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鶹ýӳ, Mexican Consulate launch Cátedra Mexico to strengthen binational ties

The lecture series aims to bring Mexican luminaries to 鶹ýӳ to discuss topics critical to the Cali-Baja region

Monday, September 15, 2025
Mexico Consul General in San Diego Alicia Kerber Palma, left, signs a partnership agreement with 鶹ýӳ President Adela de la Torre to create a binational guest lecturer exchange
鶹ýӳ President Adela de la Torre, right, signs an agreement with Mexico's Consul General in San Diego Alicia Kerber Palma to bring prominent Mexican speakers to 鶹ýӳ's campus. Also pictured, from right, 鶹ýӳ AVP Cristina Alfaro, 鶹ýӳ Provost Bill Tong, and Mexican Consulate officials

鶹ýӳ signed a partnership with the Mexican Consulate in San Diego and Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to launch Cátedra Mexico, a new academic initiative designed to deepen cross-border collaboration and cultural exchange.

The memorandum of understanding establishes the honorary collaboration and exchange program,  where lectures, seminars and events will bring prominent Mexican scholars and leaders to 鶹ýӳ. The initiative is aimed at promoting greater knowledge of Mexico across California, while fostering cooperative research between 鶹ýӳ and Mexican higher education institutions in the border region and beyond.

“This project is critical for 鶹ýӳ,” said President Adela de la Torre. “I think what is key here is for 鶹ýӳ to be a leader in binational educational exchanges. We are committed to that.”

Mexican Consul General Alicia Kerber Palma said the program will allow students and the community to learn directly from experts, bringing to the forefront not only Mexico’s rich history but also contemporary issues facing the two countries. She was involved in similar academic and cultural exchange programs during diplomatic posts in Ireland and Houston.

“The idea is to bring eminent scholars to the university and give a high level, impactful lecture,” Kerber Palma said. “We are pleased to do this with 鶹ýӳ because we know that many students at the university are from Mexico and you support them. That is the same spirit we have at the Mexican Consulate.”

Cristina Alfaro, 鶹ýӳ Associate Vice President of International Affairs, said the partnership reflects a broader mission as a federally designated Hispanic Serving Institution. “We are proud to serve as a bridge between communities, cultures and countries,” she said. “With the creation of Cátedra Mexico, we take another important step toward building a more interconnected, informed and collaborative future.”

The agreement aims to bring luminaries and thinkers from Mexico to 鶹ýӳ  twice per year . Prominent Mexican scholars have been invited and will be scheduled for the Fall and Spring semester. 

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