subject: The National Autonomous University Of Mexico [print this page] Under the direction of then-President Porfirio, the Minister of Eduction founded the National Autonomous University of Mexico (NAUM) on September 22nd 1910. The institution it replaced had been closed for some time, but in an effort to step away from its inaccurate and decidedly Catholic roots, the Porfirio regime did not revive the old school. Instead the goal was to form a university that was secular, appropriate for the entire nation, serve as an example of higher education and promote Mexican liberalism. The concept was apparently successful, as NUAM has expanded to open campuses all over the globe and has some of the world's most respected scholars among its alumni.
Forty faculties make up the main campus in Mexico City, and included among them is a cultural center, ecological reserve, and several museums; the area is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Central Library is easily spotted from a distance. The entire seven story facade is inlaid with an intricate tile mosaic that is striking to say the least. Satellite campuses of NAUM are located in several Canadian and American cities such as Gatineau, Quebec and San Antonio Texas.
NAUM is a premiere research institution attracting scientists from Russia, India, the US and Canada, and Mexico continues to maintain its status of being a leader in research worldwide. For example, research in astrophysics and chemistry led by two students at NAUM resulted in the very important discovery of an increasingly depleted ozone layer. The design and construction of the world's largest, and most sensitive single-aperture telescope (located on Sierra Negra) is being worked on by students of the institute's astronomy department.
Dozens of prominent scholars have graced the campuses of NAUM, from heads of state to sport icons to political activists. Five Presidents of Mexico went to the university, as well as one President of Costa Rica. Some alumni now live in Russia, France, Lebanon, and New Zealand, as they now work as international ambassadors who represent Mexico. One graduate from NAUM includes Nobel Peace Prize laureate Alfonso Garcia Robles.
To produce world-class graduates, a good university needs world-class faculty. One member of the NAUM faculty was the first Mexican astronaut in space, Rodolfo Neri Vela. The word 'Mesoamerica' was coined by the founder of the National School of Anthropology and History at NAUM, and he continued to do research there until he passed away in 1972. This last name may be of someone who has passed on, but his accomplishments at NAUM illustrate just how long the university has been on the world stage of higher education.
by: Robert Nickel
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