Universidad Santa María, university in Caracas, Venezuela
Universidad Santa María is a private university in Caracas, Venezuela with its main campus in La Florencia. The campus spans 450,000 square meters (about 112 acres) with separate buildings for different academic faculties, administrative offices, pathways, and green spaces, with approximately 200,000 square meters of constructed facilities for classes and student activities.
The university was founded in 1953 by Lola de Fuenmayor in the El Paraíso neighborhood of Caracas. The current main campus in La Florencia was constructed in 1983, followed by additional branch campuses established in Barcelona in 1994, Puerto Ayacucho in 1999, and Barinas in 2004.
The university displays its motto "God, Country and Home" on its shield and flag in the main square alongside the national flag. Students actively participate in cultural groups including choirs, orchestras, theater productions, and student newspapers that keep campus life engaged.
The campus includes a library, cafeteria, bookstore, computer labs, and health services for student use. Visitors should note that the large campus has multiple entry points and green areas spread throughout, so it helps to have a sense of direction or ask staff for guidance when navigating to specific faculty buildings or offices.
The university once kept lions as symbols of campus life, including animals named Ibrahim, Luna, and Friguela, though these animals are no longer present on the grounds. Notable alumni from the institution have achieved international recognition, including Miss Venezuela winners and an Olympic gold medalist.
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