Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara (UAG), a trailblazer in education and a symbol of Jalisco’s global relevance, owes much of its success to its visionary President, Mr. Antonio Leaño Reyes. Governor Enrique Alfaro Ramírez praised Mr. Leaño Reyes during a special ceremony at the Former Congress Venue in the Government Palace of Jalisco, commemorating UAG’s 90th anniversary.
“Antonio Leaño Reyes is a man of vision and deep humanitarian values,” said the Governor. “The UAG, with over 140,000 graduates, has always prioritized the development of individuals who not only excel technically but are also guided by strong values.”
The Governor highlighted the institution’s scale, noting its 16,000 students, 1,200 professors, 54 undergraduate programs, and 64 postgraduate degrees. He credited Mr. Leaño Reyes with steering the university toward academic excellence and positioning it as a hub of innovation, with an ambitious goal of becoming Mexico’s leading university of innovation by its centennial in 2035.
A Legacy of Commitment and Collaboration
Governor Alfaro traced UAG’s origins back to 1935, when Antonio and Ángel Leaño Álvarez del Castillo, alongside Carlos Cuesta Gallardo and other visionary youth, founded the institution to uphold academic freedom and autonomy.
Reflecting on recent collaborations, he commended UAG for its active role in key initiatives, including the Jalisco Tech Hub Act and its contributions to public policy through the Ministry of Social Welfare.
"In shaping Jalisco's future, the UAG has been a pivotal ally, blending tradition with cutting-edge innovation,” he remarked.
Unwavering Support During the Pandemic
A standout moment of partnership was UAG’s crucial support during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Ángel Leaño Hospital, a teaching facility of UAG, became a cornerstone of Jalisco’s health response.
"When our health system was tested, UAG stood as a strategic ally, making its facilities available to save lives," said the Governor. "Together, we saved thousands of lives—a legacy of immeasurable honor."
Celebrating 90 Years of Excellence
Antonio Leaño Reyes, speaking as President, reaffirmed UAG’s commitment to education, innovation, and social responsibility. He paid homage to the university’s founders and past presidents, whose leadership shaped UAG into an internationally recognized institution.
“This recognition honors the idealism, vision, and courage of our founders and the countless individuals who have worked tirelessly over nine decades to make our university a beacon of excellence,” said Mr. Leaño Reyes.
He expressed gratitude to UAG’s graduates, faculty, collaborators, and his family, emphasizing their collective role in building a brighter future for Mexico.
“UAG remains steadfast in its mission to provide world-class education and uphold the principles of academic freedom and truth. As my father, Antonio Leaño Álvarez del Castillo, once said, ‘Mexico’s future will be defined by the quality of its education.’”