Anáhuac University awards an Honorary Doctorate to Mr. Carlos Slim

In an emotional ceremony, the Anáhuac awarded Carlos Slim a Doctorate Honoris Causa for his outstanding business career, his deep social commitment and his commendable contribution to culture, education and science.

On 16 October 2024, Anáhuac México University held a solemn ceremony in honor of the well-known Mexican engineer and businessperson Carlos Slim Helú, who received the Doctor Honoris Causa degree, the highest academic degree awarded by the Institution. The event was charged with emotion as students, academics, university authorities, special guests and friends eagerly awaited the arrival of one of the most influential businesspeople in Mexico and the world. The recipient's valuable trajectory and commitment to social development, education, health, culture, employment and social responsibility in Mexico were highlighted.

Alberto José Simán Dada, L.C., president of the Board of Directors of Anáhuac México University; Dr. Cipriano Sánchez García, L.C., rector of Anáhuac México University; Dr. Lorena Rosalba Martínez Verduzco and Dr. José Rodrigo Pozón López, academic vice-rectors; César Hernández Rendón, L.C., and Fernando Rincón Gallardo Elguero, vice-rectors of Integral Formation; Eduardo Robles-Gil Orvañanos, L.C., vice-rector of Finance and Administration, Dr. Sonia Barnetche Frias, general secretary, and Mario Buenrostro Perdomo, director of the School of Engineering, made up the honorable presidium that accompanied the recipient.

Anáhuac University recognizes the influence of Carlos Slim Helú in the business and social sectors. Born into a family of Lebanese origin, his life, in which family unity is fundamental, has been marked by a deep social commitment to the welfare of those most in need. Slim, a civil engineer by profession, began his career at the National Autonomous University of México (UNAM), where he also worked as a professor. He founded Inversora Bursátil in 1965, as well as Grupo Carso, a conglomerate present in 49 countries, providing more than 300,000 direct jobs.

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Carlos Slim's legacy lies not only in his business achievements but primarily in his social commitment. He has impacted more than 50 million people through the Carlos Slim Foundation, focusing on education, health, social justice and the environment. This commitment has been vital in addressing inequalities and fostering educational opportunities in vulnerable communities. In addition, driven by his love of history and art, he built the Soumaya Museum in honor of his wife, Soumaya Domit, who was a great inspiration in his life. The museum, which receives millions of visitors each year, has become a cultural and architectural icon of Mexico City, reflecting not only the passion for art but also the deep emotional bond that united the couple.

The investiture ceremony, which took place at the Anáhuac Mexiquense Cultural Centre, was attended by distinguished academic authorities and members of the University Community. The Rector, Dr. Cipriano Sánchez García, L.C., welcomed the attendees and presided over the award ceremony. In his words, he said: "Today is a day of great joy for Anáhuac México University on its 60th anniversary, as we acknowledge the exceptional career and achievements of a person whose life has left a profound mark on engineering, the creation of wealth for the common good and the development of Mexico. This Honorary Doctorate in Engineering recognizes his vision, capacity for innovation and commitment to social responsibility, values that are the basis of his legacy".

This was followed by a keynote speech by Mario Buenrostro, Director of the School of Engineering, highlighting Slim's achievements, recognitions and impact on engineering and social development.

During the ceremony, the doctorate medal, the laureate cap, the white gloves and the degree of Doctor Honoris Causa were awarded in recognition of his vision, his capacity for innovation and his philosophy that prosperity should serve the common good. At the end of the award ceremony, Dr. Carlos Slim addressed the audience, sharing his views on the crucial role of engineering and social responsibility in today's world.

Family is the most important thing in life, our honoree remarked. Although he acknowledged that work and studies are essential, he felt that what is absolutely essential is the family environment, mentioning the importance of his children in his life. He underlined that, in the companies in his group, priority is given to the family, followed by sporting and cultural interests.

He also expressed gratitude for the award: "I am very honored." At the same time, he advised those present to care for and cherish their loved ones and to live positively surrounded by friends and colleagues. He also reflected on knowledge, comparing it to a sphere where what we know barely scratches the surface, hence the importance of studying humanities and history and participating in sports.

Finally, he read excerpts from the letter he wrote to young people in 1994 and rewrote in 2012, reinforcing his message to embrace values and face life's challenges with integrity and optimism.

This event represents an academic recognition and a call to future generations to adopt the principles of leadership and social commitment that best characterize Carlos Slim Helú. Anáhuac University reaffirms its mission to train leaders with values who seek to transform society through knowledge and positive action.
 

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