The Early Years (1917–1934)
On March 24, 1917, thanks to the initiative of Rev. Jorge Dintilhac, SS.CC., our University became the first private university in the country. We began with just two schools (Arts and Law) in a few classrooms at La Recoleta School, on Plaza Francia. It was there that one of our founders, Raimundo Morales de la Torre, taught the first class in our history—Aesthetics—on the morning of April 10, before an audience of just nine students.
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The Consolidation (1935–1962)
Between 1935 and the early 1960s, our University grew in terms of student enrollment, academic programs, and infrastructure, establishing itself as an institution of higher learning. Upon celebrating its 25th anniversary in 1942, the Holy See granted it the status of “Pontifical.” A few years later, following the death of José de la Riva Agüero, the PUCP became the principal beneficiary of his estate, which included the Pando Estate. In the late 1950s, various university units began to occupy the property, marking the start of the development of what is now its main campus.
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Modernization (1963–1989)
Under the rectorship of Rev. Felipe Mac Gregor, S.J. (1963–1977), the University implemented a modernization program. Upon celebrating its 50th anniversary, the campus Master Plan was unveiled—the architectural and urban design proposal for the university city to be built on the Pando estate. The schools of Art, Liberal Arts, Education, Administrative Sciences, Psychology, and Law moved to the university campus. In 1970, the Academic Program of General Studies was created, a hallmark of our educational mission.
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A century-old university (1990–present)
The Pontifical Catholic University of Peru celebrates its centennial as the country’s leading private university, ranking first nationally, 18th in Latin America, and among the top 500 in the world, according to the 2020 QS Latin America Rankings and the 2020 QS World University Rankings, respectively. This ranking is a testament to the quality of its teaching, research, social responsibility, contribution to culture, and undeniable academic and institutional leadership—all made possible by the ongoing efforts of our entire university community.
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