Since 2005, the University of Vera-Cruz (UVC) in Zacatecas, Mexico, has been transforming lives - making dreams come true - and training the leading chefs and tourism professionals of tomorrow. The establishment has its origins in the Veracruz de Guadalajara University Studies Center, founded in 1955.

Its name is in honour of the cross of Christ, the Santa Vera-Cruz, found by Santa Elena in Jerusalem in the year 326, and also in honour of Fray Alonso de la Vera-Cruz, who in 1541 founded within the Convent of Tiripetío, Michoacán, the first library and university in all the Americas.

Chevalier Carlos Ramírez, an industrial engineer and education specialist, was supported by his parents to establish UVC as a not-for-profit educational project, accessible to all as a result of its affordable fees (150 euros per month). UVC offers an educational programme that is continuously updated with a humanistic and social approach.

Today, nearly two thousand students are enrolled in one of the fastest growing institutions in Zacatecas and internationally recognized. Its quality of teaching, its infrastructure and innovation guarantee success.

Students are taught and mentored by specialists and experts in their field - some of them are world champions - who ensure they are ready and prepared to face the challenges of working in the world of gastronomy and tourism anywhere in the world.

Technical Coordinator of the UVC’s degree in Gastronomy is Vice-Échanson Chef Miguel Quezada. Students from all social and economic backgrounds - many of whom have limited resources - and from all over Mexico and other Latin American countries receive the best training in culinary techniques from Miguel’s team of chefs and teachers. They are also encouraged to participate in competitions at the highest level, as well as cultural activities and events that allow them to develop and graduate as the best chefs in Latin America.

UVC students are also taught languages and receive an English certificate from the International Languages Institute of Zacatecas. French classes are provided by teachers of the French Alliance of Zacatecas.

UVC makes it possible for many young people from Mexico and the wider area to fulfil their dreams and secure a better future. Currently, there are UVC graduates successfully employed throughout Mexico, the United States, Canada, Europe, and even the United Arab Emirates, by large companies, restaurant chains, hotels and cruise ships. Others have started their own business.

UVC is an active participant in Chaîne events in the city of Zacatecas, enthusiastically - and successfully - taking part in a paella competition being a prime example.

“Knowing, prospering, creating and serving” is the motto that moves all the activities of the Universidad de la Vera-Cruz. The UVC's commitment is not only to its community, but to the whole world, through training happy professionals who can successfully integrate into the realm of employment.

Amanda Roberts
Editor, Revue internationale de la Chaîne

Ed. This article was first published in the 2020 edition of the Revue internationale de la Chaîne