebration of university life. In addition, the team at the Santander de Quilichao campus is preparing to bring all this energy to northern Cauca on February 13, welcoming the first cohort of students in the Nursing program, as well as the freshmen of the other programs offered in that region of the department.

The University of Cauca reaffirms, with nearly 200 years of history, that public education is a profound act of social transformation, a beacon of light and opportunities for all. Much success in their first semester to these young people who are already making history!