Leadership, a vocation for service, and the contributions of professionals who contribute to the development of their communities were recognized during the Vestigium 2026 Award gala, which brought together graduates and leaders linked to the Santiago and Chitré campuses of the Metropolitan University of Education, Science and Technology -UMECIT-.

The Vestigium Award is an institutional recognition that seeks to highlight the careers of graduates who, from different professional fields, generate impact and contribute to collective well-being.

The gala was attended by representatives from the political, municipal and business sectors of Santiago and Chitré, also becoming a meeting point to strengthen the links between the University, its graduates and different actors from the communities in the interior of the country.

One of the highlights of the day was the discussion “Vestigium: Stories that Leave a Mark,” moderated by journalist Jesús Morales. The award recipients shared experiences, lessons learned, and significant moments from their professional careers, demonstrating how training, leadership, and commitment can translate into concrete contributions to their communities.

Award winners from the Santiago branch

In the Academic and Research Category, Licda. Allison Aurora Pinto Gómez; in the Social and Community Category, Milciades Patiño Rodríguez; and in the Cultural-Sports Category, Diana Victoria Lu Benavides.

Award winners from the Chitré branch

From the Chitré branch, Solinda Gil Gil received recognition in the Academic and Research Category; Iván Enriques Salazar Jaén, in the Social and Community Category; and Luiyi Omar De León, in the Cultural-Sports Category.

Beyond recognizing their achievements, the meeting highlighted the role of graduates as agents of change and strengthened a network of professionals committed to innovation, leadership, and the social development of their regions.

The activity also reaffirms the importance of maintaining a close relationship between the University and its graduates, as well as continuing to create spaces for collaboration with local governments, the business sector and civil society.

With the Vestigium Award 2026, UMECIT celebrates professional stories that transcend the classroom and leave their mark on their communities, demonstrating that knowledge acquires even greater value when it is put at the service of others.