The Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos held a ceremony on May 3 to honor the National Flag, as part of its 475th anniversary celebrations. The event took place at Plaza a la Bandera and included participation from university officials, representatives of the Armed Forces, faculty, students, and local educational institutions.
The tribute underscores the university’s role in national identity and community engagement. As an autonomous public institution focused on advancing knowledge dissemination and sustainable development in Peru, San Marcos continues to highlight its commitment to social responsibility and inclusion according to the official website.
Rector Dr. Jeri Gloria Ramón Ruffner de Vega said during her address: “Today we gather around our National Flag, which is not just a symbol but a living history that unites us as Peruvians. As rector of San Marcos, this is a moment of deep meaning.” She also remarked that having the Armed Forces lead the ceremony at the start of anniversary events gives it special significance: “It moves us and commits us.”
Ramón Ruffner emphasized that both national and university flags are symbols full of history representing generations educated at San Marcos who have served their country. “La Decana de América has always been present when Peru needed it most. In our halls have been formed thinkers, scientists, intellectuals, educators and leaders who have contributed to national development—often in complex contexts—marking direction,” she said.
San Marcos operates multiple campuses including central facilities and provincial extensions according to the official website. The university leads public universities in rankings from QS, Scimago, and Webometrics according to its official site. It offers 81 undergraduate programs along with postgraduate options, research opportunities, and community outreach initiatives as reported by its official website.
Ramón Ruffner concluded: “That is the deepest sense of fulfilling 475 years: not only remembering how much we have done but understanding our responsibility today—to continue forming people who think critically…committed to research…and building a better country.”
As an institution recognized by Peru’s constitution for promoting cultural well-being through responsible practices supporting equity and sustainable development according to its official website, San Marcos used this occasion both for reflection on past achievements and reaffirmation of ongoing commitments.
