The Mexican Philosophical Association (AFILOMEX) has awarded Dr. Virginia Aspe Armella, a distinguished academic and researcher at Universidad Panamericana, the Fray Alonso de la Veracruz Medal, the highest distinction recognizing the career and exceptional contributions of a philosopher in Mexico.
For Dr. Aspe, receiving this award is a “special privilege and honor” for three fundamental reasons: first, as recognition of her uninterrupted dedication to philosophy since her years as a student at Universidad Panamericana up to her current academic work; second, for the pride it brings to her faculty and to the university; and third, for the distinction of sharing this recognition with Dr. Carlos Pereda Falache, Emeritus Philosopher at UNAM and 2024 National Prize recipient, whom she considers a mentor and intellectual reference.
An Award that Breaks Paradigms
Dr. Aspe underscores the symbolic value of the award, as it validates the academic excellence of private institutions with Christian inspiration such as Universidad Panamericana: “This distinction demonstrates that philosophical rigor transcends institutional boundaries,” she affirms.
She also stresses that the award not only validates the academic quality of Universidad Panamericana but also helps eliminate prejudices in Mexico’s intellectual circles.
Likewise, she expresses special thanks to AFILOMEX and its president, Dr. Jorge Enrique Linares Salgado, for what she calls “a democratic and dialogical gesture that strengthens the national philosophical community.”
Fray Alonso de la Veracruz: The Relevance of a Humanist Legacy
As an expert on the thought of Fray Alonso de la Veracruz, Dr. Aspe highlights the current relevance of his legacy in three dimensions:
- Defense of Indigenous Rights: The 16th-century Augustinian friar was notable for his critical stance against colonial administration abuses and his fight for tax exemption for native peoples.
- Foundations of Higher Education: As the first official professor at the Royal University of Mexico, he established the curricular foundations for philosophical studies in the Americas.
- Justice and Equity: His legal-philosophical works set precedents for defending the most vulnerable, a theme that remains pertinent in contemporary Mexico.
Universidad Panamericana: The Foundation of a Philosophical Vocation
With more than five decades as part of the Universidad Panamericana community, Dr. Aspe states: “The Panamericana is my home, its members are my family. I have been here since 1974 when I entered to study philosophy. I have witnessed its professionalism and sustained work, from which I have learned a great deal.”
She adds: “What I have received from my university, beyond that example, is support for my research lines, unconditional freedom of action and teaching, high standards, and clear limits for the various activities the university undertakes. At Panamericana, the most important value is sustained work.”
Projects in Perspective
The award-winning philosopher shared that she is currently in a phase of deep reflection on her career, which will lead to the publication of two books synthesizing her pending research.
She also revealed she is working on an academic article on the concept of secularism in the spirituality of Opus Dei, a project she hopes to complete during the 2025–2026 academic year.
Institutional Recognition
Universidad Panamericana takes pride in Dr. Aspe’s achievement, which reflects the institution’s commitment to philosophical excellence and holistic education. This award not only honors the university community but also inspires new generations of thinkers.
“Achievements are the result of coherence between thought and action. When you work with discipline, integrity, and passion, without neglecting human and family dimensions, recognition comes naturally as the fruit of that effort,” concludes Dr. Aspe.
The Fray Alonso de la Veracruz Medal cements Dr. Virginia Aspe Armella’s place as one of the most prominent figures in contemporary Mexican philosophy and reaffirms Universidad Panamericana’s role as a privileged space for the development of critical and humanist thought.
Learn more about our university: https://www.up.edu.mx/sobre-la-universidad-fundamentos-y-valores/
