CECyT 1 "Gonzalo Vázquez Vela" Celebrates Centenary

Starting with 61 students, it now has an enrollment of nearly 5,000

Nestor Pinacho

In a ceremony marking the 100th anniversary of the Centro de Estudios Científicos y Tecnológicos (CECyT) 1 "Gonzalo Vázquez Vela," the General Director of the Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), Arturo Reyes Sandoval, emphasized that Mexico's future depends on the students of these vocational schools. These academic units provide an education of excellence unparalleled by any other institution in the country or even more developed nations.

In the presence of Carmen Vázquez Gil, daughter of the politician and key advocate for the creation of the Politécnico Nacional, Reyes Sandoval stated that this centenary is an opportunity to reflect on past achievements and celebrate the future that the students of this school will build.

"A future where the Politécnico Nacional will be the driving force positioning Mexico as a leader in technology, innovation, and sustainable development; where our nation will be recognized not only for our strategic position but for the ideas and talent generated in our schools and institutions," he highlighted.

Reyes Sandoval urged the CECyT community to continue with their characteristic determination, passion, and love for the IPN, emphasizing that they have the potential to positively transform the country.

Reyes Sandoval made a call to the CECyT community to continue with the determination that characterizes them.

He mentioned that the Instituto Técnico Industrial, the predecessor of CECyT 1, began with 61 students, and it is now a source of pride that the 19 high school campuses have 74,000 students, 5,000 of whom are part of this first educational center celebrating 100 years.

Carmen Vázquez Gil affirmed that few tributes are as meaningful as commemorating a life dedicated to serving others. "I am sure my father would be very honored, thrilled to know that for almost a century this prestigious school has borne his name, thus extending the memory of his person and, in a way, his life."

She expressed deep pride in being the daughter of a patriot, "interested only in serving and never in benefiting from the public positions and high responsibilities he held"; a man, she said, respected and admired by his peers. "From the perspective of the daughter that I am, this is much more important than anything else, as it describes his exemplary character."

Modesto Cárdenas García, IPN’s dean, highlighted the most important moments in the life of Gonzalo Vázquez Vela, a promoter of gender equality, agrarian reform, Mexican muralism, governor of Veracruz, and Secretary of Education under General Lázaro Cárdenas. He devoted his talent, Cárdenas García stated, to serving workers and peasants so they could access technical education.

As part of the celebrations, two murals were unveiled: the "Wilfrido Massieu" Library mural by student Tábata Quetzalli Luna Delgado, depicting iconic elements of IPN’s identity, and "Anime de bienvenida" by student Dafne Vivian Romero Jaime, representing two young people in the style of Japanese animation.

As part of the celebrations, the "Wilfrido Massieu" Library and "Anime de bienvenida" murals were unveiled.

Gaceta Politécnica #1800. (June 30th, 2024). IPN Imagen Institucional: Read the full magazine in Spanish here.