During the commemoration of the School of Chemistry’s 55th anniversary, professors, students, and alumni gathered to honor the history and legacy of the academic program.
The School of Chemistry was founded in 1970 in response to the national need to strengthen science and research. Over the decades, it has evolved from its first laboratories to consolidate accredited programs, research groups of excellence, and partnerships with national and international institutions. Its history is the sum of the tireless work of teachers, students, and administrators who have built a solid legacy for the University and the region.
In his welcoming remarks, Professor Julio Roberto Pinzón Joya, director of the School of Chemistry, emphasized that “the UIS is the second institution in the country that is graduating the most chemists. My dream is for us to be the most important school in the country. Young students and professors, you are the future of this school.”
During his speech, Professor Gilberto Arenas Díaz, dean of the Faculty of Sciences, emphasized that “beyond training professionals, the School of Chemistry has built a solid research experience. Its research centers and groups have promoted the institution’s relationship with the industrial and pharmaceutical sectors and have facilitated its international projection.”
For his part, Dr. Cristian Blanco, professor at the School of Chemistry and Vice-Rector for Research and Extension at UIS, expressed his pride in commemorating the program’s 55th anniversary: “I trained at this institution; thanks to this profession, I have fond memories and today I feel gratitude towards my teachers, classmates, and colleagues. The University allowed me to develop our life projects. Today we commemorate 55 years of a very dynamic program with a bright future and great challenges in Santander. The School of Chemistry has been a fundamental pillar in the generation of knowledge, the consolidation of high-impact research groups, and the training of human talent for science.”
Currently, the School of Chemistry has 14 research units, study centers, research centers, groups, seedbeds, and laboratories.
As part of the celebration, the School recognized 12 professors—both current and retired—and an administrative staff member whose dedication, vocation, and commitment have profoundly marked the institution’s history. Their tireless work, academic and human contributions, and example of service left their mark on generations of students and on the strengthening of the School. On this anniversary, the institution expressed its gratitude and admiration.
The presence of Professor Edgar Páez, one of the founders of the School, filled the gathering with emotion. His arrival was greeted with warm applause and hugs full of gratitude, in recognition of his legacy and the years of dedication that brought this story to life.
