Universidade Cândido Mendes

“A university older than Brazil’s independence?” a student pondered aloud, staring up at the Universidade Cândido Mendes. Here, at Praça XV, the weight of over a century of history presses down, yet the spirit of learning remains vibrant. The Universidade Cândido Mendes, founded in 1902 by Count Cândido Mendes de Almeida, predates Brazil’s independence by two decades. It began alongside the Rio de Janeiro Commerce Academy under the umbrella of the Sociedade Brasileira de Instrução. This makes it the oldest private higher education institution in Brazil, a testament to the Count’s dedication. He envisioned affordable education, believing educators shouldn’t exploit the thirst for knowledge. Universidade Cândido Mendes offered a pathway for the lower middle class, the shop attendants and cashiers yearning for a brighter future. The university wasn’t content to just impart existing knowledge. In 1919, they established the Rio de Janeiro School of Political Sciences and Economy, Brazil’s first higher education institution in economics. This marked the beginning of their commitment to research, a cornerstone of their identity. Later, in 1963, they created Brazil’s first private research institute in Social Sciences, solidifying their dedication to pushing the boundaries of knowledge. The Universidade Cândido Mendes expanded its reach over the decades. The law school, established in the 1950s and housed in the historic Convento do Carmo, became a national and international benchmark in legal studies. It pioneered the teaching of forensic practice. During the challenging years of military dictatorship, the university served as a beacon of intellectual freedom, inviting prominent thinkers like Arnold Toynbee and Gunnar Myrdal to engage with Brazilian scholars. This commitment to open dialogue underscored their belief in the transformative power of education. Today, Universidade Cândido Mendes boasts multiple campuses across Rio de Janeiro and beyond. Its legacy of academic excellence continues, shaping future generations of thinkers and leaders. As you stand before this institution, remember the Count’s vision. Education, not as a privilege, but as a right, accessible to all. It’s a vision that continues to resonate within the hallowed halls of the Universidade Cândido Mendes.