The Catholic University and Friends UC strengthen their strategic alliance, November 2024

A UC delegation led by Rector Ignacio Sánchez traveled to New York to participate in the traditional board meeting of Friends of Catholic University in Chile, Inc. (Friends UC). Founded in 1989, this U.S.-based nonprofit organization aims to establish connections with individuals and entities in the United States and to secure funding for UC projects, enhancing the university’s development and contributing to Chile’s growth.

Headquartered in New York, Friends UC comprises 22 directors, both Chilean and American, from diverse fields and regions, all united by their connection to the Catholic University. The organization has its own scholarship programs and contributes to various projects at the university in areas such as research and public engagement. Friends UC also actively supports the Futuro UC campaign and the Endowment Fund.

“The collaborative work we have undertaken with Friends UC is highly significant, not only for the important resources they have raised and contributed to the university but also for their crucial role in connecting with our alumni and building a committed community in the United States. This opens new opportunities for our university and its future sustainability,” said Rector Ignacio Sánchez from Manhattan.

Friends UC Board President Sava Thomas emphasized that their goal is “to continue our work so that Catholic University alumni residing in the United States can help support the university’s projects.”

Friends UC Scholarships and Philanthropic Support

Friends UC manages two main scholarship programs: the Cristóbal Conde Scholarship and the Leading the Way Program & Scholarships.

The Cristóbal Conde Scholarship, established in 2013, is possible thanks to a donation from Cristóbal Conde, a Friends UC board member originally from Chile. This scholarship is awarded to high-achieving students from vulnerable backgrounds who do not qualify for free tuition and need assistance to bridge the tuition gap. Friends UC also seeks additional funding for this program to enable more deserving students to access the university.

The Leading the Way Program, launched in 2015, provides intensive English training through a partnership with English UC for students from vulnerable communities, with a particular focus on American culture over a semester and a half. This experience includes the “Global Classroom,” which fosters idea exchange and cultural interaction between students from UC and Drexel University. The program also offers students the chance to study at Drexel for four weeks, improving their English skills and participating in a leadership case study.

In addition to these scholarships, Friends UC supports various university projects and initiatives, such as the Research Center on Abuse and Early Adversity (CUIDA), Elige Educar, and Radio Beethoven. It is also a strong supporter of the Futuro UC fundraising campaign and the Endowment UC.

Opportunities and Challenges with the New U.S. Administration

As part of the Friends UC events, two distinguished foreign policy experts participated in the colloquium “U.S. Elections and Their International Impact” at New York University: Jorge Castañeda, former Foreign Minister of Mexico (2000-2003) and Ambassador of Mexico to the United States, and Christopher Tuttle, Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR). The event, held at NYU, was moderated by James Upton, who has extensive experience in investment management in emerging markets.

Rector Ignacio Sánchez expressed gratitude to Friends UC and its board: “For us, the support of Friends of the Catholic University has been incredibly important for over 35 years, and this meeting exemplifies joint collaboration,” he said. He also thanked Julie Mostov, Dean of Liberal Studies at NYU, for hosting the event and extended a warm welcome to alumni present, many of whom are pursuing graduate programs or working in the U.S.

The discussion focused on the implications of the recent U.S. elections, in which Donald Trump was reelected and Republicans regained control of the Senate. Key topics included immigration policy, climate policy, and U.S.-China relations.

Regarding immigration, analysts predicted a significant tightening of border policies, including potential mass deportations and the reinstatement of the “Remain in Mexico” policy. They highlighted the challenges of deporting individuals, especially from countries that may not accept them back.

On climate policy, the panel anticipated a rollback of many environmental regulations established by the current Biden administration, focusing on reducing mandates seen as restrictive to businesses, while potentially retaining some subsidies that support job creation.

On U.S.-China relations, the speakers discussed a potential increase in tariffs on Chinese goods and the implications for U.S. competitiveness and inflation. The analysis underscored the uncertainty around Trump’s approach to China, particularly regarding trade and Indo-Pacific security.

The analysts also discussed Trump’s potential cabinet, his stance on the Middle East, the U.S.’s role in global affairs, particularly with NATO and BRICS+ (emerging economies), and the potential rise in anti-Western sentiments in the Global South.

Progress and Challenges

The Friends UC board, led by Sava Thomas, meets twice annually. The November 7–8 meeting was held in New York City, with participants including Rector Ignacio Sánchez, Provost of Institutional Management Patricio Donoso, Vice President of Finance Loreto Massanés, Emeritus Rector Pedro Rosso, and other Friends UC board members.

Rector Ignacio Sánchez presented the university’s progress over the past 15 years as he prepares to conclude his term in March 2025. He highlighted growth in student enrollment from 18,000 at the beginning of his term to 32,000 today, the introduction of 22 new academic programs, and an increase in the proportion of students from public schools from 32% to 48%.

Progress on Friends UC-supported programs, such as the Cristóbal Conde Scholarship and the Leading the Way Program & Scholarships, was also reviewed. These programs have significantly enhanced students’ educational experiences, including opportunities to study abroad.

The importance of fundraising, particularly the upcoming Futuro UC campaign (formerly Giving Day), was emphasized, with funds largely directed toward scholarships and support programs. Friends UC’s efforts in U.S. fundraising were highlighted as crucial.

The university’s commitment to inclusion, diversity, and its cultural initiatives was also underscored.

The meeting included discussions on economic factors, strategies, and future planning for Friends UC to increase U.S. fundraising efforts, allowing for more scholarships and support for Friends UC’s initiatives.

As Patricio Donoso concluded: “Friends UC plays a vital role in supporting projects at our university. Over the past 15 years, their support has helped raise approximately $20 million for initiatives such as the Conde Scholarships, Leading the Way Program, Endowment UC, J-PAL, Elige Educar, Radio Beethoven, and more. Friends UC provides the opportunity to present proposals and secure crucial funding for the university’s growth and vision. The main challenge is to continue generating compelling initiatives to present to U.S. entities and individuals willing to support them.