“Casa abierta al tiempo,” a voice echoes, translating the motto of Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Unidad Azcapotzalco. It means “House open to time.” But what stories does this house hold within its walls? Established on November 11, 1974, by decree of President Luis Echeverría, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Unidad Azcapotzalco emerged as a beacon of knowledge. Its creation was a direct response to the burgeoning demand for public higher education in a rapidly expanding Mexico City. The sprawling metropolis was undergoing significant demographic shifts, a process of conurbation that began in the 1940s. The university’s placement in the outlying borough of Azcapotzalco was a deliberate choice, aimed at serving the peripheral communities. Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Unidad Azcapotzalco, along with its sister campuses in Xochimilco and Iztapalapa, were the first three branches established.
Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Unidad Azcapotzalco isn’t just a center for undergraduate studies. It also boasts a robust graduate program. Within its walls, aspiring engineers can delve into environmental, civil, computer, electrical, electronics, and mechanical engineering. The campus even offers specialized programs in fields like engineering physics and metallurgical engineering. The university also caters to a wide range of interests. It offers degrees in everything from social sciences and humanities to design sciences and arts. As of 2017, there were 22 graduate programs available. Imagine pursuing a Master’s in Metropolitan Planning and Policies, grappling with the complexities of a megacity like Mexico City. Or picture yourself immersed in the Graduate Studies in Information Design and Visualization, shaping the way information is conveyed in our digital age.
Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Unidad Azcapotzalco is more than just bricks and mortar. It is a living testament to the power of education. It has nurtured the minds of influential figures. Individuals like Rafael Tovar y de Teresa, a prominent diplomat, lawyer, and historian. He served as Mexico’s ambassador to Italy and later as the president of CONACULTA and Secretary of Culture. The university also proudly claims Rubén Albarrán, the frontman of the iconic rock band Café Tacvba, among its alumni. The campus is also known for its distinctive mascot, the Black Panthers. This symbol represents the university’s athletic spirit. Specifically, it recalls the university’s American football team, a force in the Mexican league until its disbandment in 2003.
Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Unidad Azcapotzalco continues to evolve. It adapts to the ever-changing demands of the 21st century. It stands as a testament to Mexico’s commitment to providing accessible and high-quality education. So, as you stand before this “House open to time,” remember that you’re not just looking at a building. You are witnessing a vibrant hub of knowledge, shaping the future of Mexico, one student, one discovery, one idea at a time.