Mexico City, October 3, 2025.– In a moving and solemn academic ceremony, the Law School of the National Autonomous University of Mexico ( Universidad Panamericana ) celebrated its 55th anniversary, a milestone that reflects more than half a century of training legal professionals with solid knowledge, integrity, and a deep sense of ethics in the service of society.
The ceremony, held in an atmosphere of pride and community, brought together university officials, faculty members, alumni, students, and family members, who witnessed an event that honored both the faculty’s historical legacy and its vision for the future.
A 55-Year Legacy: Training Scientists in the Field of Justice
Dr. Fernando Batista Jiménez, dean of the School of Law, was tasked with recounting the institution’s history, paying tribute to the visionary legal scholars who, 55 years ago, founded this institution with the clear purpose of “teach and live the law not as a mere set of rules, but as a practical science oriented toward justice and in service of the human person.”
He emphasized that, over the course of these decades, the school has successfully balanced tradition with innovation, updating its curricula to meet the demands of each era. He also announced a new curriculum reform for 2025, based on five strategic pillars:
- A Christian View of the Person:At the Heart of the Educational Project.
- A traditional legal education:with a solid curriculum in the early years.
- Flexibility and specialization:allowing students to delve deeper into specific areas.
- Internationalization:through dual-degree programs and a focus on the global legal system.
- Interdisciplinarity:Fostering Dialogue Between Law and Other Sciences.
“Our goal is not merely to train lawyers; it is to prepare legal scholars,”, said Dr. Batista.
Lifetime Achievement Awards
During the event, the “Alfonso X the Wise” Award was presented to faculty members in recognition of their careers and dedication to service. The awards were given in three categories:
- Silver Medal:for professors with 15 or more years of teaching experience.
- Antigua Gold Medal:for those with more than 30 years of academic service.
- Primaria Gold Medal:for those who have been teaching for more than 40 years.
This tribute highlighted the invaluable role of teachers as transmitters not only of knowledge, but also of wisdom and life experiences.
The ceremony also included the formal conferral of doctoral caps on the new graduates of the doctoral program, a symbol that certifies them as Doctors of Law from the Universidad Panamericana. This event marks the culmination of years of original research and welcomes them into the community of scholars and researchers, with the responsibility to contribute to knowledge and serve society.
Tribute to Dr. José Antonio Lozano Díez
As a gesture of deep gratitude, the official portrait of Dr. José Antonio Lozano Díez, who served as Dean of the School of Law from 2003 to 2014, was unveiled.
Recognized as a “visionary jurist” and a “cornerstone” in the consolidation of the school, his legacy was highlighted for his role in the creation of Ciudad Panamericana, the university’s coat of arms, and his tireless efforts to raise the standard of research and cultural life at the institution.
When he took the floor, Dr. Lozano emphasized that the essence and enduring nature of an institution can only be understood through its transcendent purpose.
He also stated that the faculty’s mission has always been to educate people with sound judgment, guiding them by principles that go beyond mere rules so they can respond to the country’s historic moments. “Institutions, just like people, have—and can only be understood through—a sense of purpose,”, he said.
The Future of the Law School and the Essence of the UP
Finally, Dr. Santiago García Álvarez, rector of the Mexico City Campus, and Dr. Fernanda Llergo Bay, President of the UP-IPADE system, highlighted in their remarks the fundamental role of the university in a changing world.
Dr. Llergo emphasized that the university’s deepest value lies in the wisdom that professors pass on to students, which goes beyond technical knowledge and is forged over time and through experience.
He emphasized that this human legacy is irreplaceable and essential for serving a country that needs them. “Wisdom is cultivated, and, like fine wine, it needs time to mature,”, he said.
Meanwhile, Dr. García reflected on the unique challenge universities face in the era of artificial intelligence: creating environments of “fertility” where people can flourish in every way. He emphasized that true education requires a passionate human element that technology cannot provide.
“Artificial intelligence cannot produce teachers who are passionate about their calling, nor can it create an environment where everyone can thrive in a holistic way,”, the university president noted.
55 Years of History and the Future
Founded in 1970, our university’s School of Law is celebrating its 55th anniversary while remaining true to its original commitment: to train legal professionals with a deep sense of ethics and a comprehensive vision based on the pursuit of truth. This mission has been reinforced through 71 graduating classes of undergraduate students and a pioneering graduate program that, since 1979, has produced more than 15,000 professionals.
Today, the School reaffirms its leadership with a robust academic program that includes eight master’s degrees and three specializations, backed by accreditations from recognized organizations such as COPAES and CONAED.
This prestige is underpinned by an outstanding faculty, international dual-degree programs, innovative professional internships, and a vibrant alumni community that serves as a model in the national legal arena, bringing a 55-year history of training Mexico’s legal leaders to a fitting conclusion .
Learn more about our School of Law at: https://www.up.edu.mx/educacion-universidad-facultad-de-derecho/
