A new chapter in the history of the UM
Universidad de Mendoza The University of Montevideo (UM) gathered for a day of profound institutional significance to celebrate the Rector's Transfer of Power ceremony. This ceremony brought together the university community to acknowledge the completed administration's work and to look forward to future renewal.
The solemn ceremony was attended by prominent provincial and municipal authorities, representatives from various public and private universities in Mendoza, and numerous local figures. Also present for this momentous occasion were leading figures from the academic community, members of the Armed Forces, the diplomatic corps, and representatives from Veterans Associations.Malvinas Representatives from Mendoza, professional associations, and the business sector offered their support to the institution in this new stage.
The meeting symbolized the incorporation of the new democratically elected authorities, where the new Rector was formally proclaimed. Universidad de Mendoza.
Profile of Dr. Engineer Alfredo A. Iglesias, Rector of the Universidad de Mendoza (2026 - 2030)
The beginning of a vocation. At this pivotal moment in the institutional life of the Universidad de MendozaWe must go back to the roots of a career marked by dedication, excellence, and commitment. Dr. Alfredo A. Iglesias, born in Mendoza in 1958, began his academic journey in the classrooms of this institution, graduating as an Electronics and Electrical Engineer in 1985 from the School of Engineering.
Experience in the industry and continuous training. His integrative vision led him to combine academic rigor with professional practice early on. For decades, he left his mark on the private sector, leading cutting-edge technological projects in companies such as TECNEL, ENVIROCONTROL, and COARPRO. From the development of dynamic weighing systems for the National Highway Authority to complex protocol converters for the energy industry, his technical work was always characterized by innovation.
Teacher consolidation and academic commitment. It is commendable to highlight his great dedication to the transmission of knowledge, demonstrated throughout his career as a teacher—from his beginnings as a teaching assistant at our institution to becoming a Full Professor—in the departments of Programming and Operating Systems and Compilers. In 2001, he obtained the title of Specialist in University Teaching; in 2005, the title of Master in University Teaching and Management, achieving the highest academic distinction: his Doctorate in Engineering in 2019.
Leadership in Management and Excellence in Research. Institutional management complements his professional experience as a cornerstone of his career. For a decade, beginning in 2000, he served as Academic Secretary of the School of Engineering. In 2010, he assumed the deanship of that academic unit, a position he held with distinction and strategic vision until 2024. In 2021, the Honorable Superior Council of the University of Montevideo recognized his dedication and commitment by appointing him Vice-Rector. Simultaneously, his work as a researcher connected him to nationally significant projects, such as the SARAT2nd Radar for CONAE (National Commission for Space Activities).
With over 35 years of experience dedicated to teaching, research, and university administration, Engineer Iglesias has proven himself a true institution, whose life reflects the values of our University. Today, with the strength that experience and knowledge provide, he assumes the challenge of guiding the future of the Universidad de Mendoza as its Rector.
Recognition of the new authorities of the Honorable Superior Council
Within the framework of this institutional renewal, recognition was given to those who have been elected to join the Honorable Superior Council of the Universidad de Mendozawhose appointment expresses the confidence of the academic community. The respective diplomas were presented by the Rector, accompanied by the Deans of each Academic Unit, recognizing:
- Members elected by the School of Law and Social Sciences (FCJyS), accompanied by their Dean, Dr. Diego Carbonell.
- Members elected by the School of Architecture, Urban Planning and Design (FAUD), accompanied by their Dean, Master Architect Sebastián Serrani.
- Members elected by the School of Engineering (FI), accompanied by their Dean, Mr. Osvaldo Marianetti.
- Members elected by the School of Health Sciences (FCS), accompanied by their Dean, Mr. Ignacio Vázquez Viera.
- Members elected by the School of Economic Sciences (FCE), accompanied by their Vice Dean, Ms. Miriam Silvia Menghini.
- Members elected by the School of Medical Sciences (FCM), accompanied by their Dean, Dr. Francisco Cutroni.
As a highlight of this event, in accordance with the wishes expressed by its academic community, the diploma certifying the Re-election of the Dean of the School of Medical Sciences, Dr. Francisco CutroniThe renewal of his mandate is a clear testament to the confidence in the continuity of his academic and institutional development project.
The emotional farewell message from Dr. Eduardo Luna
Following the constitution of the Academic Board, the outgoing rector, Dr. Eduardo LunaHe addressed the university community to deliver his farewell message. His speech is reproduced in full below:
"Today my responsibilities as Rector of this beloved University come to an end. Eight years have passed since I assumed these duties, and the day has arrived when the saying 'all that is temporary is finite' rings true. Therefore, with your permission, I will dedicate a few minutes of this formal ceremony to share my feelings in these final moments as Rector. I will not hide from you that this event holds a very special meaning for me."
I am experiencing a moment of profound emotion. Hundreds of memories flood back to me of my time at this beloved University, where I began as a student, a young man full of questions and hopes, and where, step by step, I earned my undergraduate and then postgraduate degrees, taught, and held various administrative positions, culminating in my role as Rector of this institution for the periods 2018-2022 and 2022-2025. I have nothing but gratitude for the Universidad de Mendoza everything he gave me.
Looking back, I cannot forget the professors who helped shape me professionally and instilled in me democratic and republican principles, which I have tried to pass on and which have been pillars of my administration. I also remember the various staff members whose productive work contributed to the development and growth of this institution, the support staff, and the students who have passed through our classrooms over the years, and I hold a very special place in my heart for my fellow students.
