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A Legacy
that Transcends Generations
For 90 years, the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara has been much more than an educational institution; it has been a symbol of hope, a driver of change, and a beacon of excellence that has illuminated the path for thousands of students and professionals.
With every classroom opened, every successful graduate, and every innovative project, UAG has built a legacy that transcends borders. Since its foundation, it has fostered solid values, driven knowledge with passion, and created an impact that resonates not only in Mexico but across the world.
Every step taken, every achievement reached, and every life transformed stand as a living testament to UAG's unwavering commitment to education, society, and global well-being.
Lic. Antonio Leaño Alvarez Del Castillo - Founder
Rectors Throughout History
Lic. Agustín Navarro Flores, the first rector of what was then known as the Universidad Autónoma de Occidente, led the organization of the university’s first faculties in 1935. Under his leadership, key directors were appointed to head the initial schools: Alberto G. Arce in Law, Adolfo Saucedo and Esteban Cueva Brambila in Medicine, Agustín Hernández in Dentistry, Luis Ugarte in Engineering, and María Villanueva in the Preparatory School.
In his first report in 1936, Rector Navarro highlighted that the university’s growth was driven by the collective commitment of professors and students, who, united by a common cause, worked selflessly to establish and strengthen the institution.
Faced with limited financial resources, professors, directors, and administrators performed their duties without receiving any salary. Additionally, physicians generously offered their private hospitals and laboratories for students to carry out their academic training and practical studies.
Rector Navarro acknowledged that, although the university was still imperfect, it was driven by an unwavering spirit of continuous improvement and a firm commitment to the principles of Academic Freedom and University Autonomy.
These actions reflect the sacrifice, vision, and dedication of those who believed in education as a fundamental pillar for the development of Jalisco and Mexico, laying the foundation for what we know today as the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara.
Dr. Fernando Banda Iturrios was a physician of international renown, rector of the University of Guadalajara, and co-founder of the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara (UAG). He was born in Colima on September 19, 1874, but grew up in Mazatlán, where he demonstrated remarkable intelligence from a young age and developed a keen interest in medicine, nature, and philosophy.
In 1888, he moved to Guadalajara to continue his studies, later enrolling in the School of Medicine, where he graduated as a Medical Surgeon in 1900. His distinguished career led him to become a professor and director of the School of Medicine and the Civil Hospital, in addition to serving as a senator for Jalisco from 1918 to 1922.
In 1918, he married Carolina Parra Cosío, with whom he had two daughters. At the same time, he furthered his professional development in Europe and the United States, becoming the only Mexican physician of his time to be included in the Encyclopedia Britannica. He was fluent in English, French, Italian, and German.
In 1931, during a period of university conflict, he defended academic freedom and was one of the founders of the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara, where he served as rector from 1936 until his death in 1959. His work at UAG was selfless and dedicated, making a decisive contribution to the development and consolidation of the institution.
On July 5, 1959, Dr. Fernando Banda Iturrios passed away, leaving behind an invaluable legacy in the fields of medicine, academia, and society, which continues to inspire generations both inside and outside the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara.
Born in 1916 in Zamora, Michoacán, Dr. Luis Garibay Gutiérrez was a pivotal figure in the history of the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara (UAG), where he played a central role from its early days. He served as Rector of UAG for over four decades (1957-1999), leaving an indelible legacy in Mexican higher education.
Dr. Garibay studied pediatrics at the Hospital Infantil de México and at the Frontali Clinic in Rome, as well as earning a Master's degree in Education from the University of Houston. He held key positions such as Academic Secretary and Director of UAG's Faculty of Medicine and was also president of the Federation of Students of Jalisco in 1938.
He founded and led various educational organizations, including the Federation of Mexican Private Higher Education Institutions (FIMPES), and served as president of the International Association of University Presidents (IAUP). On the international stage, Dr. Garibay received 20 honorary doctorates and was decorated by the governments of Brazil, Spain, Argentina, Venezuela, and Japan for his contributions to education, medicine, and culture.
Dr. Garibay maintained close relationships with prominent educators from Mexico and around the world, and his legacy remains a symbol of dedication, knowledge, and service to society.
