Question: What if I told you that the Universidad de Monterrey’s story began with nuns, brothers, and a council? It’s a tale of faith, education, and community intertwined. UDEM, as it’s fondly known, wasn’t just built. It was carefully crafted.
Picture this. It’s 1969. The Second Vatican Council suggests using education to promote Catholic principles. Several religious congregations in Monterrey heed the call. The Daughters of the Immaculate Mary of Guadalupe. The nuns of the Sacred Heart. The Marist Brothers. The La Salle Brothers. All joined forces. Catholic citizens rallied in support.
On July 8, 1969, the state of Nuevo Leon officially recognized UDEM. Classes began on September 8. The university operated across five different locations. Roberto Garza Sada a philanthropist sought educators and land. He bought the campus property. He donated money to start construction. Later, Margarita Garza Sada honored her father. She and Japanese Architect Tadao Ando funded the Centro Roberto Garza Sada for Architecture and Design.
By 1972, UDEM offered 22 majors and 3 baccalaureate programs. Seven academic divisions emerged. These included Arts and Media Sciences. There was also Education. Economics and Law were added. Mathematics and Health Studies were created. Social Studies completed the list. In 1979, Roberto Garza Sada formed an association. Its sole purpose was to acquire land. This land would become UDEM’s main campus.
In 1982, activities began at the Humberto Lobo UDEM high school. The college community center opened in 1998. Mexican President Ernesto Zedillo attended. In 2004, the Rector’s building was completed. It housed dean’s offices and the Center for Information and Student Attention. Student dormitories opened in July 2006. In 2009, Antonio Dieck Assad succeeded Francisco Ascúnaga Guerra as dean.
UDEM’s seal tells its own story. In 2014, the university updated its graphic identity. The seal features the university name and a Latin motto. It reads “Homo Hominis In Ministerio Perficitur.” This translates to “Man is perfected in the service of man.” Mirrored laurels symbolize achievement.
The main UDEM campus is in San Pedro Garza Garcia. It also has four preparatory campuses. There is the San Pedro Campus. The Valle Alto Campus is in Estanzuela. The Fundadores Campus is in Escobedo. The Obispado Campus is in Monterrey. Nursing degrees are offered at Christus Health Muguerza Conchita Hospital.
The Rector’s Building and the CIAA began construction in 2001. It was inaugurated in 2003. Architect Bernardo Hinojosa oversaw the project. The building houses administrative offices. A sculpture called La Serpentina adorns the plaza. Fernando González Gortázar created it. Its red color symbolizes human warmth.
The CCU opened in 1999. Former President Ernesto Zedillo attended. It’s a recreational area with cultural spaces. It houses a chapel, cafeteria, and auditorium.
UDEM’s library system was consolidated in 1987. It operates from the main library. It also has three department libraries. The library holds 222,524 books, videos, and e-books. There is a collection of 408,589 academic journals. The library includes the Colección Xavier Moyssén. It focuses on Mexican Art History.
The Roberto Garza Sada Center is a marvel. Tadao Ando designed it. It’s known as the “Gate of Creation”. It was inaugurated in 2013. The building has concrete and labs for design students. It earned LEED “Silver” certification.
ESTOA opened in 2019. Tatiana Bilbao designed it. It houses student areas and UDEM offices. El Solar includes plazas for community gatherings.
Radio UDEM began broadcasting in 1994. It now transmits over the Internet. The ¡Lánzate! Center promotes leadership. It features challenge courses. UDEM’s Trojan mascot represents its sports teams. The university offers a collection of free online courses. UDEM is accredited by SACS and AACSB.
UDEM’s journey from a council’s recommendation to a leading university is truly inspiring. It continues to shape students. It emphasizes service to others. It promotes academic excellence. It builds a lasting legacy in Monterrey.