“The footprints that transform the present and build the future” was the motto that brought together more than 200 people on the night of August 20 in the Claudia Marcela Rueda Auditorium of the Founders Headquarters, during the UMECIT Biennial Graduate Meeting and the VESTIGIUM 2026 Award ceremony.

The meeting brought together graduates, university authorities, administrative staff, special guests, finalists and strategic partners, in an evening dedicated to recognizing the talent, career and contributions of professionals trained at UMECIT.

The evening began with welcoming remarks from the Rector of UMECIT, Dr. José A. Nieto, who presented three important projects that are part of the institutional vision and the opportunities that the University continues to generate for its community: the IBI Institute, UMECIT FC and UMECIT, highlighting the institution's commitment to training, participation and the creation of new opportunities for its students and graduates.

During the event, the progress of the UMECIT Graduates Network was also presented, an initiative that seeks to strengthen ties with professionals who have completed their training and continue generating spaces for their participation, growth and projection.

One of the central moments of the evening was the discussion “Vestigium: Stories that leave a mark”, moderated by the renowned journalist and social communicator: Susan Elizabeth Castillo, who provided a space  close and dynamic so that outstanding graduates could share their experiences, challenges, achievements and contributions to the development of the country.

The event was hosted by Jermaine Cumberbatch Vásquez, a renowned journalist and reporter for Telemetro Reporta, whose career is characterized by his close ties to communities and his commitment to stories that generate social impact. His journalistic work and his involvement in initiatives like Cambiando Vidas (Changing Lives) have allowed him to connect with different sectors of Panamanian society.

Subsequently, the VESTIGIUM 2026 Award ceremony took place, a recognition that distinguishes UMECIT graduates for their contributions in different areas of national development.

🏆 Winners of the 2026 VESTIGIUM Award – Panama

Academic and Research Category

• 🥇 Mijaid Joseph Tuñón Pérez – First place.
• 🥈 José Luis Guerra Saldaña – Second place.

Doctorate – National Modality

• 🥇 Mario Javier Pacheco García – First place.

Doctorate – International Track

• 🥇 Juan Carlos Martínez Huertas – First place.

Community Social Category

• 🥇 Nayeli Guadalupe Alvarado Vega – First place.
• 🥈 Marcela Edilma Outten Barria – Second place.

Cultural and Sports Category

• 🥇 Juan Diego López David – First place.
• 🥈 Erika Janeth Hernández Díaz – Second place.

Entrepreneurship Category

• 🥇 Luis Alberto Ortiz Pimental – First place.
• 🥇 Maribel Eliseth Rivadeneira Jiménez – First place.
• 🥈 José Antonio Mendizabal Martínez – Second place.

🏆 Winners of the 2026 VESTIGIUM Award – La Chorrera

• Academic Research: 🥇 José Luis Domínguez Rodríguez.
• Community Social: 🥇 Cristian Alexis Córdoba Campos.
• Sports and Cultural: 🥇 Zulma Leonila Ayala Saldaña.
• Entrepreneurship: 🥇 Juan Obed Gordon Rodríguez.

The ceremony also included the presentation of certificates to the graduates who participated as nominees for the 2026 VESTIGIUM Award, recognizing their career path and willingness to represent the values and spirit of excellence of the UMECIT community.

The meeting culminated with an institutional closing message and an official photograph that brought together authorities, graduates, guests and members of the university community.

With this celebration, UMECIT reaffirms its commitment to its graduates, recognizing that university education transcends the classroom and is projected in each professional who, from their field of action, contributes to transforming their environment and building new opportunities for Panama.

VESTIGIUM Award 2026: graduates who inspire, transform and build the future.