Mexico City, October 21, 2024. The Universidad Panamericana inaugurated the traveling exhibition The Chemistry of Teaching: an approach to the life of Arturo Álvarez Ramíreza tribute to the career of the distinguished professor, who stands out both for his contribution to the academic field and for his personal life. contribution to the academic field as well as for his personal life full of spirituality and service.
The exhibition was presented at the Mexico City campus, and was conceived as a way to preserve and disseminate the legacy of a man whose life was marked by his dedication to teaching. preserve and disseminate the legacy of a man whose life was marked by his dedication to teaching, chemistry and the training of generations of students.chemistry and the formation of generations of students.
A journey through the life and work of Arturo Álvarez Ramírez
Arturo Álvarez RamírezArturo Álvarez Ramírez, born in 1935 in Zapotlán El Grande, Jalisco, was an outstanding engineer and professor, who left a profound mark in the field of chemistry and higher education in Mexico. outstanding engineer and professor, who left a profound mark in the field of chemistry and higher education in Mexico.. For more than three decades, he taught subjects such as qualitative analysis and inorganic chemistry at the University of Guadalajara, training countless generations of professionals.
In addition to his vocation for teaching, Arturo Álvarez, affectionately known as "El Inge"was known for his links with Opus DeiHe joined Opus Dei in 1974 as an attaché, consolidating a path of spiritual life that accompanied him until his death in 1992. Currently, his canonization process is underway, having formally begun on October 25, 2021.
The traveling exhibition, which will be touring various educational institutions, is organized into three main modules that allow visitors to immerse themselves in the life of Arturo Álvarez from different perspectives.
The first module is biographical in nature and features a compilation of photos, documents and stories that explore his family life, his years as a student and his later role as a teacher at the University of Guadalajara. Here, attendees can learn more about his values and philosophy of lifeas well as his impact on the people around him.
The second module recreates a chemistry laboratorywhich reflects the academic environment where Arturo developed his teaching vocation. Chemistry instruments are exhibited, original writings and equipment that he used in his classes are exhibited, allowing visitors to get a closer idea of his teaching styleThis allows visitors to get a closer idea of his teaching style and the rigor with which he approached his work.
The third module simulates a traditional classroom, with chairs and a blackboard, where the "El Inge" alumni left letters and postcards that evoke their memories and gratitude to the teacher who marked their lives.. In this space you can also appreciate a painting that captures the essence of Alvarez teaching one of his classes, surrounded by his students.
The spiritual and academic legacy of Arturo Álvarez
At the inauguration of the exhibition, the rector of the Universidad Panamericana, Mexico City campus, Dr. Santiago García Álvarez Dr. Santiago García Álvarezdedicated a few words to highlight not only Arturo Alvarez's academic career, but also his spiritual life and his ability to inspire others.
In his speech, Dr. Garcia mentioned the work of Prof. Arthur Brooks Arthur Brooks of Harvard, who argues that happiness at work depends on two elements: finding a purpose and making a positive impact on people.. "Arturo Alvarez personifies these principles. His life and his work show how service to others, and a commitment to education, can endow professional life with deep meaning"said the rector.
The Rector also made reference to St. Josemaría Escriváfounder of Opus Dei, whose teachings had a profound influence on Arturo. "St. Josemaría said that one can find God in a laboratory, and that is what Arturo Álvarez did throughout his life. This exhibition is testimony to how science, faith and teaching can be intertwined to create a lasting legacy."said the rector.
For his part, MBA Antonio Castro D'Franchis MBA Antonio Castro D'FranchisDirector of University Life, thanked Mtro. Pedro López Ortega and the Álvarez family for their support in the development of the exhibition.
He also stressed the value of having role models in university life, both for students and professors. "Carlos Llano used to say that, if you want to acquire knowledge, you have to study.if you want to develop a skill, you have to practice; but if you want to acquire values, you have to imitate them. if you want to acquire values, you have to imitate those who set an example. Arturo Alvarez is that role model," he said.he said,
An exhibition that transcends borders
The Chemistry of Teaching not only seeks to be a tribute to the figure of Arturo Alvarez, but also a means to inspire new generations to follow his example. means to inspire new generations to follow his example.. During its exhibition at the Mexico City campus, from September 30 to October 11, the exhibition was visited by more than 450 people. 450 people, students, teachers and the general public, who had the opportunityThey had the opportunity to learn about the life of a man who dedicated his life to teaching and service to others.
After its visit to Universidad Panamericana, the exhibition continued its tour to other educational institutions in Mexico, carrying with it the message of a man who, through chemistry and teaching, left an indelible mark on higher education in the country.
Learn more about Arturo Álvarez Ramírez here: https://opusdei.org/es-mx/article/arturo-alvarez-mexicano-un-profesor-universitario-con-fama-de-santidad/
