News and Events

Manizales (Colombia), 03/03/2026, Cristian Camilo Gutiérrez Restrepo, Rector.- On February 11, 2026, UCM celebrated 72 years of an institution founded by the congregation in 1954 under the leadership of Sister Matilde Robledo Uribe, who was the first Rector of the institution now known as the Catholic University of Manizales.

Since its foundation, UCM has oriented its mission toward the integral formation of the human person through a scientific, humanistic, and Christian approach enlightened by the Gospel, the charism of the congregation, and the Magisterium of the Church. Today, we recognize a University that leads and manages academic life from the educational tradition of the congregation, whose foundation gave rise to a personalizing and liberating pedagogical model that promotes the development of talents and abilities in order to transfer knowledge to society and contribute to social and cultural transformation for the common good, rooted in the lived experience of truth and charity, the source from which our corporate values flow.

Throughout its history, the institution has consolidated an important academic tradition in the fields of health sciences, education, humanities, social sciences, theology, administration, engineering, architecture, and agro-industry. With nearly 3,500 students, 49 academic programs, and a presence in the cities of Barranquilla, Bucaramanga, Cali, Cúcuta, Medellín, Pasto, Pitalito, and Popayán, UCM has overcome its challenges by maintaining co-responsibility and educational commitment, renewing faith in intellectual effort and in the mission of forming global citizens who, following the example of Marie Poussepin, become leaders and builders of a new humanity.

Over these 72 years, more than 40,000 graduates have demonstrated the development of teaching, research, and social outreach processes grounded in universality, quality, innovation, entrepreneurship, and internationalization, responding to society’s challenges with social awareness and ecclesial commitment. Through the performance of its graduates, UCM also celebrates the legacy of the congregation and of the Province of Our Lady of the Presentation, which embodies the transformative and inspiring role of the institution.

Administrative and academic management is strengthened through an institutional effectiveness model that has consolidated a culture of quality through program and institutional accreditation processes, meeting criteria of scientific, ethical, and social relevance within the framework of an institutional development plan that sets the University’s horizon toward 2030. By then, it envisions being recognized as a humanistic and innovative institution which, inspired by its congregational identity, promotes flexible and personalized learning, impactful research, and academic internationalization, supported by sustainable management that transforms individuals, communities, and sectors.

The Catholic University of Manizales is a project of love oriented toward excellence and has provided its educational service in alignment with its University Educational Project, advances in science and technology, and the needs of society, thereby legitimizing relevant education. Today, after 72 years, we remain united as a cohesive and strengthened university community, bound by our adherence to a common purpose and by an educational tradition that we respect and carry in our hearts.

Happy 72nd Anniversary, Universidad Católica de Manizales!