Zapopan, Jalisco; November 11.—The Universidad Panamericana of Universidad Panamericana community Universidad Panamericana forces to promote social change through the first edition of Giving Day, which took place simultaneously at its three campuses in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Aguascalientes
At the Guadalajara campus, the university community raised 250,000 pesos, which will be used to provide education and training to teenagers aged 15 to 17 living in DIF Zapopan group homes, through workshops and activities designed to support their personal and professional development.
To live to serve
Giving Day began with the lecture The Power of Service, delivered by Michelle Greicha, president of DIF Zapopan, who inspired attendees with a message about the importance of education as a tool for transformation and social progress. “Generosity is not giving what we have left over, but giving of oneself with joy,”, she said, quoting Pope Francis.
The president of DIF Zapopan urged the audience to use their talents and resources to help others. She cited the example of Ilse, founder of Horneando Sonrisas, who organizes personalized birthday parties for children in shelters, demonstrating that “this is the kind of help this country needs”. She also shared the story of Karina, a young woman who, thanks to a job opportunity and support, transformed her life
To wrap up her remarks, Michelle Greicha encouraged the audience to find a cause that inspires them and to remain committed to it consistently, not just on special occasions. She concluded by saying that “when you have a purpose to serve, you aren’t distracted by the superficial things the world offers” and that “the only way to find oneself is through the eyes of another”.
Education as a driver of change
The day continued with the panel discussion The Impact of Education on Social Transformation, featuring Dr. Abraham Mendoza Andrade, president of the Universidad Panamericana Guadalajara Universidad Panamericana ; Karla Segura, director of DIF Zapopan; and Michelle Greicha, president of DIF Zapopan, moderated by Dr. Daniela Salgado.
Dr. Abraham Mendoza Andrade addressed the social responsibility of higher education and emphasized the university’s mission: “We must not lose sight of the fact that our students, faculty, and community members are here with a clear purpose: to prepare ourselves and train better professionals, who are so desperately needed in Mexico, because, although it may sound like a cliché, education will continue to be the engine of social transformation in the country.”
He also called for individual and collective action: “I want to invite all of you to ask ourselves what it is that we can all do on a daily basis”, the rector emphasized, highlighting the importance of each person actively contributing to change within their own sphere.
The speakers agreed that quality education not only imparts knowledge but also strengthens identity, human relationships, and civic engagement.
A closure with a purpose
The event concluded with the Dinner for a Cause, where sponsors such as AGA, QIN, Starbucks, Güich, Casa Caramelo, and Nio Nio, QIN , Gastronómica Gómez, Cafetería UP, Güich, Jhon and de Fruit, Nio Nio, Casa Caramelo, Oxigenia, Limón y Chía, Nessu, and Starbucks, donated food and beverages to support the cause.
With the participation of partner brands such as Tucané, Marfil, Subaru GDL, CRAX Estudio Creativo, Deportes UP, Punto Forza, Avantra, and AMPM, and thanks to the community’s enthusiasm, the Universidad Panamericana the Giving Day as a benchmark for university philanthropy, reaffirming its mission to actively contribute to a more just, compassionate, and humane Mexico.
Learn more about the principles and values of the Universidad Panamericana : https://www.up.edu.mx/sobre-la-universidad-fundamentos-y-valores/
