Mexico City, July 31, 2025.—The Philosophical Association of Mexico (AFILOMEX) awarded Dr. Virginia Aspe Armella, a distinguished scholar and researcher at the Universidad Panamericana, the Fray Alonso de la Veracruz Medal, the highest honor recognizing the career and exceptional contributions of a philosopher in Mexico.
For Dr. Aspe, receiving this award represents a “special privilege and honor” for three fundamental reasons: first, as recognition of her unwavering dedication to philosophy from her student years at the Universidad Panamericana her current academic work; second, because of the pride it brings to her faculty and to the Universidad Panamericana; and third, because of the distinction of sharing this recognition with Dr. Carlos Pereda Falache, philosopher emeritus at UNAM and recipient of the 2024 National Prize, whom she considers a mentor and intellectual role model.
An award that breaks the mold
Dr. Aspe highlights the symbolic value of the award, as it recognizes the academic excellence of private, Christian-inspired institutions such as the Universidad Panamericana: “This distinction demonstrates that philosophical rigor transcends institutional boundaries,”, she says.
Furthermore, he emphasizes that the award not only validates the academic quality of the Universidad Panamericana but also helps to dispel prejudices within Mexican intellectual circles.
He also extends special thanks to AFILOMEX and its president, Dr. Jorge Enrique Linares Salgado, for this event, which he describes as “a democratic and dialogical gesture that strengthens the national philosophical community”.
Fray Alonso de la Veracruz: The Enduring Relevance of Humanist Thought
As an expert on the thought of Fray Alonso de la Veracruz, Dr. Aspe highlights the relevance of his legacy in three ways:
- Defense of Indigenous Rights: This 16th-century Augustinian friar was known for his critical stance against the abuses of the colonial administration and his fight for tax exemptions for Indigenous peoples.
- Foundations of higher education: As the first official professor at the Royal University of Mexico, he laid the curricular foundations for the study of philosophy in the Americas.
Justice and equity: his legal and philosophical works set precedents in the defense of the most vulnerable, an issue that remains relevant in contemporary Mexico.
The Pan-American Highway: The Foundation of a Philosophical Vocation
With more than five decades as a member of the Universidad Panamericana community, Dr. Aspe says: “The Panamericana is my home; its members are my family. I’ve been here since 1974, when I began studying philosophy. I’ve witnessed their professionalism and sustained work, from which I’ve learned a great deal”.
He adds: “What I have received from my university, in addition to that example, is support for my research interests, unconditional freedom of action and academic autonomy, high standards, and a clear definition of boundaries within the various activities carried out by the university. At the Panamericana, the most important value is sustained work.”
Upcoming Projects
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 that will synthesize her ongoing research.
He also mentioned that he is working on an academic article about the concept of secularism in the spirituality of Opus Dei, a project he hopes to complete during the 2025–2026 academic year.
Institutional Recognition
The Universidad Panamericana is proud of Dr. Aspe’s achievement, which reflects the institution’s commitment to philosophical excellence and a well-rounded education. This award not only honors our community but also inspires new generations of thinkers.
“Achievements are the result of consistency between thought and action. When you work with discipline, integrity, and passion, without neglecting the human and family aspects, recognition comes as a natural result of that effort”, concludes Dr. Aspe.
The Fray Alonso de la Veracruz Medal establishes Dr. Virginia Aspe Armella as one of the most prominent figures in contemporary Mexican philosophy and reaffirms the role of the Universidad Panamericana a premier institution for the development of critical and humanistic thought.
Learn more about our university at: https://www.up.edu.mx/sobre-la-universidad-fundamentos-y-valores/
