With more than 1,200 students from 21 countries; and 8,945 graduates from 30 nationalities, this October Zamorano is celebrating 78 years training development leaders.
For 78 years, Zamorano has delivered a unique program of excellence in food safety, natural resource conservation and value-added food transformation. As part of a changing world of technological and social requirements, Zamorano will continue to contribute to the development of Latin American countries through applied research conducted by students, technicians and high-level professional faculty.
The vision of its founders was to create an educational center which would transform economically disadvantaged youth into leaders who would contribute back to their countries. From the beginning the institution has distinguished itself by its unique educational system, the Learning by Doing approach,which allows students to apply their knowledge in real working scenarios giving them a holistic experience.
Zamorano as an academic institution contributes to the development of countries by training professionals with excellence, strong values and character traits, and who are aware of real-world challenges and are committed to being change agents. All generations of Zamorano graduates have learned to work with dedication and enthusiasm. They learn modern theoretical-scientific knowledge in classrooms and laboratories. Wilson Popenoe claimed that acquiring practical competencies would be the principal objective of a Zamorano education. These competencies are what today set Zamorano graduates apart and this is a source of great pride for the institution. Our graduates are distinguished leaders who represent Zamorano´s name and are living proof of the fulfillment of the school’s mission and motto “Work Conquers All (Labor Omnia Vincit)”.
The educational advancements of the institution have allowed Zamorano to graduate this year its first generation of graduate students. In an historic ceremony, eleven students obtained their diploma of Master in Science (M.Sc.) in Sustainable Tropical Agriculture. Equipped with the scientific knowledge that allows them to answer new challenges facing agriculture and the environment, Zamorano’s graduate students are trained in holistic, sustainable and regenerative approaches to analysis and production system design.
As part of its evolution and adaptation to new challenges under current pandemic circumstances, this year faculty members and instructors were trained in on line teaching. They have received training and become certified to offer classes using various technological tools and effective teaching practices to adapt classroom courses to on line education.
Timeline
1941
It is agreed to support the foundation of an agricultural school in Central America
1942
Dr. Wilson Popenoe hired as Director of the Panamerican Agricultural School. Beginning of construction of main buildings on campus
1943
72 students arrive in June to begin their training at Zamorano
1946
First student graduation ceremony
1950
First publication of Ceiba Magazine
1955
USA Vice President Richard M. Nixon gives commencement address
1957
Dr. Wilson Popenoe retires. William Paddock named new Zamorano Director
1961
The School adopts a trimester calendar of 15 weeks. Academic year starts in January
1964-1968
Dr. Albert S. Muller named Zamorano´s Director
1965
Constitution of the Graduate Association of the Panamerican Agriculture School (AGEAP)
1969
On the recommendation of Zamorano, the Honduran government chooses the brassabola digbyana orchid as the Honduran national flower
1969-1972
Dr. Robert P. Armour named Zamorano´s Director
1973-1974
Dr. Kermit H. Adams named Zamorano´s Director
1975-1978
Dr. Joseph S. Courand named Zamorano´s Director
1979
Dr. Simon Malo named Director, being the first Latin American Director and Zamorano´s first graduate Director
1981
Admission of women to Zamorano
1983
Graduation of the first four women at Zamorano
1987
Zamorano includes an optional fourth year to acquire the engineering title offered to students once they end their third year, as well as for other graduates
1988
Beginning of the Bean Research Program (PIF). To the date it has been the source of more than 65 bean varieties in several countries in Latin America
1993-2002
Dr. Keith L. Andrews named Zamorano´s Director
1998
Zamorano launches a four year program
2003-2010
Dr. Kenneth L. Hoadley named Zamorano´s President
2004-2007
Launch of the four centers of Research and Innovation: Biodiversity, e-Learning, Entrepreneurship and Renewable Energy
2011-2014
Dr. Roberto Cuevas García, from Guatemala, is named Zamorano´s second Latin American President
2013
The first Grain and Seed Production Chain is created
2014
El Dr. Jeffrey Lansdale, de nacionalidad estadounidense, inicia su gestión como Rector.
2016
Solar park begins operatation
2018
Launching of the Sustainable Tropical Agriculture Masters Progam (MATS)
2020
Graduation of the first MATS students who received their title of Master in Science (M.Sc.)
