On the occasion of the 45th foundation anniversary of Santa Maria La Antigua Catholic University, Mayor Bosco Ramiro Vallarino of Panama City, conferred on Fr. Benjamin Ayechu, its Founder and first Rector, the merited distinction through the handing on symbolically the keys of the city. This is in recognition to Fr. Ayechu great efforts and contribution to the progress of the university status or education in Panama. Such honor is given only to persons who contributed greatly in the progress and development of Panama capital.
The city mayor in his formal speech delivered a significant tribute to Fr. Ayechu in these words:
"Fr. Ayechu is a priest from Navarra, Spain who for more than four decades has educated and trained various generations of Panamanians. He left an indelible mark by inculcating values and goodness to men and women of our land. As a man of God, he ministered and trained the youth on the areas of education and culture. For more than 50 years, this friendly, simple, trusting, intelligent priest of the Order of Augustinian Recollects has done a great pastoral work in Panama.
He had the opportunity and privilege of establishing San Agustin College wherein he was the Rector. During that period he founded Fr. Bernardino Garcia, night school which is the first formal alphabet school in Panama. He also founded the Confederation of parents of Catholic Colleges in the Republic.
He tirelessly worked in the establishment of the Catholic University, whose program gained recognition to higher authorities of the government, the Church, National Assembly and civil society. Fr. Benjamin Ayechu is a model on how to work with real conviction and devotion in producing great fruits for the glory and praise of God and for the service of the community. His love for Panama continues to flourish these days because he still works in St. Luke the Evangelist Parish.
By virtue of all his achievements, love and dedication to the youth, the education and progress of the city, it is an immense honor for the mayoralty of Panama to confer on him this merit and hand the key of this Noble and Loyal city of Panama to Rev.Fr. Benjamin Ayechu. It is a sign of appreciation and pride to us its citizens as well as our gratitude on the anniversary of his grandiose work, the Santa Maria La Antigua Catholic University in Panama".
Fr. Benjamin Ayechu, agustinian recollect. Fr. Benjamin Ayechu was also conferred with important honors in Panama city such as: Vasco Nunez de Balboa Award, as one of the 100 Illustrious Panamanians, and the Order of Jose Manuel Hurtado.
More than 25.000 university graduates in its 45 years of history
Santa Maria La Antigua Catholic University founded in 1965 by Fr. Benjamin Ayechu, is an educational institution in Panama, established to commit in the academic, human, religious and Christian formation of its students.
It has adequate campus and facilities for the development of the educational and spiritual formation to all its personnel, with interesting scholastic and cultural programs. Presently it has some tie ups or relations with the different international universities.
It already produced more than twenty five thousand graduates some of whom are holding executive offices in particular institutions and businesses of Panama city as well as in other countries.
The University established other branches in the historic city of Colon, David, Santiago, Los Santos and still eager to establish other centers. It has accomplished an important role of creating an interesting atmosphere of cultural and social support or zest in Panama Republic.