'Pacho' Piedrahita and Icesi

Coordinator of Alquería's dreams 07.04.2026 19:49 Updated: 07.04.2026 19:49

'Pacho' Piedrahita and Icesi

TL;DR

  • Francisco 'Pacho' Piedrahita, an engineer, unexpectedly passed away while on a photography trip in Japan.
  • He transformed Icesi University from a small business school into a leading Colombian university with high academic standards.
  • Piedrahita championed inclusivity, aiming for quality education regardless of socioeconomic background, and prioritized students from lower income brackets.
  • He fostered innovation and entrepreneurship by creating incubators, accelerators, and strengthening ties with the business sector.
  • His tenure saw a significant increase in faculty and student numbers, and he promoted digital tools, hybrid learning, and active teaching methodologies.
  • Piedrahita's vision was instrumental in developing Icesi as an institution that provides opportunities for students from less privileged backgrounds.
  • His influence extended to the cultural sphere, supporting the production and creation of Colombian music.