He passed away on February 25, 1999, leaving behind a strengthened institution and an indelible mark on higher education in Mexico and beyond.
Born in Guadalajara on January 10, 1916, Antonio Leaño Álvarez del Castillo was a distinguished law graduate, educated in Marist and Jesuit schools. From a young age, he inherited from his father, Nicolás Leaño, a strong commitment to social justice and the defense of labor rights.
In 1935, together with a group of young leaders, he spearheaded the movement for University Autonomy and Academic Freedom, which led to the creation of what is now the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara (UAG). Throughout his tenure, he tirelessly worked to achieve the university’s financial independence and the development of new educational systems, promoting initiatives such as ÚNICO in 1992, an institution tailored to the specific needs of the productive sector.
In the field of infrastructure, Antonio Leaño began the construction of the Ciudad Universitaria in the western part of Guadalajara, a project that marked a turning point in the history of UAG. He also excelled in agroindustry projects in Colima and contributed to the development of tourism and real estate ventures.
In 1990, President George Bush recognized his efforts by awarding the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara (UAG) for graduating over 7,500 American doctors.
Since the founding of UAG, Antonio Leaño served as president of the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara A.C. society, playing a pivotal role in its growth. His principles were always clear: perseverance to achieve academic excellence and the promotion of social justice through the institution.
His legacy endures in every corner of the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara, reflecting his vision, commitment, and tireless spirit for education and social welfare.
Mr. Antonio Leaño Reyes has over 40 years of experience at the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara (UAG), where he has held various leadership positions, culminating in his appointment as Rector in 2005 of Mexico's first private university, founded in 1935.
During his tenure, he has driven a Strategic Master Plan focused on:
Furthermore, he has modernized the university’s administrative system by adopting a corporate governance model. A sports enthusiast, he was a player, director, and president of the Tecos Football Club for over a decade, a position he held until 2012.
Academic Background and Recognitions
Business Career and International Leadership
Antonio Leaño Reyes has distinguished himself as an entrepreneur in the real estate, automotive, energy, tourism, and banking sectors. He also holds key positions in both international and national organizations, including:
A Legacy That Transcends Generations
Each of these contributions reflects the unwavering commitment of the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara to Mexico's development, the well-being of society, and the transformation of Guadalajara into a hub of knowledge and innovation.
Education: Pioneers in Excellence
Mexico's First Private University: An educational model rooted in values, academic excellence, and social commitment.
Leaders in Medicine: The first university in Mexico to offer medical programs with international reach. Thousands of graduates have transformed healthcare in Mexico and abroad.
International Education: Exchange programs with prestigious universities around the world.
Scholarships and Financial Aid: Financial support programs that have provided access to quality education for thousands of talented students.
Pioneers in Medical Training: The first university in Mexico to establish a private university hospital, ensuring high-level practical training for medical students.
Innovation: Always One Step Ahead
Innovative Educational Model: Early adoption of digital technologies and hybrid teaching methods.
Leadership in Entrepreneurship: Business incubators that have fostered successful startups across various industries.
Sustainability and the Environment: Implementation of sustainable practices on campus and educational programs focused on environmental preservation.
Pioneers in Academic Innovation: First to establish academic programs that respond to the evolving needs of society and the global economy.
Impact in Guadalajara, Mexico, and the World
Local Development: Direct contribution to the economic and social growth of Guadalajara through the development of local talent.
Social Commitment: Volunteer programs, medical brigades, and community projects that have improved the quality of life for thousands of people.
Global Alumni Network: Successful professionals holding key positions in companies, hospitals, and international organizations.
Pioneering Institution: The first university to establish such a significant educational and social impact in the region, positioning Guadalajara as an educational benchmark in Mexico.
Research: Generating Knowledge that Transforms
Specialized Research Centers: Promotion of innovative projects in key areas such as medicine, biotechnology, engineering, and social sciences.
Patents and Technological Development: Creation of technologies and patents applied in strategic sectors.
Significant Scientific Contributions: Internationally recognized publications that have provided solutions to local and global challenges.
Pioneers in Research Programs: First to implement research programs in critical areas for the country’s social and economic development.
At UAG, we are and will always be Innovators!
