The Faculty of Geosciences Engineering (FICT) at ESPOL became the setting for a milestone in the country's technical education. During the closing ceremony of the Holcim Academy's seventh cohort, the first-ever nationwide recognition for the program's top student was awarded, reaffirming both institutions' commitment to training elite professionals.
A Historic Recognition
The award was granted to Demian Román Abad, a Civil Engineering student, who achieved a perfect score of 10/10. This achievement highlights not only his technical capacity but also his commitment to a vision of more sustainable and efficient construction, aligned with the current demands of the global industry
The Value of Academies in University Education
The integration of corporate academies, such as Holcim's, within the university ecosystem is vital for student development. These spaces allow for:
Closing the gap between academic theory and industrial practice.
Accessing cutting-edge technologies and sustainable construction methodologies.
Enhancing networking opportunities with industry leaders before graduation.
For FICT students, participating in these programs means gaining a competitive advantage that positions them as agents of change for the country's infrastructure.
A Partnership with History: ESPOL and Holcim
The relationship between ESPOL and Holcim Ecuador is no coincidence; it is based on a shared vision of excellence. The Holcim Academy was born as an initiative to professionalize knowledge regarding cement, concrete, and sustainable solutions in the country.
ESPOL was one of the pioneer institutions where the initial dialogues for this agreement took place, recognizing the Polytechnic as the most important seedbed for civil engineers in the region. After seven successful cohorts and an expansion to more than 15 universities across Ecuador, the fact that ESPOL was chosen to grant this historic first recognition ratifies its leadership and the excellence of its students.
Commitment to the Future (SDGs)
This event goes beyond the awards ceremony, as it strategically aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
SDG 4: Quality Education.
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
Through actions like this, FICT-ESPOL and Holcim Ecuador continue to build the foundations of a sustainable future, where academic excellence serves as the engine for national development.
