National University of La Plata facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
La Plata National University

Universidad Nacional de La Plata
UNLP Rector Office in 2013
Former name	Universidad Provincial de La Plata
Motto	Pro scientia et patria (Latin)
Motto in English	For science and homeland
Type	Public non-sectarian higher education institution
Established	1897; 128 years ago (1897)
President	Martín López Armengol
Academic staff	10,400
Students	91,135
Location	La Plata , Buenos Aires Province , Argentina

The La Plata National University (Spanish: Universidad Nacional de La Plata, UNLP) is a large public research university in La Plata, Argentina. It's a big place for learning and discovery!

Over 90,000 students attend UNLP. They are taught by more than 10,000 teachers. The university has 17 departments and offers 106 different degrees.

UNLP includes many cool places. These include the Rafael Hernández National College, the La Plata University Radio, and the La Plata Museum of Natural Sciences. It also has the University Public Library and the Astronomical Observatory.

The university started on April 18, 1897. It was first called the Universidad Provincial de La Plata. In 1905, the government decided to make it a national university. This made it even more important. Today, UNLP has one of the most important collections of old animal remains and human history items in South America.

History of UNLP

How the University Started

In 1880, the city of Buenos Aires became the capital of Argentina. This meant the Province of Buenos Aires lost its main city. So, a new capital, La Plata, was built in 1882.

But La Plata didn't have a university. To fix this, some provincial senators suggested creating a university in La Plata in 1889. Many young people in the city supported this idea right away.

The law to create the university was passed on January 2, 1890. It said the new university would have four main study areas: Law, Medicine, Chemistry and Pharmacy, and Math and Physical Sciences.

It took a few years for the university to actually open. Finally, on February 8, 1897, the rules for the university were approved. Dardo Rocha, who founded La Plata, became the first head of the university. Classes began on April 18, 1897.

Becoming a National University

In its early years, the university didn't have many students. This was partly because La Plata was still growing. Also, the degrees weren't recognized nationally, so many students preferred the University of Buenos Aires.

Former Physics Laboratory of the University, around 1900

Then, Joaquín V. González, who was the Minister of Justice and Education, had a big idea. He wanted to create a national university using the existing provincial one. In 1905, several parts of the provincial university, like the Veterinary and Agronomy Faculty and the Astronomical Observatory, became national.

The observatory in 1906

Faculty of Agronomy building around 1910

On August 12, 1905, the university and its parts were taken over by the national government. This included the La Plata Museum and the University Library. The government promised to create a strong national university.

The creation of the Universidad Nacional de La Plata was approved by the government in September 1905. On March 17, 1906, Joaquín V. González was elected as the first president of the National University of La Plata.

By 1908, the university had many different departments. These included Law, Agronomy, Physical Science, and a Museum Faculty. It also had a department for primary and secondary studies. In 1908, 1,845 students were enrolled. Joaquín V. González led the university for many years, until 1918.

Changes and Student Life

In 1918, a big movement called the university reform started in Argentina. It wanted universities to be free for students. It also wanted students to have a say in how the university was run. These ideas spread to many universities in Latin America.

At first, these changes didn't affect La Plata much. But students started to demand more say in their education. In 1919, students were allowed to participate in university decisions.

In 1920, things became difficult. There was a student strike, and a student named David Viera was sadly killed. This led to a lot of tension between different student groups.

The university's president, Rodolfo Rivarola, resigned. Professor Alejandro Korn became a leader for the reform movement. He helped make some of the students' wishes come true.

Student activity continued in the 1920s. The student group FULP (Federación Universitaria de La Plata) kept the reform ideas alive. They were also involved in many cultural activities. During this time, the university's radio station, LR11 Radio University, was created.

In the 1930s, there were some political changes in Argentina. The university faced challenges to its independence. Students and teachers fought to keep the university free from government control. Many students and teachers were temporarily removed. However, most were later brought back.

In 1935, the university created a student aid association. It offered health care, dental services, and a community kitchen for students. This helped many students.

