The Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos marked its 475th anniversary with a large gathering at the Plaza Central of its main campus, according to a May 4 announcement. The event was led by Rector Dr. Jeri Gloria Ramón Ruffner de Vega and included university officials, faculty, staff, and students.
The ceremony featured the raising of the national flag and floral tributes in honor of founder Fray Tomás de San Martín. Dr. Luis Fernando Pérez Vargas welcomed attendees by highlighting the historical significance of Peru’s first university since its founding. Dr. Raúl Chanamé Orbe spoke about the institution’s legacy, noting contributions made by San Marcos graduates to both national development and international recognition.
During her address, Ramón Ruffner de Vega said, “This anniversary not only commemorates a historic trajectory but also urges us to look toward the future with responsibility, consolidating our university’s role as a beacon of knowledge and an agent of transformation in Peru. San Marcos is not only history; it is history, present and future. San Marcos is Peru.” She added that this commemoration serves as a space for collective memory and dialogue between past achievements and future challenges.
Ramón Ruffner de Vega recalled that her administration began in 2021 during a period marked by pandemic-related challenges but emphasized how adaptation allowed for milestones such as hosting an in-person entrance exam on campus grounds for thousands of applicants. She reported progress on infrastructure projects across several faculties—including Psychology, Dentistry, Political Science, Social Sciences, Education, Letters—and ongoing work in Environmental Engineering, Accounting, and Veterinary Medicine.
The rector also addressed budgetary efforts aimed at resource recovery despite financial constraints: “This is work driven by perseverance … we must guarantee quality education based on principles like honesty, transparency and responsibility.” She highlighted that each part of the flag represents generations who have contributed to keeping the institution alive through challenging times.
A parade featuring delegations from different faculties followed the formal program—each group carrying banners reflecting their commitment to academic excellence and public service. The event reinforced community identity among participants.
Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos promotes cultural well-being through initiatives supporting responsibility, equity inclusion and sustainable development according to its official website. The university operates multiple campuses including provincial extensions according to its official website, leads public universities in various rankings according to its official website, functions as an autonomous public entity recognized by Peru’s constitution according to its official website, offers over eighty undergraduate programs along with postgraduate options according to its official website, and focuses on advancing knowledge dissemination while supporting national sustainable development according to its official website.
