In an emotional ceremony, the University honored the graduates with the highest grade point averages from all faculties and high schools.
La Universidad Nacional de Rosario The university held a ceremony to recognize the students with the highest grade point averages across all majors in 2024. The ceremony took place at the Faculty of Dentistry and brought together the institution's most outstanding students.
This year's highest average grade belongs to Fran Cassinese Parisi, a graduate of the Physics program at the Faculty of Exact Sciences, Engineering, and Surveying, with a score of 9,85. Victoria Kaial, from the Mathematics program at the same faculty, came in second. Third place was shared by Lucía Desuque, from the Literature program, and Abril Castagnola, from the Anthropology program, both from the Faculty of Humanities and Arts.
The event was attended by Rector Franco Bartolacci, Vice-Rector Darío Masía, General Secretary Guillermo Montero, Secretary of the Academic and Learning Area Carina Gerlero, along with deans, directors and heads of the various academic units of the University.
“This is one of the most wonderful events our University has to offer. The UNR is very strong in everything it produces, including outstanding young people who have distinguished themselves through their academic achievements. Today we recognize the effort, sacrifice, and dedication of those who have excelled in their university education,” said Rector Bartolacci.
The rector also emphasized that this recognition includes not only graduates from the various university programs, but also students from pre-university schools, as well as participants in recent programs such as Otra Vuelta, the UNR's virtual high school, and Regresar, an initiative that aims to support those returning to their university studies. “The UNR is much more than the training of professionals; it is much more than a university. This event is a celebration of the commitment of many people to public education,” he added.
Bartolacci also emphasized that the University “trains excellent professionals,” but that it is also “a powerhouse of scientific and knowledge production that helps transform the lives of many people.” “We hope that those who study and graduate from our institution will never forget that they are a product of the Argentine public university system, sustained by the efforts of an entire society,” he remarked.
For his part, Vice-Rector Darío Masía praised the UNR's "potential and transformative power" and described the ceremony as "a breath of fresh air." "This is a collective commitment to a new form of education. We strengthened all our degree programs, but we also created new initiatives, such as Otra Vuelta and Regresar, which expand the right to study," he stated.
Fran Cassinese Parisi, who achieved the highest GPA in 2024, expressed her joy at the recognition, calling it "an honor." "I never set out to have the highest GPA in my faculty or the university; I was even surprised when they told me. I always aimed to do my best because I knew it was important for my career as a researcher. I also owe it to my group of classmates with whom I motivated each other to achieve good results," she commented.
Regarding his time at the Faculty, he noted that the coursework "was very manageable" and that his study method consisted of "not falling behind with the content and adapting to each subject."
Furthermore, he thanked the public university: “I want to thank the UNR for existing, for giving me the opportunity to study and obtain a university degree. It is a place that not only educates us, but also brings out the best in each of us.”
Finally, he left a message for those beginning their university journey: “Choose a degree you truly enjoy; it makes everything much easier. At UNR, there are countless opportunities. And form a good group of classmates: it helps and greatly enriches the experience.”
Ignacio Monti, the top student at the Higher Polytechnic Institute, said he was “very happy to be here.” “It’s a demanding path, with many subjects, but it’s a school of excellence and I’m proud to be a graduate. I want to especially thank the teachers and administrators who supported me during these years,” he said.
This year's award also highlighted students from the Otra Vuelta program, a secondary-level educational initiative for people with interrupted educational paths.
Elisabet Torres, one of the graduates, shared her experience: “I decided to return to high school, which I had left several years ago for work reasons. I am proud to have completed this stage and have already enrolled in the Therapeutic Support Technician program. I thank the University for making this program possible and the teachers who supported us with such dedication.”
Journalist: Gonzalo García / Photographer: Karen Roeschlin