Colombia's educational and business worlds mourn Marco Fidel Rocha Rodríguez, founder and first rector of Universidad Surcolombiana (Usco). Grandson of former president Marco Fidel Suárez, he transformed higher education by bridging academia and the private sector over three decades as CESA rector.
The Universidad Surcolombiana stated in a release: “Today we bid farewell to Marco Fidel Rocha Rodríguez, whose life was marked by commitment to education and service to the region. We accompany with respect and solidarity his family, friends, and the entire university community in this moment of deep sorrow.”
An economist from Universidad Nacional, Rocha (1939–2026) founded the Usco and served as rector of the Colegio de Estudios Superiores de Administración (CESA) from 1975 to 2007. Over 32 years, he promoted a pedagogical model linking classrooms to boardrooms, emphasizing business practices and direct contact with sector leaders.
He served on boards of Banco Caja Social, Colpatria, Nueva EPS, ICFES, Fundación Corona, and El Espectador. CESA rector Emilia Restrepo Gómez recalled: “When he spoke about business leaders, about what leadership responsibility means, that day I not only knew I was in the right place, but I knew I wanted to be part of that group, of future entrepreneurs.”
The Usco highlighted his pivotal role: “His departure leaves a deep mark on our institution's history (...) his leadership as founder and first rector charted the path of our alma mater.”
His legacy endures in generations of leaders trained with ethics, global vision, and social commitment.
