The shield of the Autonomous University of the State of Mexico (UAEMEX), which dates back more than 130 years, represents through its three symbols the identity and values of the most important house of studies in the city of Toluca de Lerdo, and one of the main ones in Mexico.
Today, this public institution offers 280 educational programs, including one for baccalaureate, 176 undergraduate and 103 postgraduate, in the following areas of knowledge: Education, Arts and Humanities, Social Sciences, Administration, Law, Natural and Exact Sciences, Computer Science, Engineering, Manufacturing and Construction, Agronomy, Veterinary, Health and Services.
Coat of arms of the UAEMEX. Source: uamex.mx
This university center, whose enrollment reaches almost 80 thousand students, has been distinguished with Three Stars in the QS Stars rating. It is also among the ten best Mexican universities, according to the classification issued by the British company Quacquarelli Symonds.
History of the shield
To know the history of the UAEMEX emblem it is necessary to go back in time to the years of the Literary Institute of the State of Mexico, back in 1850. In the middle of that decade and for almost the three that follow, this study center was linked to representations of the Greco-Roman deity Minerva.
The "goddess of reason and wisdom" had multiple interpretations, which were appreciated in documents of the institution and stationery of the time. Among them she is seen dressed in a helmet, spear, breastplate and shield; while in others with wings, a tunic and surrounded by books and scientific instruments.
Around 1880, with the reimplantation of a federal government, the institute began to be represented with a double-circle shield, in the center of which was an eagle. The animal spread its wings on a cactus while devouring a snake.
This emblem was maintained without modifications, but six years later the word “scientist” was added to the legend, then being called the Scientific and Literary Institute of the State of Mexico.
It was in 1887 when the then governor José María Zubieta gave the director, teachers and students the banner that included the current shield. It is said that the shield had symbols of Masonic influence since Zubieta belonged to this order.
But this image would not remain long and in 1899 the eagle's shield was retaken. In addition, during the government of José Vicente Villada, the institute was added the name of the president of the moment "Porfirio Díaz."
Decade of changes
The 1900s were a time of successive change. The institution saw its name changed about three times, while the emblem changed four times before reaching the current version of the shield.
In 1911 the name changed again and the legend “Ignacio Ramírez” was added, keeping the image of the eagle but now seen in profile. In 1920, together with a new modification of the name, a simplified form of the emblem delivered by Zubieta was adopted, and in a peripheral inscription the motto "Homeland, Science and Work" was arranged in full width.
A few years later, in 1924, there are two legends surrounding the double-circle shield: the motto and the name of the institution. After 11 years of struggle, the study center is granted autonomy. At that time, the original banner with the word "autonomous" was taken up again and the star was replaced by a six-peaked Solomonic.
In 1945 the original shield is recreated to which a ribbon is added at the top with the legend "United Mexican States". It is in 1956 when the name is modified and the name Autonomous University of the State of Mexico appears for the first time on the shield.
Other UAEMEX symbols
Multiple elements are usually linked to UAEMEX and identify it as an educational institution. Among them we can recognize the Tree of the Mora, the central building of the Rectory and its mural called "Synthesis", the "Neoclassical" Garden, the Alberto "Chivo" Córdova University Stadium, the "Adolfo López Mateo" Aula Magna.
There are also three monuments in honor of the teachers, the University Autonomy and the memory of Adolfo López Mateos. All of these are considered fundamental icons, but not formal symbols of the study center.
Currently the university considers only four symbols as part of its identity: the banner, the flag, the anthem and the motto. Both the green banner, as well as the white or green banner, each contain in its form (vertical or horizontal), the shield of the university. The Motto "Homeland, Science and Work" and the Anthem were inherited from the Scientific and Literary Institute of the State of Mexico.
Shield Meaning
Building of the Faculty of Medicine (UAEMEX) Source: Docromah
The shield consists of three elements within a circle with parchment folds, representing eternity, the deity, the Universe. The inside of the green circle expresses the future, hope and youth. The gold or gold towards the ends of the round figure, supposes the brilliance of science, knowledge and intelligence.
The first symbol, which occupies the central position in the circle, is a hive with bees flying around. It refers to this industrious community and seeks to express a love for academic work, education and research.
The second element is in the upper area, where a bright five-pointed star can be identified. The "Pythagorean pentalph," as this figure is known, characterizes human intelligence, wisdom, and science.
Surrounding the circle is the third element: an oak and olive tree crown as a manifestation of love for the country. The oak is a symbol of life, while the olive tree usually means peace, resurrection, immortality and victory.
Outside the circle, two bands are identified. In the highest part, a green one with lateral flights and the phrase "United Mexican States", in gold letters. At the bottom of the emblem and tied to the center, there is a band with the colors of the national flag and a text in gold that says "State of Mexico."
References
- Autonomous Mexico State University. (2019) Recovered from uaemex.mx
- Regulation of Symbols of the Autonomous University of the State of Mexico, UAEM, 2006.
- Martínez Vilchis, José, coord., Half a century of university spirit. Autonomous University of the State of Mexico, 2008. Peñaloza García, Inocente. Green and gold. Chronicle of the Autonomous University of the State of Mexico. Autonomous University of the State of Mexico, 1999.
- Museum of University History José María Morelos y Pavón. (2017). Evolution of the elements of our shield. Mexico: Author
- Trinidad, F. (2014, October 5) History and meaning of the UAEM shield. Recovered from criterionoticias.wordpress.com