Oscar David Aristizábal from Medellín, Colombia is thrilled to have started on the path that will lead to his becoming a Zamorano agricultural engineer. His enthusiasm is shared by the other first year students in Zamorano’s Class of 2015, which is composed of 285 new students, including 80 women and 205 men from 15 countries.
Zamorano President, Dr. Roberto Cuevas García, gave a speech to the new members of the Institution’s student body, exhorting them to be dedicated and to take advantage of their time. “As President, I am very pleased to know that you have accepted the challenge to study and be formed at Zamorano. You are all united by the desire to excel and to prepare for life. Also each of you scored 75% or better on the admissions exam. You are here because of your enormous potential to become the leaders of the future. At Zamorano we share a humble pride, and I ask each of you to exemplify that ideal. You are privileged, in the best sense of the word, but with that privilege comes with great responsibility. You must work very hard, applying Zamorano’s two central mottos: WORK CONQUERS ALL and LEARNING BY DOING. You came here to be formed so I advise you to take advantage of your time, comply with the institution’s rules, study, play sports and learn about the cultures of your fellow students.”
During their first week, from January 3rd to the 7th, the first year students received orientation sessions and support from the student guides, in addition to their uniforms and a laptop. They also toured the campus and visited the different installations where they will receive their education over the next four years.
The members of the Class of 2015 have started an unforgettable and life-changing experience. Living on a residential campus with people of different nationalities, beliefs and traditions strengthens young peoples’ respect towards others. For the Salvadoran, Adriana López, these first days on campus have been a challenge because she is learning to be independent and to use her time wisely. This talented young woman says she entered Zamorano because of its reputation for discipline and character formation. “I like the disciplinary system and am impressed with Zamorano’s educational quality and international faculty. I know that in four years I will graduate as a professional with discipline and character. My goal is to graduate from the Food Agroindustry Career because in my country there is a lot of potential in that field.”
During their first two years at Zamorano these young people will attend General Curriculum classes. In their third year they will choose from one of four undergraduate level agricultural engineering careers: Agronomy; Food Agroindustry; Agribusiness Management; and Environment and Development. The young people who enter Zamorano will obtain their undergraduate engineering degree in four years and will quickly be employed in the professional world or continue with their graduate studies.
Seven Decades of Excellence
Zamorano is the gateway to a better future for those seeking personal and professional excellence. During its 70 year history, Zamorano has maintained its 5 mainstays: character and leadership formation; the Learning by Doing philosophy; Panamericanism; entrepreneurship; and academic excellence. These five mainstays distinguish Zamorano from other universities in the world. This year, the university will celebrate seven decades at the service of the Americas, yearly producing competitive and professional leaders.
