As part of CETYS’ 65th anniversary celebration, the Board declared September 15, 2026, “CETYS Day in San Diego County” consolidating a binational partnership decades in the making. First time a Mexican university receives a similar Proclamation from the County of San Diego.

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors has declared September 15, 2026,  “CETYS Day in San Diego County.” This is the first time that the Board formally recognizes a Mexican university through an official Proclamation, and today it did so for CETYS University. During a regular meeting at the County Administration Center, the Board honored the binational university system’s 65th Anniversary, as well as 65 years of forging alliances between California and Baja California, with the presence of CETYS University President, Dr. Fernando León García, and distinguished Alumni guests that live in San Diego, members of the board of trustees, and CETYS Deans and Vice Presidents.

The proclamation, introduced by Board Chair Pro Tem Paloma Aguirre, marks the first time the county has extended this level of civic recognition to an institution based in Mexico. It represents civic recognition of six decades of relationships that have connected students, educators, universities, companies, and organizations on both sides of the border.

Dr. Fernando León García, President of the CETYS University, accepted the honor on behalf of university students, faculty and alumni on both sides of the border, and stated:

“We wish to express our deepest gratitude to the San Diego Board of Supervisors, and especially to Supervisor Paloma Aguirre, for this extraordinary honor. For CETYS, this proclamation represents more than just recognition of our past 65 years. We are immensely proud to be part of the San Diego and Baja California community, and we look forward to continuing to build bridges, create synergies, connect opportunities, and share this future together.

Thank you to the Board of Supervisors for recognizing the impact of education, for valuing the importance of binational collaboration, and for sharing our conviction regarding what this region can achieve when we work together.”

San Diego County Supervisor Paloma Aguirre (District 1) stated, “Education is the most powerful tool for advancement. By opening doors and creating new opportunities, CETYS does more than just prepare its students; it transforms the lives of entire families and generates an impact that lasts for generations. It is a true honor to present this historic proclamation for the first time to a Mexican university, recognizing 65 years of a partnership that strengthens our region and demonstrates that education knows no borders.”

Founded in 1961 in Mexicali, Baja California as a nonprofit organization, CETYS has grown into a binational university system educating generations of students who move fluidly between both countries. It is a founding member of the CaliBaja Higher Education Consortium, and champions the CaliBaja Innovation Center in Tijuana, an initiative of the US Embassy in Mexico, as well as a State Department American Space. CETYS is also the first university in Mexico to have been accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

CETYS currently holds formal partnerships with more than 20 US colleges and universities, including the University of San Diego, San Diego State University, the University of California San Diego, Southwestern College and City University of Seattle, which have made it possible to expand opportunities for mobility, academic collaboration, research, and international training for students and faculty.  This is in addition to over 100 partnerships with universities around the world.

These connections are part of a broader relationship between Baja California and San Diego, a region characterized by deep economic, educational, cultural, and social exchanges.

The “CETYS Day in San Diego County” Proclamation recognizes a track record that transcends the relationship between two institutions and reflects the role education can play in building a more integrated binational region.