UArizona delegation visits the UA Lima microcampus at Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas

In late February, a delegation of University of Arizona representatives traveled to Lima, Peru to visit UArizona microcampus partner Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas (UPC). Vice President for Arizona International and Dean of International Education Dr. Jenny Lee, Assistant Vice President for Mexico and Latin American Affairs Justin Dutram, and Director for Latin American Programs Lissette Calderón had the opportunity to attend the graduation ceremony of the third cohort of dual degree graduates from UPC, greet the newest cohort of microcampus students, and attend an alumni reception.

The trip commenced with a morning tour of the UPC Monterrico campus and a series of key meetings with UPC leadership to solidify the partnership and discuss a variety of disciplines, including engineering, business, psychology, and architecture.

Prior to the graduation ceremony, delegates enjoyed a Welcome Reception and Faculty & Admin Appreciation lunch featuring remarks from UPC’s Rector Edward Roekaert and Dr. Lee, expressing their appreciation for the faculty and staff at both institutions. That evening, Dr. Lee, alongside cheering UArizona representatives, congratulated the graduating class of 2023, the third cohort of dual degree students.

The second day the delegation returned to the Monterrico Campus to welcome cohort 5 to orientation. This session started with warm greetings from Rector Roekaert and Dr. Lee extended a warm reception to the incoming Wildcat class and highlighted the exceptional opportunity they have been afforded to pursue a dual degree.

“Please know that you are a part of a very special, very exclusive, and elite group,” said Dr. Lee. “I hope you feel very proud of being both binational and having a binational degree, but also being part of this very special experience.”

During the orientation, students got an opportunity to interact with department heads, advisors, and administrators. The day ended with lunch at Rosa Nautica, offering an opportunity to continue networking.

On the final day, the delegation engaged in discussions about global studies, civil engineering, and business programs, solidifying plans for future collaborations.

The visit concluded with the first UArizona alumni meet-up in Lima. The Alumni Reception was held at the Gallery, where Dean Lori Poloni-Staudinger and Dean Ursula Freundt-Thurne gave welcome remarks and Assistant Vice President for Mexico and

Latin American Affairs Justin Dutram served as master of ceremonies. Over 60 alumni from the UArizona-UPC dual degree programs attended the event. The delegation expressed gratitude for the warm reception and hospitality extended by UPC.

This visit laid a strong foundation for continued academic cooperation between the University of Arizona and Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas.