Adriana García Becomes First Female Rector of UNCuyo: Historic Win and Sharp Criticism of National Government

Defending Public Universities Against Austerity

The core of García's speech was a robust defense of public education in the face of policies from President Javier Milei, who has pushed for deep budget cuts to universities and science. García rejected what she called 'myths' about public universities and argued that the real goal of the government is 'reducing a budget considered too costly by a purely economic perspective.' She warned of a 'profound and sustained deterioration of Argentina's scientific system since December 2023'.

'The fight for public education and public science is a struggle for meaning that allowed us to affirm this right within a free and sovereign republic.'

She also challenged the government's use of the word 'freedom,' stating that 'freedom is directly linked to human dignity' and not just market forces. Vice-rector Sisti was even more blunt: 'We are not terrorists; we are generators of critical thought', and added, 'We are not a refuge for lazy people; we produce science, art, culture, and knowledge.'

Political Scene: Peronists Return, Provincial Government Absent

The ceremony also had political significance. It marked the return of peronism to UNCuyo after 12 years of radical-led administrations. Among the attendees were mayors Ulpiano Suarez (Radical Civic Union, UCR) and Matías Stevanato (Justicialist Party, PJ), national senators Anabel Fernández Sagasti (PJ) and Mariana Juri (UCR), and other Peronist leaders like national deputy Martín Aveiro.

However, the provincial government of Alfredo Cornejo did not send any representatives—a noticeable absence. García, when asked, avoided conflict, stating her willingness to dialogue with all political forces but underlining that 'the university must preserve its autonomy from party politics.'

Controversies and Challenges Ahead

The appointment of her husband, historian Adolfo Cueto, as secretary-general of UNCuyo sparked criticism of nepotism. García defended him forcefully: 'Look up the term in the dictionary,' she said, highlighting Cueto's credentials as a doctor in History, emeritus professor, and four-time dean of the Faculty of Philosophy and Letters.

Another immediate challenge is the fate of about 100 workers' contracts, some expiring in late August and others at the end of the year. García assured that 'each case will be analyzed' and that the administration will act on the principle that 'we are a community inhabited by people.'

Digital Education, Mental Health, and New Funding

Looking ahead, García outlined priorities including digital education as a strategic axis, but cautioned: 'Digitizing is not just adding screens.' Regarding artificial intelligence, she proposed a model of 'co-intelligence' between humans and machines, warning that if young people use it to think for them, 'they will be dominated by tech corporations.'

She also emphasized physical and mental health for the university community and announced plans to seek new funding sources beyond traditional budgets, including partnerships with international organizations and successful alumni in the productive sector.

The ceremony featured a performance by the UNCuyo Chamber Choir and was attended by rectors from other national universities. Former governor José Octavio Bordón sent greetings. Outgoing rector Esther Sánchez and vice-rector Gabriel Fidel received institutional gifts.

With a speech blending history, political critique, and concrete proposals, Adriana García begins a term that promises to be pivotal for the future of higher education in Mendoza and across Argentina.