University of Concepcion

The University of Concepción (in Spanish: Universidad de Concepción), also known for its acronym UdeC, is one of the most prestigious universities in Chile. It is the third oldest university in the country, and it is part of the Council of Rectors. It was the first University founded in the South of Chile, and the first to become a private-law corporation. In addition, it belongs to the Southern Cross University Network (in Spanish: Red Universitaria Cruz del Sur).

Its main campus is located at the Concepción's University City, with additional campuses in Chillán and Los Ángeles.

The 2011 CSIC University Ranking places the University of Concepción as the second best in Chile and 19th best in Latin America, while business magazine America Economía's 2010 SIR Iberoamerican Ranking rates the University of Concepción as the nations number three university.

History

Background

In the late XIX century and early XX century, many scholars from Concepción started to plead for the construction of a university for the South region of Chile, in which it could be possible to study professional careers outside the capital, Santiago. However, a project of this magnitude required a high level of organization, which didn't exist so far. In February 1917, the newspaper El Sur reported:

Comittee Pro-University

On March 23, 1917, the first official meeting was carried out in order to make true two dreams of the citizens: a Clinical Hospital and a University.

After debating, it was...
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