It has truly been an honor to serve our University, and I am grateful for all the support and collaboration I have received, which allowed me to work towards achieving goals that contributed to its growth. I have been a fortunate man; I have learned a great deal over these many years, but what has been most enriching is having shared this role with so many people like yourselves and, above all, having made lifelong friends.
These have been two terms as rector, probably during one of the most difficult periods we have faced globally. Shortly after I began my term, the COVID-19 pandemic began, forcing us to close the University's doors. We learned to manage and teach online, and I want to highlight the effort and dedication of administrators and faculty in carrying out their duties under these conditions. Once we overcame the pandemic, we were affected by the negative consequences of the policies implemented by the national governments of the time, which impacted all areas of the university. However, even in that situation, we managed to overcome the challenges.
Today, having overcome those difficult times, we have every reason to be proud. Proud because, while it is true that progress is very difficult during times of crisis, it is not impossible. And our actions prove it. We have seen our university grow steadily in various aspects. Enrollment has increased considerably, leading to a significant improvement in our financial situation, which has boosted our hopes for growth. As a result, we have been able to largely meet equipment requirements, carry out necessary projects on all campuses, and implement a salary recovery plan for faculty, administrative, and support staff.
Academically, we have made a quantitative and qualitative leap, placing our University in a prominent position within the provincial, national, and international university landscape. The development achieved across our three campuses is the result of the hard work and dedication with which faculty and administrators carry out this educational project, which is the Universidad de MendozaWe carry out a participatory and multidimensional management, which led us to have an active involvement in the various activities that the universities in the area develop jointly, such as the RADU (Andean Network of Universities) and the Inter-University Observatory Question Malvinas from Mendoza, which allowed us to strengthen ties with all of them and develop various academic, research and outreach activities.
We have also participated in the promotion and dissemination of our educational offerings through the Educational Expos that have taken place in the City of Mendoza, San Rafael y Río CuartoI cannot forget that we continue to promote the internationalization of our University through agreements with various universities around the world, both for undergraduate and postgraduate studies, which allowed us to achieve greater development in the exchange of students, teachers and administrative staff, who enriched their training with studies carried out in foreign universities.
The growth and complexity of our institution, coupled with the need to maintain its relevance, prosperity, and modernity, led us to reconsider our management practices based on these fundamental principles: participation, freedom, and decentralization, with close collaboration between academic units and the Rector's Office. Managing the University under these conditions fostered greater commitment, responsibility, and multidimensional leadership among authorities and administrators. Thus, guiding the University during this period, through dialogue and the freedom to manage, express opinions, and propose measures on fundamental issues of common interest, allowed us to achieve the University we all envisioned. This greatly facilitated management from the Rector's Office and within each academic unit. For this, I am deeply grateful to the Vice-Rectors, Deans, General Secretaries, administrators, and all other staff members who supported and believed in this project over these past eight years.
I cannot finish my remarks without mentioning and highlighting ETEC, the Technical College of the Universidad de MendozaA true source of pride for our institution, due to its academic excellence, its achievements, and the important work carried out by its leadership in bringing this magnificent project to fruition. My congratulations to all the administrators, secretaries, teachers, and support staff.
My duties as Rector have come to an end, and my state of mind is one of absolute tranquility. It is the feeling of having given all that I could for our beloved University, of having dedicated many years of my life to its development and growth. But I feel that there is still much to be done; the task is not finished. However, I am certain that those who succeed us in the future will open the memorable pages written throughout the history of this University and will continue the work left by its founder, Dr. Emilio Descotte.
Signing of the rector's transfer
Following this, the Resolution proclaiming Dr. Alfredo Iglesias as Rector of the University was read aloud. Universidad de Mendoza for the corresponding period.
Pursuant to the provisions of said Resolution, the formal act of transfer of command and signing of the corresponding Act took place.
Heartfelt words from the new Rector, Dr. Eng. Alfredo Iglesias
The brand new representative of the Universidad de Mendoza He addressed the large audience, comprised largely of members of the UM community, who joined in this important institutional moment. In several key passages of his speech, he emphasized the importance of humanizing all aspects of university life, both academic and administrative, and stressed the need for the continuous pursuit of peace in a world increasingly yearning for it.
He ended his message with some wise words from Lao Tzu - thanking his daughter for having given them to him:
“Be humble and you will remain whole, bow down and you will remain upright. Empty yourself and you will remain full, be consumed and you will be renewed. He who has little will receive much, and he who has much will be troubled. Therefore, the wise embrace humility. The wise do not show off, and therefore they stand out; they do not assert themselves, and therefore they shine; they do not boast, and therefore they gain recognition; they do not attach importance to themselves, and therefore their work endures. Because they do not compete, no one in the world can compete with them. Be humble and you will remain whole… Without a doubt, this is the path that leads to fulfillment.”
Closing of the ceremony
In recognition of their outstanding work and commitment to strengthening the Universidad de MendozaThe newly appointed Rector, Dr. Eng. Alfredo Iglesias, presented a commemorative gift to Dr. Eduardo LunaAfter the formal handover ceremony and the signing of the corresponding document, Dr. Luna also presented a gift to the new Rector.
The event, which marked the beginning of a new stage for the institution guided by "firmness in principles and permanent commitment", culminated with an invitation to all those present to participate in a toast of honor in the Favaloro Classroom of the FCM.






















