• Mayor Todd Gloria sent a Proclamation declaring October 1, 2026 “CETYS University Day” in the City of San Diego.
• Assemblymember David Alvarez presented a Resolution declaring September 20, 2026, «CETYS University Day» in the State of California.
• Ambassador Alicia Kerber-Palma discussed binational education issues with Alvarez and the President of the CETYS Universidad System.

Before a full house of special guests, CETYS University held a successful Town Hall for a second consecutive year with academics, business leaders, philanthropists from both sides of the border, CETYS executives, members of the Board of the Northwest Educational Institute (IENAC), as well as local government representatives, led by Dr. Fernando León García, President of the CETYS University System in Baja California. The event took place at UC San Diego Park & Market in downtown San Diego.

Benjamin Moore, Director of Global Affairs for Mayor Todd Gloria’s Office, presented a Proclamation to Dr. León García, declaring October 1 “CETYS University Day” in the City of San Diego. Moore further stated, “We are a proud binational region and we are so happy and honored for what CETYS brings to our region’s youth, to our connectivity and to the future we all share together. We are just thrilled to — as the City of San Diego — one part of that ecosystem, to recognize that officially by Mayoral decree, just how much that means to us, what CETYS has brought to our region and to our communities.”

Afterward, Dr. León García presided over “A Binational Conversation,” featuring the participation of Assemblymember David Álvarez, representative of California’s 80th District, and Ambassador Alicia Kerber-Palma, Consul General of Mexico in San Diego. Following the conversation, Assemblymember Álvarez presented Dr. León García with a Resolution from the State of California declaring September 20, 2026—the exact date of the 65th Anniversary—as “CETYS University Day” in California.

During the event, Dr. León García presented the CETYS vision as a strategic partner for the growth of the Cali-Baja region, highlighting its role in generating highly competitive human capital, applied research and linking with productive sectors on both sides of the border, as well as its commitment to promoting culture and its humanistic vision as means of cohesion and cross-border understanding in this region.

Dr. García León stated, “The conversation focused on the nature and dynamics of the CaliBaja region—and the varying levels of understanding regarding it—as well as the need for support from these stakeholders. Such support is essential so that those outside the region can learn about its strengths, opportunities, progress, and challenges. Furthermore, contributions from Sacramento, Washington, and Mexico City are required to amplify the distinctive features and the advancements already being achieved.”

For his part, Assemblymember David Álvarez stated, “Much has been built and much has been accomplished, but there is still more to do. I believe that is what we acknowledged today at this Town Hall—the need to reinforce these efforts and to keep striving for more, because the region benefits when we prepare for our future workforce needs. And this applies beyond just our region; we know CETYS has long been a source of talent. A clear example is the talent shared with Mexico, driven by our trade and the entirety of our relationship with the country.”

Finally, Ambassador Alicia Kerber-Palma stated, “This is undoubtedly a very, very important event for the CaliBaja region because, as we mentioned earlier, this region can serve as a model of integration—not only for North America but also for Europe and Asian countries. The developments taking place here in CaliBaja—for instance, in the field of education—are highly significant; we are moving beyond merely highlighting the region’s talent. Above all, as has been noted, we are shifting the conversation away from the border’s challenges—such as migration issues and long wait times—to truly leveraging the region’s competitiveness, ensuring its voice is heard at the central level in both Mexico City and Washington, D.C.”

With over 43,000 graduates, an employability rate between 92-97%, and an academic community that promotes international mobility, CETYS is currently consolidating its multi-experiential, humanistic, and flexible educational model, geared towards training leaders capable of generating significant and sustainable impact.

The 2026 Town Hall was an opportunity to strengthen ties with the alumni community and strategic partners in Southern California, as well as to promote collaboration on joint projects that drive education, innovation, and social well-being in the world’s most dynamic border region.