During World War II, there were tensions about political demonstrations. In 1941, Alfredo Palacios became president. He wanted to bring back the idea of different university parts working together.

From 1943 to 1955, the university's independence was limited by the government. From 1952 to 1955, the university was even renamed "Eva Perón National University" when the city of La Plata was also renamed.

Artistic Activities

The University Choirs

The University Choir was the first artistic group at UNLP. Students started it, and it was the first of its kind in Argentina. It began in 1942.

The choir's motto is "Friendship through Music." It has inspired many other university choirs. Every year since 1959, La Plata has hosted a festival of university choirs.

The choir sings many types of music. This includes classical works, old religious music, and popular Argentinian songs. They also perform Latin American music and spirituals.

The choir has traveled a lot. In 1965, they sang in New York at the opening of the Lincoln Center. In 1970, they toured Europe, performing in cities like Rome and Paris. They have also performed in Spain and Venezuela.

The Coro Juvenil (Youth Choir) started in 1983. It has won awards and sings music from the Renaissance to modern times.

The Chamber Choir was created in 1985. It helps young singers prepare for professional careers. It focuses on music from the 20th century.

The String Quartet

The University String Quartet (Cuarteto de Cuerdas) was formed in 1953. It includes professors from the College of Fine Arts. The university officially recognized the group in 1958.

The quartet has performed new works by famous Argentinian composers. Their music ranges from classical to modern pieces.

Its current members are:

• 1st Violin: José Bondar
• 2nd Violin: Fernando Favero
• Viola: Roberto Regio
• Cello: Siro Bellisomi

The Wind Quintet

The Wind Quintet of UNLP started in 1979. It was first part of the university's radio station.

In 1982, UNLP made it an official university group. The Wind Quintet plays classical music for the public.

Their music includes romantic, classical, and modern composers. They also play folk and popular songs.

As of 2005, its members are:

• Marcelo Mancuso (flute)
• Cristian Cocchiararo (oboe)
• Roberto Palomo (clarinet)
• Calos Nalli, (horn)
• Eduardo Rodriguez (bassoon)

University Theater

The Theatre Workshop of the National University of La Plata began on May 5, 1986. Its goal is to encourage artistic creativity and research. The group performs experimental plays for everyone. It also helps with advice on different art forms. The workshop's history goes back to a theater group from the 1920s.

Academic Departments

The School of Engineering

Library of the observatory

Faculty of Natural sciences

Bosque Norte Group

University Campus Areas

The university is spread out in different parts of La Plata. Each area has specific faculties:

• West Forest group: This area includes the Faculty of Engineering, Architecture, Exact Sciences, and Dentistry. It also has the Rafael Hernández National College.
• East Forest group: Here you'll find the Faculty of Medical Sciences, Natural Sciences and Museum, Journalism, Veterinary Sciences, and Agriculture.
• North Forest group: This part has the Memory House, Faculty of Humanities and Education, Physical Education Department, and Faculty of Psychology.
• Center Forest group: This area is home to the Faculty of Astronomic and Geophysical Sciences and the Planetarium.
• Center Urban group: In the city center, you'll find the Faculty of Economic Sciences, Law and Social Sciences, Arts, and the Fine Arts High School.

Symbols of the University

Historic coat of arms, proposed by Dardo Rocha in 1897

The university's coat of arms was chosen in 1897. It shows the City of La Plata holding the "Light of Science." You can also see the Southern Cross constellation and the coat of arms of the Province of Buenos Aires. The university's special plant symbol is the oak leaf.

The university's motto is "Pro Scientia et Patria." This is a Latin phrase that means For Science and the Motherland.

The university also has its own song, or hymn. It was first performed in 1927.

Famous People from UNLP

Many important people have studied or worked at the La Plata National University. Here are a few:

See also

In Spanish: Universidad Nacional de La Plata para niños

• List of universities in Argentina
• Science and technology in Argentina
• University Revolution