Guanajuato, Gto., May 5, 2016. Authorities from the University of Guanajuato (UG) and from Southern Oregon University (SOU), signed an agreement to extend the cooperation between both universities, whom have cultivated a solid relationship throughout four decades.

The General Rector of the University of Guanajuato, Dr. Luis Felipe Guerrero Agripino, explained that in 2016, they reached 45 years of signing the first agreement of collaboration between UG and SOU, nevertheless, such cooperation began two years before, thanks to bonds of friendship and common objectives.

"47 years ago, the University of Guanajuato practically began its internationalization project, currently; it is imminent for the University's development," held Dr. Guerrero Agripino.

He mentioned that this was a good time to recognize the work done by both institutions, but also to visualize new opportunity areas, from current circumstances of each institution and the local context and global in which they are immersed.

In his intervention, the SOU's President, Dr. Roy H. Saigo said that when they sign agreements, they are put on papers, "they are ideas, a promise of a relationship," but assured that this visit has constructed a new era of love and respect with UG authorities, and precisely, the human relationships have been the base of the collaboration between these institutions, from there the certainty that this agreement will not only stay on paper.

The Municipal President of Guanajuato and Witness of Honor in the signing of the agreement, Lic. Edgar Castro Cerrillo reminded that the fraternity between both universities generated the valuable opportunity of encounter and brotherhood between Guanajuato and Ashland, where SOU is located.

"Our city shares the values and yearnings of the University of Guanajuato, a house where knowledge is cultivated, the plurality is stimulated and diversity respected" the major pointed.

In his welcome message, the Director of International Relationships and Academic Cooperation, Dr. Sergio Antonio Silva Muñoz highlighted that the social and human part of the relationship between both universities, has given place to actions such as the program "Amigo", which allows the exchange of students from Guanajuato and Oregon.

UG's General Rector, Dr. Luis Felipe Guerrero Agripino; Pro Vost, Dr. Héctor Efraín Rodríguez de la Rosa; SOU's President, Dr. Roy H. Saigo and the General Secretary and Vice President of Scholar and Student Affairs, Dr. Susan F. Walsh, signed the agreement.

As special guests attended, from UG, the Academic Secretary, Dr. José Luis Lucio Martínez, Director of Liaison, Dr. Salvador Hernández Castro and M. Enrique Navarro González, member of the board. Furthermore, present were the Chief of Mobility and Academic Exchange from SOU, Ms. Mary Gardiner and exchange ex-students from the program "Amistad."