Guatemala Times, published on May 28, 2021
The Universidad del Valle de Guatemala (UVG) inaugurated the Dr. Isabel Gutiérrez de Bosch Plaza at the university’s Center for Innovation and Technology (CIT). The space remembers and commemorates the authentic work of a Guatemalan woman dedicated to education, service and leadership.
Doña Isabel played an important role in the development of education in the country. Her work at the head of the Juan Bautista Gutiérrez Foundation was based on solidarity, efficiency and social responsibility. Her vision was to support children, adolescents and young people to develop their skills through learning.
Since 2001, the organization has supported 204 young people to study at UVG, all of whom represent the legacy of Gutiérrez de Bosch, highlighted the president of the Foundation, Juan José Gutiérrez. He explained that of the students, 111 have already gratuated with a competitive education and talent profile, along with high ethical values.
“The CIT symbolizes the spirit of Doña Isabel, because it is a space designed to foster innovation and entrepreneurship among university students”, said engineer Juan Luis Bosch. The plaza is expected to be a focal point at UVG, where graduations and congresses will be held, and will be the stage for academia, science and technology.
During the inauguration of the plaza, the sculpture by artist Max Leiva was unveiled. María Isabel Bosch de Marzano detailed that the design highlights the work of Doña Isabel, at the center, creating bonds of cooperation with young people and their families. “It means that wisdom transcends in time, through education,” she emphasized.
Fundación Juan Bautista Gutiérrez is the social arm of Corporación Multi Inversiones, and supports health programs focused on nutrition and education.
Gutiérrez de Bosch was born in San Cristóbal Totonicapán, Totonicapán, on July 23, 1931. Her parents were Juan Bautista Gutiérrez and Felipa Gutiérrez Álvarez, from Campiellos and Villamorey in Asturias, Spain. They were the ones who shaped her, from an early age, into a woman of values, and promoted her love to work for the most vulnerable families in the country.
Her awards include being the first woman president of the Rotary Club, receiving the Order of the Quetzal for extraordinary merit, and founding and chairing Fundaniñas. In 2020, Forbes recognized her as one of the 100 most powerful women of the year.
The CIT is a new area located in the central campus of UVG. The building has four parking basements and seven levels. It offers its students laboratories, collaborative classrooms, a modern library, conference and event rooms, among other spaces designed to enhance creativity.
The CIT is a new area located in the central campus of UVG. The building has four parking basements and seven levels. It offers its students laboratories, collaborative classrooms, a modern library, conference and event rooms, among other spaces designed to enhance creativity.
Her family and students gathered to honor the memory and work of Doña Isabel, who fully believed that education is the best opportunity for the development of Guatemala.