The UNR Higher Polytechnic Institute celebrated 119 years of history dedicated to quality and committed training, continuing to serve as a beacon of public, secular, free, and excellent education.
In the institute's green courtyard, filled with students, graduates, teachers, and non-teaching staff, a moving ceremony was held to celebrate the Polytechnic University's birthday. During the ceremony, the principal presented a special gift to the UNR: the fist with a stool, the school's emblem and a symbol of the efforts of generations of students who have completed their studies there.
The stool was created by artist Colla, from the Faculty of Humanities and Arts, for the latest edition of the traditional auction and was acquired by a group of faculty members from the institution who decided to donate it to the Public University as an expression of gratitude, identity, and belonging.
The ceremony was presided over by Rector Franco Bartolacci, the Director of the Higher Polytechnic Institute, María Verónica Filotti, the Secretary General of APUR, Miguel Roldán, and the Secretary General of COAD, Federico Gayoso. University officials, members of the municipal cabinet, and members of the Rosario City Council were also present.
On this new anniversary, the Rector of the UNR asked for a strong round of applause for a community that "under poor salary conditions, perhaps in a precarious situation like never before, every day, each person in their place does what is necessary so that this continues to be a public school of excellence and continues to contribute to the University, the city, and the country what it needs to transform what is happening to us."
Bartolacci addressed the students: “You are our pride, as are all the Polytechnic students who allow us to tell good stories about why excellent public education is important, and with that, summarize everything we want to say to defend the University.”
For her part, Director Verónica Filotti acknowledged that this anniversary comes at a very special time for the Public University: “Last week, many of us here today marched to reclaim the University's place in Argentina—non-teachers, faculty, graduates, and students—who together, day after day, make the Poly a recognized institution in this city.” She maintained that “today is a day to remember the past and look to the future with hope. The history of the Poly is a history of effort, perseverance, and dreams fulfilled.”
The president of the Poli student body, Ana Smitarelo, stated that “the identity we have developed as polipibes and polipibas is undeniable, the long hours of studying in workshops, the conversations with tutors and professors, the effort of overcoming an academic challenge that not only defines us, but also makes us proud. The Poli is more than a technical school.”
“It's a community that has welcomed us from the very first year with traditions and symbols like the famous stool, and it has accompanied us forever because, in addition to being a symbol of effort and belonging, it is also a commitment to society. A clear example is our optician's workshops, where lenses are made for low-income people. Like so many other academic institutions in the country, our school demonstrates that knowledge, when it is public and free of charge, transforms realities and serves those who need it most,” he added.
The student emphasized that "this anniversary finds us at a decisive moment. The University Budget Law is what guarantees that our schools and universities continue to be a driving force for transformation and social advancement. And it is also what recognizes the basic right of our teachers to a decent salary. As a student representative, today I must say that this is the time for us to raise our voices, to defend the public university, to defend equality, access to education, and the opportunity for thousands of young people to continue finding university a tool for upward mobility."
During the ceremony, the school received an award from the City Council, and then the winning logo of the competition launched for the 120th anniversary, which will be celebrated in 2026, was presented. Titled "Cubo 120," it was designed by Augusto Macetti and Camille Pisorno.
History of the Poly
The institution was founded in 1906 as the nation's industrial school with just 28 students. It was not until 1969 that it adopted the name of the General San Martín Polytechnic Institute and expanded its educational offerings. In 1970, it joined the Universidad Nacional de Rosario, consolidating its role as a public, free, secular, and excellent higher education institution. Today, it is a benchmark for technical-professional education with a wide range of programs and a community of more than 2500 students from secondary to higher education.
It's worth noting that this year marks the tenth anniversary of the graduation of the first cohort of students under the new curriculum implemented in 2010, which returned the Polytechnic secondary school to its vocational training program. These first secondary school technicians graduated in 2015, marking a milestone in the institution's history and reaffirming its commitment to free, excellent public education.
The institution continues to train generations of technical professionals who bring prestige to the Polytechnic University worldwide. Today, in a context of challenges facing public and technical education, this anniversary takes on even deeper meaning. Every achievement is the fruit of the collective defense of an inclusive, open school committed to the country's future.
Journalist: Victoria Arrabal/Photographer: Camila Casero