Wondering how a high school transformed into a prestigious university? That is the story of Universidad La Salle. It stands as a beacon of Catholic education in Mexico City. Universidad La Salle is more than just a university. It is a network of 15 campuses across Mexico. It offers education from high school to doctoral degrees.
Universidad La Salle’s story begins in 1962. The Colegio Cristobal Colon relocated to Colonia Condesa. On February 15, the school opened as a high school. Rapid growth led to its transformation into a university by May. Since then, Universidad La Salle has continuously expanded. Today, the main campus has about 10,000 students. Its presence extends throughout Mexico City.
The Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools runs Universidad La Salle. Saint Jean-Baptiste de La Salle founded this institute. He is the patron saint of education. The Lasallian community spans 82 countries across five continents. This makes it the largest educational network in the world.
But who were the people that started it all? In 1905, Brothers Jerbert Alphonse Gibert, Adrien Marie Astruc, Amedee Francois Vincent and Antoinde Claude Carrel came from France. Brother Pedro Celestino Schniedier came from Colombia. Together, they established the La Salle presence in Mexico. They founded schools in Puebla, Toluca, Torreon and Monterrey. The first high school in Mexico City, Colegio Frances De la Salle, opened in 1931.
Universidad La Salle quickly gained recognition. By 1932, the National Autonomous University of Mexico formally recognized the school. In 1938, the Colegio Cristobal Colon was established in Colonia San Rafael.
Universidad La Salle is among Mexico’s top private universities. It ranks high in fields like Architecture, Engineering and Medicine. Its medical school, Facultad Mexicana de Medicina, was founded in 1970. It was Mexico’s first private medical school. Many department heads in the country are La Salle graduates.
Universidad La Salle offers a wide array of programs. These include Architecture, Business Administration and Engineering. Also available are programs such as Medicine, Law and Social Sciences.
The motto of Universidad La Salle is “Indivisa Manent”. This Latin phrase means “Remain Undivided”. This reflects the university’s commitment to unity and excellence. The university’s colors are blue, white and red. Its mascot is the Eagles.
Many notable figures have served as president of Universidad La Salle. These include Dr. Manuel de J. Alvarez Campos and Dr. Lucio Tazzer de Schrijver. The current president is Hno. Jose Francisco Flores Gamio F.S.C.
Whether you are drawn to its beautiful buildings or its academic reputation, Universidad La Salle is a landmark of education and opportunity in Mexico City. It continues to shape future leaders and contribute to the world.