AIn presenting his report of activities for the year 2019 during the Solemn Session of the Thirty-Sixth Anniversary of the creation of this noble institution, held on February 1 in the auditorium "Ing. Carlos Cortaza".

Díaz also mentioned that the UTEQ is going through an extensive development and vertiginous growth due to the fact that it enjoys good budgetary health. "We have improved each of the substantive functions of the UTEQ, there is a great sense of belonging of the entire university community and we also have a very high self-esteem based on the achievements and fulfilment of the institutional objectives," said the rector.

During 2019, in the teaching function, UTEQ delivered 1043 students of the different careers offered by the university with a graduation rate of 41.80%; in terms of teaching, the University of Quevedo has 174 tenured professors and 212 non-tenured; 60 teachers have the academic degree of PhD duly registered in the Senescyt and 58 tenured academics are pursuing doctoral studies in different universities around the world, fully scholarshiped by UTEQ.

In the research function we have been able to demonstrate 50 research projects, 161 publications of worldwide impact, 59 publications of regional impact, 180 presentations in national and international events, we are also integrated into 18 national and international research networks; as for postgraduate studies we offer a total of 13 master's programmes for all professionals in the country.

On the other hand, in the outreach function, in 2019, we worked with 30 projects in which 73 teachers, 986 students, 4346 beneficiaries are involved; 176 agreements have been signed for pre-professional internships, and 51 agreements for community outreach..

In the area of student welfare, medical, psychological, dental, social work and nursing services have been provided, with a total of 25,394 services provided on the central campus and the La María campus. In terms of scholarships, 940 students have been granted financial aid; in addition, student insurance is maintained and all cultural and sporting activities are supported.

Acknowledgements During the anniversary ceremony, awards were presented to the most outstanding staff and students of the year. Academic Merit to teachers from each of the faculties: Paula Plaza (FCA), José Miguel Romero (FCP), Ángela Rizo (FCE), Betty González (FCAmb), Carlos Marquéz de la Plata (FCI) and Dominga Rodríguez (UED). Scientific Merit to research professors who have developed scientific articles with the greatest worldwide impact: Lucrecia Llerena, Nicolás Cruz, Silvia Saucedo, Juan José Reyes, Yarelys Ferrer and Mayra Vélez. Recognition for the most supportive and collaborative cooperating entity in processes of linking with society: Asociación Agropecuaria "Juan de Dios", which was received by its president Brunilda Franco. Student Merit by academic units: Juan Bautista (FCA), Joel Freire (FCP), Carolina Aguirre (FCE), Julia Riera (FCI), Nathaly Ponce (FCAmb), Cinthya Mesías (UED), and from the Nursing course, Herlinda Rodríguez.

Recognition for Best Work Performance: Employee of the Year, María Pincay; Worker of the Year, Javier Vera. In addition, a plaque of recognition was presented to Guadalupe Murillo, administrative vice-rector of the UTEQ, for her outstanding work during the 36 years of the UTEQ.