M.T. Geoffrey Yeh Endowed Professor of Civil Engineering Marcelo Garcia received a Doctor Honoris Causa from the National University of Cordoba (UNC) with a ceremony held at the historic university on May 20, 2024.
The Honoris Causa is the highest academic honor awarded by the university and was conferred to Garcia in recognition of “his outstanding academic, teaching and scientific career and for his commitment to the transfer of technology in society.”
The event was attended by several high-ranking university officials, including UNC Rector Jhon Boretto, UNC Vice-Rector Mariela Marchisio, UNC Dean of Engineering and Science Pablo Recabarren and UNC Vice-Dean of Engineering and Science Magali Carro Perez. Also present was Minister of Infrastructure and Public Services of Cordoba Province and CEE alumnus Fabian Lopez (MS 94 PhD 97).
The ceremony began with remarks by Recabarren, noting the deservedness of Garcia’s award and the contributions he has made to advance the fields of hydrology and water engineering. Lopez followed to give testimony to Garcia’s legacy as an educator and fellow Argentinian, recalling his own experience as Garcia’s student and lauding Garcia’s continued commitment to the scientific and public development of their home country.
Three other of Garcia’s former students were additionally present in support of their teacher: Instituto Balseiro Director Mariano Cantero (MS 02, PhD 07), University of Chile, Santiago Professor Yarko Niño (MS 92, PhD 95), and UNC Professor Carlos Marcelo Garcia (PhD 06). Their attendance, as well as the success they’ve had in their own careers, provided just a small snapshot of the positive impact Garcia’s mentorship has had on so many students.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Garcia delivered a keynote lecture entitled, “Fluvial Morphodynamics and Wetlands in Systems Influenced by the Dynamics of the Paraná River.”
More information on the event can be found in UNC’s official press release here.