The Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú (PUCP) announced on March 30 the death of Dr. Máximo Vega-Centeno, professor emeritus of the Department of Economics. Vega-Centeno passed away on March 29, marking the end of a long academic career closely tied to social sciences in Peru.
Vega-Centeno had been associated with PUCP since 1964, where he combined teaching, research, and university management. He played a key role in shaping generations of economists and promoting critical perspectives on development, innovation, and ethics in Peru.
Over more than five decades at PUCP, Vega-Centeno held several positions including founding member and head of the Department of Economics, dean of both the Faculty of Social Sciences and Graduate School, as well as serving fifteen years as a representative for senior professors in the University Assembly. His commitment was also evident in his teaching across subjects such as econometrics and economic growth theory. “[Máximo] was a very good and demanding professor of Econometrics whom an entire class admired; an eloquent teacher with his own style—serious and respected,” said Dr. Janina León Castillo.
Vega-Centeno initially trained as a civil engineer at UNI before earning his doctorate in economics from Catholic University of Louvain in Belgium along with a master’s degree in urban planning. His work covered topics like technological development and applied microeconomics; publications such as ‘Crecimiento, crisis y estrategia de desarrollo’ became academic references. Mag. Néride Sotomarino recalled: “He would tackle subjects others did not touch… developing innovative proposals always aimed at benefiting society.” She also highlighted his guidance to students beyond academics.
Colleagues remember him for both professional rigor and personal generosity. Dr. José Távara said: “He was very generous with students and staff; he cared about their personal situations and supported those facing difficulties.” Távara described him as “a brilliant person who has trained several generations” whose institutional leadership shaped PUCP’s Department of Economics.
The death of Máximo Vega-Centeno is seen by many at PUCP as a significant loss for social sciences education in Peru. His legacy remains present through his ideas, students, published works, and lasting contributions to university life.
