On March 3, 1935, in a Mexico marked by ideological tensions and increasing state intervention in education, the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara (UAG) was founded. In a context where the Mexican government sought to replace universities with socialist institutes and suppress academic freedom, a group of young students, led by Carlos Cuesta Gallardo and the brothers Ángel and Antonio Leaño Álvarez del Castillo, courageously rose against this imposition.

Supported by university professors and a significant part of Guadalajara's society, these young leaders defended the principles of academic freedom and university autonomy, laying the foundation for an institution committed to critical thinking and academic development. That same day, a historic demonstration in downtown Guadalajara led the authorities to approve the creation of this new university, a symbol of intellectual resistance and social commitment.

Initially known as the Universidad Autónoma de Occidente, the institution appointed Lic. Agustín Navarro Flores as its first rector. During his tenure, the first faculties were established. On May 5, 1935, Lic. Alberto G. Arce was appointed Director of the School of Jurisprudence; on May 15, Drs. Adolfo Saucedo and Esteban Cueva Brambila assumed the roles of Director and Secretary of the School of Medicine. They were joined by Dr. Agustín Hernández in Dentistry, Engineer Luis Ugarte in Engineering, and Professor María Villanueva in the Preparatory School.

The initial tasks were monumental: finding and leasing facilities, establishing academic programs, organizing a faculty, and managing student enrollment. All of this was accomplished in just a few months while processing the official incorporation of studies with the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). The founders’ commitment was unwavering, as was the legal support that endorsed the first degrees issued by UAG.