In 2025, the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara (UAG) proudly celebrated its 90th anniversary, a landmark moment for Mexico’s first private university and one of Latin America’s most respected institutions of higher learning. Since its founding in 1935, UAG has championed academic freedom, innovation, and international collaboration, consistently delivering high-quality education and producing generations of global leaders. Established in 1935, UAG emerged at a pivotal moment in Mexican history, created by visionary educators who sought to provide an alternative to state-controlled education. It quickly became a symbol of intellectual freedom and academic rigor.  

Since its founding, the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara (UAG) has been driven by a powerful mission: to provide high-quality, values-based education that fosters academic freedom, intellectual development, and global citizenship. Its vision is to shape leaders who make a difference locally and globally, through innovation, ethical commitment, and a dedication to lifelong learning.

Over the past nine decades, the university has remained true to its founding mission while expanding its impact locally and globally. Today, UAG boasts over 140,000 alumni and more than 16,000 current students. It offers a wide spectrum of programs, from preschool to doctoral degrees, across fields like medicine, engineering, business, law, and social sciences. UAG’s School of Medicine, in particular, has earned international acclaim for training thousands of physicians, many of whom practice in the United States, Canada, and across Latin America.

90th Anniversary Celebration

In celebration of its 90th anniversary, UAG hosted a series of commemorative events that honored its historic legacy and underscored its continued commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and civic values. The celebrations began with the Rector’s Annual Report, where UAG leadership reflected on accomplishments from 2024 and set forth a bold vision for becoming a globally recognized, values-driven institution by its centennial. Highlights included national recognitions for academic and social responsibility, the strengthening of international partnerships like the one with Arizona State University and CINTANA, and a renewed focus on global impact.

The anniversary celebrations also included cultural, religious, and patriotic events that brought the university community together. A standout was *The Mystery Man* exhibit—an internationally acclaimed display making its debut in the Americas—alongside traditional tributes such as Flag Day and a visit from Our Lady of Zapopan. The university honored its historical roots with a ceremony remembering the Martyrs of Academic Freedom, followed by the *Velada Luctuosa*, which drew more than 8,500 participants and concluded with a multimedia spectacle of drones and lights. Festivities continued with a vibrant open-air celebration and a formal Gala Dinner featuring high-profile guests, musical performances, and official recognitions from the state and private sector.

These events not only celebrated UAG’s legacy of producing more than 145,000 graduates over nine decades but also spotlighted the institution’s evolving leadership under President Antonio Leaño Reyes, who marked 20 years at the helm. From local impact in Jalisco to global educational leadership, UAG’s 90th anniversary serves as a springboard for its future, reaffirming its mission to prepare generations of professionals committed to social transformation and innovation.

Partnership with ASU  

A cornerstone of UAG’s recent success has been its strong emphasis on innovation and global engagement. One of the university’s most significant partnerships is with Arizona State University and Cintana Education. This alliance places UAG among a select network of international institutions connected to one of the most innovative universities in the United States. Through this collaboration, UAG has gained access to ASU’s academic models, curriculum development support, and opportunities for faculty and student exchange.  

The result is a dynamic learning environment enriched by global perspectives, state-of-the-art technology, and forward-thinking pedagogy. “Through our alliance with ASU and Cintana, UAG students benefit from world-class academic experiences that prepare them for success in an increasingly interconnected world,” said Dr. Antonio Leaño Reyes, Rector of UAG. “We are building a future where education transcends borders.” UAG’s commitment to quality has not gone unnoticed.

UAG Student Experiences  

At the heart of UAG’s success are the students, diverse, ambitious, and globally minded. Thanks to the ASU-Cintana partnership, students enjoy a learning experience that blends local context with an international perspective. From hands-on projects and research initiatives to cross-border collaboration and exchange opportunities, UAG has provided students with an educational journey that prepares them for the challenges of tomorrow. Graduates have gone on to make significant contributions in fields such as healthcare, engineering, entrepreneurship, and public service, with many finding opportunities in North America and across Latin America. The student experience at UAG is enriched by its inclusive culture, innovative programs, and commitment to nurturing both professional skills and human values.

Looking Ahead to the Next 90 Years

With investments in sustainability, entrepreneurship, and health sciences, UAG is preparing the next generation to tackle complex challenges with creativity and purpose. As UAG reflects on its 90-year journey, it remains focused on the future. The university is advancing strategic priorities that emphasize innovation, global reach, and societal impact. Plans for expansion include strengthening its research capabilities, deepening industry and academic partnerships, and enhancing digital learning platforms. Moreover, UAG continues to prioritize the values that have guided it since 1935, integrity, freedom of thought, and a deep respect for the role education plays in transforming lives and communities. UAG’s 90th anniversary is more than a milestone, it is a celebration of legacy, leadership, and learning. It’s a testament to what’s possible when vision meets action, and tradition meets innovation. As a proud partner of ASU and Cintana Education, UAG is well-positioned to shape the future of higher education in Mexico and beyond.

Congratulations to Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara on 90 years of excellence. Here’s to the next chapter in a story that continues to inspire.