Scholarships, Stars, and Bonds: Friends UC’s Visit Strengthens Ties with the University. April 2025

From awarding scholarships to students to visiting the Las Campanas Observatory, the Friends UC Foundation reinforced its commitment to education, science, and young talent.

Scholarships That Transform Lives

The Cristóbal Conde Scholarship has become a fundamental support for talented students in need of financial assistance. This year, five new students received the scholarship, continuing the legacy of this initiative that has supported hundreds of young people since its inception in 2014.

Named after Cristóbal Conde, a board member of the Friends UC Foundation inspired by his mother’s story, the scholarship aims to provide opportunities for academic development.

“I’ve always believed there are no limits. Many think philanthropy is for the wealthy, but it’s for everyone who can give 1%—of their earnings, possessions, or time. It multiplies. I’m contributing here, but if you also adopt the 1%, scholarships will multiply,” Conde shared during the ceremony.

Rector Juan Carlos de la Llera highlighted the life stories of scholarship recipients and thanked benefactors for their commitment to the university. He also advised the students: “Please, never forget that there are others like you who will need your help. What we’re celebrating is that someone extended a hand to you. Never forget that, because in the future, you will extend your hand to others.”

Additionally, the Eulalia Donoso Award, named in honor of Cristóbal Conde’s mother, was presented to recognize a student’s effort and perseverance. This year, the award went to Fernanda León, a student from the Faculty of Communications, who spoke about the challenges of traveling from Pichilemu to the capital.

“This scholarship has turned my dream into reality and allowed me to continue my path without financial obstacles holding me back. It’s a clear message that there are people who believed in me and what I can become. It not only helps me pay for my studies but also assures me that effort pays off and that I’m not alone in this process,” said Fernanda.

English to Open Doors

The selected students of the “Leading the Way” program were also celebrated. This initiative, funded by the Friends UC Foundation and implemented by English UC, aims to strengthen English proficiency within the student community.

Through this program, students from various disciplines receive specialized language training and have the opportunity to stay in the United States, enhancing their linguistic skills and broadening their cultural and professional horizons.

This year, 12 students were selected to participate, with some already preparing for their international experience.

Natalia Acuña, an Advertising student, expressed gratitude for the scholarship that will allow her to improve her English in the U.S.: “We worked hard last semester to receive the scholarship, and it’s truly motivating to have this reward. We’re excited and happy as a group.”

The initiative has been highly valued by its participants, offering a concrete tool for internationalization and access to new opportunities. “Those of us who were part of this team have a huge duty to give back, and I hope we rise to the occasion to benefit the UC community and society,” said Rodrigo Jofré, a Law student and former scholarship recipient

“Both scholarships (Conde and Leading the Way) are extraordinary, and I love that we’ve been able to award them to people who truly benefit. They’re very emotional scholarships because we’re supporting people who need and deserve help,” affirmed Friends UC President Sava Thomas.

A Window to the Universe from Northern Chile

As part of their visit to Chile, the Friends UC delegation traveled to the mountains of the Atacama Desert to visit the Las Campanas Observatory. There, they appreciated the top-tier equipment and learned about the global impact of the astronomical work conducted in the country.

“We’re very grateful for the opportunity this visit gave us to witness firsthand Chile’s unique and key position in the world of astronomical research. We thank the astronomers who accompanied us and helped us better understand the extraordinary research enabled by Chile’s clear and dark skies. This will be a trip we won’t forget and will talk about for a long time,” confessed Sava Thomas.

Felipe Barrientos, Director of the UC Institute of Astrophysics, commented, “It’s a pleasure to share with Friends UC visitors the strategic locations where we conduct research in Chile, so they can see firsthand the work of astronomers at Las Campanas, Gemini, and Vera Rubin observatories, which are among the world’s leading facilities.”

Observatory Director Leopoldo Infante stated, “We were delighted to welcome Friends UC and UC authorities. Chile’s advantageous conditions for astronomical observations come with a responsibility: to produce top-level scientific results proportional to the telescope time we receive. Only the best-prepared personnel can achieve this. UC is an institution capable of training qualified personnel in Chile. Therefore, the collaboration between Carnegie Science and UC is virtuous, combining scientific excellence with high-quality training.”

Francisco Gallego, UC’s Pro-Rector of Institutional Management, highlighted the fundamental role of the Friends UC Foundation in its relationship with the university. He especially thanked their support for sustainability, research, and innovation projects, as well as the awarding of the Cristóbal Conde and Leading the Way scholarships: “This reflects how UC is building a solid relationship with a friendly organization, based on mutual commitment. It’s also a concrete way to strengthen our educational project, which aims to attract talented students, provide them with more opportunities, and enhance excellent research and innovation.”