Zamorano University commemorated the 134th anniversary of the birth of Wilson Popenoe, founder and first director of the institution, with a special gathering that brought together emeritus trustees, members of the Board of Trustees, special guests, and university authorities to honor his legacy and lasting contribution to agricultural education in Latin America.
Born on March 9, 1892, in Kansas, United States, Wilson Popenoe was a renowned horticulturist, explorer, and educator who dedicated his life to advancing agricultural development across the region. His vision gave rise to an innovative educational model based on the principle of learning-by-doing, through which students integrate academic knowledge with hands-on experience in the field.
As part of the commemoration, a gathering was held at Casa Popenoe that included welcome remarks, a brief reflection on the founder’s life and legacy, and the symbolic presentation to Zamorano University of an original letter written by Wilson Popenoe to his first graduating student, Conrado Ulises Mejía Briceño. The letter was donated by attorney Gustavo León Gómez, a donor and former trustee of the institution.
Following the ceremony, attendees participated in a brief tour of Casa Popenoe and joined a commemorative luncheon. The program continued with visits to academic spaces across campus, where participants had the opportunity to learn more about some of the academic and productive initiatives that embody the spirit of the learning-by-doing model.
More than a century after his birth, Wilson Popenoe’s legacy continues to live on in every generation of Zamorano graduates who are shaped by his educational vision and who contribute today to the sustainable development of agriculture and rural communities across Latin America and the world.
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