Heroes of their own Odyssey: that's how the 2026 University Welcome and Orientation Event began

 Over the course of three days, more than 2,400 new students began their academic journey at the North and South campuses. The event was also the setting for the world premiere presentation by the rector, Dr. Cipriano Sánchez García, L.C., of Father Jesús Villagrasa Lasaga, L.C., who will take over as rector on September 1.

On August 5, 6 and 7, 2026, as part of the University Welcome and Orientation Event (BIU), Anáhuac Mexico University welcomed nearly 2,400 new students to its North and South campuses, who will begin their professional studies during the August-December 2026 semester. This event is an experience designed to help new students integrate into university life and the Anáhuac educational model.

Over the course of the three days, the new students participated in activities designed to help them get to know the university community and strengthen their sense of belonging, including the taking of the official generation photo at each campus.

The University Life Fair, presentations by the Dance Company, welcome sessions led by heads of Schools and Departments, campus tours, the English placement test and various academic and integration activities were designed to familiarize new students with institutional policies, educational programs and university life.

One of the most special moments during this year’s University Welcome and Orientation Event occurred when, in front of hundreds of students and the entire university community, in what he described as a “world premiere”, Dr. Cipriano Sánchez García, L.C., introduced Dr. Jesús Villagrasa Lasaga, L.C., who will become rector of the institution on September 1.

When introducing him, our university rector emphasized that his successor has dedicated his entire life to the university world and expressed his confidence that he will be “deeply committed to educating young people”, ensuring the continuity of Anáhuac Mexico University’s educational project.

Heroes of their own Odyssey

Inspired by the story of The Odyssey, the university rector invited students to view the start of their university life as the beginning of a great personal journey. He reminded them that great challenges require stepping outside one’s comfort zone and daring to grow.

“Each of you needs to know that you are the hero of this movie. No one remembers a hero who stayed in their comfort zone. We always remember heroes who accept a calling, leave their comfort zone behind and decide to embark on a journey that will transform them forever,” he said.

During his message, he emphasized that the university exists not only to pave the way for students’ professional careers, but also to help them discover their potential and shape individuals with intelligence, integrity, talent, innovation and a deep sense of humanity. He also encouraged them to build friendships, work as a community and understand that great journeys are never undertaken alone.

“The true purpose of a university is not just to find them a job. Above all, it is to give them a sense of humanity. That is what is important for a university,” he added
 

A commitment to continuity and excellence

After being introduced to the university community, Dr. Jesús Villagrasa Lasaga, L.C., expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in him and reiterated that he will officially become rector during the investiture ceremony to be held on September 1.

“It is an honor and a joy for me to succeed Father Cipriano Sánchez, who has served as rector. My goal is to provide continuity to the good work that has already been done and to continue striving to improve academic quality, the university atmosphere and the education of these young people who are eagerly beginning their university studies,” he said in an interview.

He also added that the experience he acquired while leading universities in Italy and Spain, as well as at institutions within the Anáhuac Network, will enable him to help strengthen the university community with the goal of continuing to educate individuals from various sectors of society who will carry out their responsibilities with a spirit of service.

The emotion of starting a new chapter

The University Welcome and Orientation Event was also marked by the emotions of the students and their families who accompanied them as they began this new chapter.

Elena Matamoros, mother of Emiliano Espinosa Matamoros, a new student in the Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery program, was moved to tears and expressed her pride at seeing her son begin his professional studies.

“We’re proud. We know this is one of the final stages and we’re trying to give him all the tools he needs to achieve what he wants most. We know the university is highly prestigious and we want him to be in a place where he can acquire the best knowledge to become a successful professional and, especially given his chosen career path, in a place where he can really contribute to society and help the people who come to him as a professional,” she said.

Luis David Rojas Medina, originally from Venezuela and a new student in the Biotechnology bachelor's degree program, explained that choosing Anáhuac Mexico University meant investing in an education that goes beyond the academic sphere.

“I chose Anáhuac because I’m fascinated by the idea that they strive to develop leaders who take positive action. I think that’s the most important thing in society and I believe that having a voice is what matters most right now, although I expect them to give us the opportunity to forge our own path, to guide us and to provide us with the necessary training to enable us to become leaders in this society and improve the future,” he said.

Through the 2026 University Welcome and Orientation Event, Anáhuac Mexico University welcomed a new generation of students who are embarking on a decisive stage of their academic, personal and professional development, accompanied by a community committed to educating leaders who take positive action to transform society.

Members of the Anáhuac community, including academic staff and heads of departments and schools, were present during the activities and joined the students at the start of this new phase.