Applause, tears of joy, family embraces, and the pride reflected on every face marked the graduation ceremonies held on July 8 and 9 at the Universidad Industrial de Santander (UIS), where more than one thousand students saw the dream they had worked toward for years finally become a reality.
A total of 1,003 graduates received their undergraduate and graduate degrees during the four ceremonies organized by the University. Of these, 550 were men and 453 were women, representing the faculties of Health, Physical-Mechanical Engineering, Physical-Chemical Engineering, Sciences, Human Sciences, and the Instituto de Proyección Regional y Educación a Distancia (IPRED).
In addition to celebrating the completion of this academic milestone, the ceremonies recognized the effort and excellence of those who earned the Cum Laude and Summa Cum Laude distinctions, reflecting outstanding academic performance throughout their time at the University.
During one of the graduation ceremonies, engineer Reymarx Gereda, a UIS Systems Engineering graduate, recipient of the Summa Cum Laude distinction, and holder of a Master’s degree in Computer Science from Universidad de Los Andes, whose career is an example of excellence, dedication, and passion for knowledge, shared a message with the graduates. He currently works for globally recognized companies such as Microsoft.
“UIS did not give us an instruction manual for the future, but it did give us the ability to face challenges and learn how to take risks.”
Meanwhile, during the graduation ceremony of the Faculty of Health, Julie Melissa Mogollón, a medical graduate from UIS, shared an inspiring message with the new generation:
“Medicine is not perfect and does not always produce the desired results. It teaches us that we will not always be able to cure, but we will always be able to improve lives. Having the opportunity to always be there for people is one of the rewards that makes this profession worthwhile. Enjoy the journey, because medicine offers wonderful experiences.”
A doctoral graduate who encourages others to believe in their dreams
One of the graduates was Juan Carlos Orozco, who received his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering.
“It is a great honor. I have so much to thank UIS and the schools that were part of my education for. This University contributed enormously to my research career and shaped me as a leader and researcher,” he said.
The new doctoral graduate emphasized that this achievement is not the end of the journey, but the beginning of new challenges. He encouraged students to believe in their abilities and keep their curiosity alive.
“Believe in yourselves, never stop asking questions, and let your passion for learning always lead you to new challenges.”
The effort that became Cum Laude
During the ceremony, Bramdon Andrés Afanador Puentes was also recognized after graduating as a Chemical Engineer with the Cum Laude distinction for his outstanding academic performance.
“I feel very proud and grateful to the University for giving me the tools to achieve this dream. This accomplishment also belongs to my family and friends, who supported me throughout the entire process,” he said.
For Bramdon, becoming a UIS graduate represents one of the greatest achievements of his life.
“Being UIS is the greatest. It has been my dream since the day I entered the University, and today it has come true.”
Finally, he shared a message with those beginning their professional education:
“Never give up. Even when the road seems difficult, with effort, discipline, and dedication, it is possible to achieve any goal.”
Juan Manuel Rodríguez Sarmiento, an Electrical Engineer, was the only Summa Cum Laude graduate among all the graduation ceremonies. His academic excellence became a source of inspiration and pride for the entire university community.
With these ceremonies, the Universidad Industrial de Santander (UIS) not only awarded professional degrees but also celebrated stories of perseverance, excellence, and transformation that will continue to unfold in academic, scientific, and professional settings.
