Like a complex circuit, Professor Judy Cristina Realpe Chamorro has managed to draw the precise connections so that the Alma Mater of Cauca sends increasingly clearer signals of excellence. From her vision as an Electronic and Telecommunications Engineer, this talented teacher inspires each student and colleague to reach their maximum potential. Today, on the occasion of Engineers’ Day, the University of Cauca honors her career: she is not only a guide in engineering classrooms, but also a tireless architect in the consolidation of institutional quality, connecting signals of excellence in every accreditation process.

Every August 17, Colombia dresses up to celebrate Engineers’ Day (of all branches and fields). It is a date that pays tribute to this profession, one that has been a driving force for progress, innovation, and social transformation in the country and around the world. This commemoration, which originated in 1887 with the founding of the Colombian Society of Engineers, is an echo of the vital importance of those who, with ingenuity and audacity, shape the development of our nation. Beyond history, this day highlights the paths of inspiring individuals who, like Professor Judy Cristina Realpe Chamorro, turn knowledge into tangible realities, transform lives, and make dreams come true. She is an example of dedication and commitment, not only to engineering, but also to the intricate processes of self-evaluation and institutional accreditation.

Professor Judy, Electronic and Telecommunications Engineer, specialist in Telematics Networks and Services, and Master in Electronics and Telecommunications, indeed carries the Unicaucano seal in her DNA, as all her degrees are from this house of thought. She has lived each stage of her training with unshakable conviction: to be a driving force for the advancement of her University, her Alma Mater, and the development of her context. Her words resonate with strength: “As an engineer, my training allows me to recognize the relevance of this discipline in social and technological transformation. Engineering is definitely a strategic field that translates scientific knowledge into practical solutions, generating innovation, economic development, and social well-being.” Her reflections show that engineering transcends laboratories and algorithms, becoming a powerful tool to transform realities.

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That same spirit, that creative spark, ignites her teaching role. “As a professor, I understand that my work is not limited to transmitting technical knowledge, but to guiding learning processes that integrate theory and practice, fostering critical thinking, innovation, and commitment to the environment. My role as a professor is to train professionals capable of responding to society’s challenges and actively participating in scenarios of development and social construction, ensuring the relevance of engineering programs in the face of the demands of the productive sector, the community both regionally and nationally, and internationally,” says Professor Judy, thus summarizing the mission of those who, more than teaching, inspire.

But her contribution does not stop in the classrooms, it goes beyond them, leaving an indelible mark on institutional accreditation processes! Her experience and dedication were decisive in the 2019 reaccreditation, a collective achievement that reaffirmed the quality of the University of Cauca. Today, that same passion drives her participation in the current renewal process, with the hope that in 2027 the University will not only be bicentennial, but also carry the seal of high quality for a period of ten years. “As a professional involved in self-evaluation and accreditation processes, I take on the task of contributing to the culture of quality and continuous improvement of the institution. I recognize that self-evaluation is a rigorous and collective exercise of analysis that allows us to identify achievements and opportunities for improvement, strengthening academic and administrative management. In this sense, my participation in these processes becomes a commitment to the excellence of engineering programs and, in general, of all programs at the University, and to the consolidation of institutional accreditation, understood not only as external recognition but as a reflection of responsible and ongoing work in favor of educational quality,” explains Professor Judy, once again showing her passion for this field.

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Beyond degrees and recognitions, her story reflects what it means to be an engineer: to build, to innovate without limits, and to transform the world. On Engineers’ Day, her journey reminds us that engineering not only designs technologies but also possible futures. With palpable emotion, she leaves a special message: “I invite engineering students to value the effort they make throughout their training process, to understand that each academic challenge is an opportunity for growth, and to project themselves as agents of change capable of contributing to the sustainable development of the country and to the well-being of communities.” Her legacy is a clear manifestation that engineering beats in rhythm with commitment to society.

Thus, with examples like Judy Cristina Realpe Chamorro, it is clear that Unicauca celebrates those who, through engineering, inspire new generations to dream big and work with passion for a better world. And yes, here we firmly believe that there is no better way to do so than by training with commitment and dedication at this house that is #HeritageForAll.

 

Written by: Communications Management Center