In this significant year of 2025, we have the honor of celebrating a milestone that marks the history of our institution: 50 years dedicated to education in engineering and applied sciences at the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico. Since our founding in 1974, as the first private engineering school in Puerto Rico, we have committed ourselves to training professionals who not only meet the demands of the job market but also become agents of change in their respective communities.
The Polytechnic University has been a pioneer in creating an academic environment that fosters transformation and innovation. Notable examples include the first bachelor’s degrees in surveying, environmental engineering, and biomedical engineering on the island. We have integrated new technologies and pedagogical approaches into our programs, offering five of them fully online, ensuring that our students are equipped with the necessary tools to tackle future challenges. Our state-of-the-art laboratories and applied research initiatives have allowed new generations to learn practically and rigorously.
Looking back, it is remarkable to see how our graduates have impacted various industries, from civil engineering to cybersecurity. Many have assumed leadership roles and played pivotal parts in projects that have contributed to Puerto Rico’s sustainable development. Their success is not only a testament to their hard work and determination but also to the comprehensive approach we foster at the Polytechnic University: cultivating critical thinking, professional ethics, and a solid technical foundation.
Our commitment to the community is reflected in our strategic partnerships with industry and government. These collaborations not only enhance the training of our students but also ensure that the education we provide remains relevant and aligned with market needs. We take pride in seeing how our graduates, who represent 50% of Puerto Rico’s labor market, contribute to the island’s economic and social progress while continuing the tradition of service and excellence that defines our institution.
As we look to the future, we recognize that, while we have achieved significant milestones, new challenges lie ahead. However, I am confident that, with our legacy of engineering excellence and our culture of innovation, the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico will continue to be a benchmark for quality education.
Let us celebrate 50 years of transformation, innovation, and unwavering commitment to progress. It is a source of pride for all of us who work at this great university to be part of this institution, which continues to shape the future and prepare engineers to face tomorrow’s challenges with passion and responsibility. Happy anniversary to our School of Engineering and Applied Sciences!
By: Dr. Carlos González
Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences