In a context where university dropout rates remain a challenge for thousands of young people in Colombia, a story of generosity emerges from abroad as a beacon of hope. It is the story of mechanical engineer Jorge Buitrago, a graduate of the Universidad Industrial de Santander, whose commitment to his alma mater is transforming the lives of dozens of students in vulnerable situations.
From the United States, Buitrago has established consistent financial support that is already showing tangible results. Between November 2025 and early 2026 alone, his contributions have reached $7,500, following a recent donation of $2,500. This initiative has been coordinated since 2018 by David León Esteban, coordinator of the Institutional Alumni Program, who has led the management of these resources through ASEDUIS.
Direct Impact: Education That Doesn’t Stop
The destination of these funds is not abstract—it has names, faces, and dreams. To date, 45 students have received key support that allows them to continue their academic journeys. Assistance includes access to food—both in university dining halls and external services—as well as coverage of graduation fees, tuition, and nutrition programs.
Programs such as Chemical Engineering, Electronics, Metallurgical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Mathematics, Philosophy, and Social Work have been directly impacted. Beyond the numbers, the real achievement is student retention: young people who, without this support, would likely have been forced to abandon their studies.
A Legacy That Transcends Borders
Buitrago’s impact is not limited to the present. His vision has also left a mark on the institution’s academic future. In 2018, he donated $8,000 to the university’s endowment fund and promoted the creation of the Buitrago Opportunity Graduate Scholarship, a scholarship valued at 90,000 Canadian dollars that enables UIS graduates—especially in Mechanical Engineering—to pursue postgraduate studies at the University of Waterloo.
Initiatives like this not only raise the academic level of beneficiaries but also position UIS on international stages of excellence.
A Multiplier Effect
Today, Jorge Buitrago’s story serves as a call to action. The “Legado UIS” campaign, led by ASEDUIS and the Institutional Alumni Program, aims to replicate this model of solidarity across the global alumni community.
At a time when access to education is still shaped by economic inequality, gestures like this redefine the true meaning of professional success—not merely as an individual achievement, but as an opportunity to transform the lives of others.
The invitation is open. Because, as this case shows, a single decision can change dozens of stories.
To learn how to join this support network and find out more about the campaign, visit
