Laureate Heroes

Laureate Heroes celebrates the stories of extraordinary Laureate students, faculty, and staff who are using their talent and passion to serve, uplift, and empower their communities. From dedicated faculty moving to online for the first time, to medical students and professors at the frontlines of global medical emergencies, or researchers developing life-saving technology, our Laureate Heroes continue to make a difference in the lives of thousands of men, women, and children in every community we serve and beyond.

Celebrating Half a Century of Music

As a young child, Antonio Ginocchio was inspired by every tune he heard and knew he wanted to be a musician. He set out to make that dream come true by teaching himself to play the trumpet.

From garage to global education – UPC graduate leading a new way in learning

Macarena Arribas realized at a young age that the way she learnt was different to the traditional style of classroom learning in Peru. Macarena was an exceptionally diligent and high-performing student in all subjects, except math. Regardless of her focus and effort, commitment to homework and private tutoring she couldn’t master the subject like she had others.

UVM Graduate Empowers Young Environmental Changemakers in Mexico

This World Environment Day, we’re proud to celebrate UVM graduate Alejandra Contreras Casso who is empowering children and young students in Mexico’s state of Veracruz to become environmental changemakers.

UPN team design portable ecological shower for low-income residents in Lima

According to data from Peru’s National Institute of Statistics and Information (INEI), 4% of Lima’s metropolitan population (around 400,000 people) does not have access to potable water, which not only makes water expensive for low-income populations, but can also lead to disease and other health problems.

Students Create Ecological Pen Made From a Peruvian Fruit Tree

Three students from UPN who are passionate about the environment have been recognized internationally for creating an organic pen made from pacay peel, a fruit tree grown in Peru.

Cibertec students build inexpensive ventilator for COVID-19 patients

With a large number of Peruvians suffering from lung infections as a result of COVID-19, and a lack of ventilators in hospitals, four Cibertec students have developed a mechanical respirator that is not only highly functional, but very cost effective.

UPN Student Invention Helps Address a COVID-19 Challenge

“We saw the demand for home deliveries was growing at an accelerated rate, but not in the most efficient way to ensure that the products arrived in optimal hygienic conditions.”

A Challenging Journey to Higher Education

Living with Cerebral Palsy has not prevented Guadalupe Martha (Lupita) Rivera Montoya from pursuing her dream of studying at university.

Celebrating Inclusion as Vision Impaired Graduate Receives First Diploma in Braille

IBMR graduate Taís Machado Araujo has much to celebrate. After three years of studying at IBMR in Rio de Janeiro, Taís graduated during the pandemic, and received her diploma in Braille.

A Professional Life Dedicated to Educating People About Vulnerable Communities

Emma Donaldson has committed much of her professional life to addressing disability, mental health and inclusion challenges.

Young Filmmakers Enjoy International Success and Contribute to Change in Attitudes Towards People with a Disability

A team of UPN students has won an international short film award for their documentary based on the life of a Peruvian poet and former Special Olympic athlete living with Down’s Syndrome.

Walden University Celebrates the Class of 2020

While high schools across the United States were forced to change their graduation plans, Walden University was keen to ensure this year’s graduates were recognized and celebrated.

UPN Hospital Locker Design Receives Global Recognition

A smart locker that cleans hospital staff uniforms, designed by Universidad Privada del Norte (UPN) students in Peru has been highly commended at the Global Grad Show during Dubai Design Week.

Encouraging Inclusivity through Communications

Karol Valdivia is helping address many of the inequalities faced by the deaf community in Honduras.

Helping Young Children in Chile to be Happy Little Ones

An inspiring group of Commercial Engineering students from Andrés Bello University are helping entertain children, encourage their creativity, stimulate their imagination and reduce their reliance on digital devices during COVID-19 quarantine.

Caring for the Pet Community in Mexico City

Veterinary students who had been working with stray animals chose to take their patients home to care for them during the hospital’s closure.

UPN Graduate Develops App to Help Keep Community Safe

A Universidad Privada del Norte graduate has created a mobile app that helps users identify businesses that are following strict COVID-19 biosafety standards in his home city.

Silver Hugs help the elderly in Honduras

Eight students from UNITEC in Honduras have established a non-profit organization called Abrazos de Plata (Silver Hugs in English), to assist vulnerable elderly residents living in retirement homes that have insufficient resources.

Walden University helps eliminate the digital divide in Baltimore

Walden University recently donated 650 tablets, 300 learning kits and 80 backpacks filled with food and hygiene products to help students from Baltimore City Public Schools.

From the Laboratory to Saving Lives

A team of engineers and health sciences professionals from UNITEC has designed a mechanical lung ventilator prototype that can be produced using 3D printers.

Online Education: Bridging the Generational Divide

Heriberto Arista is a much-loved 94-year-old Professor from UNITEC in Mexico City. Following the outbreak of COVID-19, he transitioned from running his classes on campus, to delivering them online for the first time.

Answering the Call to Fight COVID-19

Our UNIFACS medical students are literally answering the call to help fight COVID-19. Since March, more than 23,000 Brazilians have received medical advice via a coronavirus enquiry helpline operated by medical students, including those from UNIFACS.