Dr. Jesús Villagrasa Lasaga, L.C., new rector of Anáhuac Mexico University

The investiture of Dr. Jesús Villagrasa Lasaga, L.C., marks a new phase for Anáhuac Mexico University, one of continuity, as he assumes the responsibility of upholding its mission and continuing the legacy established by the various rectors since its founding.

September 1, 2026 will go down in the history of Anáhuac Mexico University as the day a new era began. The investiture of Dr. Jesús Villagrasa Lasaga, L.C. as rector represents much more than a simple transition, it symbolizes the passing of a great responsibility: safeguarding the institution’s mission, serving its community and leading it toward the future, while remaining true to its identity.

This particularly significant moment for our university, the change in rector, also means acknowledging the path we have traveled and the legacy of those who have made possible the institution we know today. This is especially true of the work led by Dr. Cipriano Sánchez García, L.C. for more than 11 years at the helm of Anáhuac México. His presence remains in the infrastructure, the academic programs and, most profoundly, in the spirit of the Anáhuac community.

An enduring legacy for Mexico's future

During the Holy Mass held on the occasion of the investiture of the new rector in the University Chapel, Father Alberto José Simán Dada, L.C., president of the board of directors of Anáhuac Mexico University and territorial director of the Legionaries of Christ for Mexico and Central America, highlighted the “enduring legacy” left by Dr. Cipriano Sánchez García, L.C. after his years of service at the head of the institution.

Fr. Simán Dada, L.C. recognized his leadership, friendship, camaraderie, dedication and tireless drive, as well as his contributions to the University’s growth in faith, identity and service. He emphasized that Dr. Sánchez Garcia’s dedication extends beyond his years as rector and is part of the decades of service he has devoted to Mexico in various roles.

As part of the celebration honoring the Virgin of Los Remedios, the patroness of the Archdiocese of Tlalnepantla, Fr. Simán Dada, L.C. expressed his gratitude to Dr. Cipriano Sánchez and entrusted the new rector with the mission of governing the University and leading it in new directions, with prudence, wisdom and firmness and “with a father’s heart.”

The handover of a mission, the beginning of a new phase

The Solemn Ceremony for the investiture of Dr. Jesús Villagrasa Lasaga, L.C. as rector, which took place at the Anáhuac Mexiquense Cultural Center (CeCMA), marked the main event of this historic transition. Accompanied by the Anáhuac Mexico Choir and Orchestra, which performed the Veni Creator during the entrance procession of the presidium and university officials, the ceremony reflected the solemnity of an event that unites the past, present and future.

Fr. Alberto José Simán Dada, L.C. emphasized that the change in leadership is a moment of profound significance for the institution and an opportunity to look toward the future with renewed hope.

Against the backdrop of what he described as a historic moment for Mexico, Fr. Simán emphasized that the country needs a university education system capable of combining knowledge, innovation, justice, quality and service, with a vision centered on the individual, especially those most in need.

Referring to the new rector, Fr. Simán highlighted his academic background, philosophical training and experience leading Catholic higher education institutions. He also expressed the Board of Directors’ confidence in Dr. Villagrasa’s ability, prudence and leadership to guide the University toward new horizons of excellence and social impact.

Fr. Simán Dada also paid tribute to Dr. Cipriano Sánchez García, L.C., who received a heartfelt ovation from the hundreds of attendees packed into the CeCMA. Fr. Simán Dada highlighted his dedication, strategic vision, decisiveness, drive and testimony as a priest, affirmng that his work had strengthened the heart of the University and had helped shape the lives of thousands of young people.

Continuing a mission that has spanned more than six decades

More than 60 years after its founding, Anáhuac Mexico University has built its legacy thanks to generations of people who have brought its mission to life: a community committed to truth, an integral education and service to others.

The transfer of leadership in the Office of the Rector reflects the continuity of a mission that has given the University its identity and direction over the decades. This mission is renewed with each generation of rectors, professors, staff, students and graduates, and now finds a new opportunity to look toward the future.
 

A university administration that looks to the future with gratitude, passion and confidence

In the lead-up to his first address as rector, one of the ceremony’s most significant moments took place: the presentation to Dr. Jesús Villagrasa Lasaga, L.C. of the insignia that identify him as the new head of Anáhuac Mexico University: the mucetta, the medal and the rector’s cap.

The moment took on a special symbolic significance when it concluded with a fraternal embrace between Fr. Alberto Simán Dada and the new rector, expressing the passing of responsibility and, at the same time, the continuity of a shared mission.

In the presence of authorities, professors, students, staff, graduates and friends, Dr. Jesús Villagrasa Lasaga, L.C., assumed the office of rector with “deep humility”, a profound sense of responsibility and gratitude. His inaugural address centered on three attitudes he defined as essential for this new phase: remembering the past with gratitude, living the present with passion and embracing the future with confidence.

From this perspective, he acknowledged the legacy of his predecessors and extended special thanks to Dr. Cipriano Sánchez García, L.C., whose tenure left an “enduring legacy” on the infrastructure, the strength of the programs and, above all, the spirit of the university community. He also recognized the seamless transition he received from his predecessor.

Integral education, excellence and innovation

The new rector made it clear that he is taking on this responsibility not as a personal honor, but as a calling to serve. He reaffirmed his commitment to the objectives of the Strategic Plan and to the Anáhuac 5.0 Vision, which are grounded in integral education, academic excellence, pedagogical and technological innovation, purpose-driven research, social engagement and Catholic identity.

His arrival as Rector represents the continuation of a mission built over decades, with students as its primary purpose. From this perspective, he set the challenge not only of maintaining the quality that distinguishes the University, but also of enhancing it through innovation, promoting research and providing an education that enables graduates to combine a mastery of science and technology with a strong ethical conscience.

He also proposed reinforcing a cohesive, diverse community that is passionate about its identity and mission: one in which dialogue, an appreciation for teaching and recognition of the work of those who, across various fields, make university life possible, prevail.

The new rector also called on students, teaching staff, administrators, employees, graduates and external partners to embrace this new phase as a shared effort. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a university that is open to engagement, dialogue and collaboration with society, the Church, the government and the business sector, with the individual and the common good at its core.

A university rector with extensive experience in academia and university administration

Born on April 5, 1963, in Zaragoza, Spain, Dr. Jesús Villagrasa Lasaga, L.C., has dedicated his life to serving the Church, providing integral education and engaging in scholarly thought since his ordination to the priesthood on November 25, 1994. His association with Anáhuac Mexico University dates back to 2013.

Learn more about the career, calling and experience of the person who has taken on the role of Rector of our University:
 

This event was of special significance for the entire Anáhuac Community and was attended by members of the Board of Directors and the Rectoral Committee; academic vice-rectors; rectors of the Anáhuac University Network; directors of schools, faculties and departments; staff, students, student leaders and graduates; members of advisory councils, benefactors and educational, government authorities, religious authorities, opinion leaders and media representatives.

In his closing remarks, our rector, Dr. Jesús Villagrasa Lasaga, L.C., asked the community to entrust its work to God and the Virgin of Guadalupe. He also called on everyone to uphold the principle that has defined the institution since its founding: “Vince in Bono Malum” - overcoming evil with good.
 

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