It is impossible to speak of Dr. Ernesto Cruz in terms of his achievements without mentioning in parallel the profound mark he left on a personal and human level on those who knew him, treated him and were fortunate enough to call him father, grandfather, mentor and friend.
Graduation MAE I
Nor is it possible to talk about the history and success of INCAE Business School without mentioning his name. With the invaluable support of his alma mater, Harvard University, Dr. Cruz was one of the main leaders in the formative stage of INCAE, being its second rector, the first Latin American, for a period of 12 years, from 1968 to 1980. As rector, he had the satisfaction of graduating the institute's first MBA graduating class in 1969 and, one day later, inaugurating the Francisco de Sola Campus in Montefresco.
Tour of the recently inaugurated Francisco de Sola Campus
When reviewing the images of the construction of this first campus of INCAE, in many of them one can see the sturdy and reliable figure of Dr. Cruz. These images narrate without words his participation in the foundation of an institute that may have seemed like a chimera to some, but that over time reaffirmed its vocation as a trainer of leaders in Central and Latin America. Leaders who have transformed lives, including his own, after his time at INCAE.
Graduation Ceremony MAE VI 1974
"I met Dr. Cruz in 1972 when I arrived as a student at INCAE; a gentleman of extraordinary intelligence and a great spirit of service. The clear vision he had of what our institute should be, led him with a deep commitment to lay the foundations of what is today INCAE. He was a citizen committed to the development not only of Nicaragua but also of all Central America. A great connoisseur of our history." Enrique Bolaños Abaunza, Rector of INCAE.
Today, time has proven Dr. Cruz right, and thinking big as he did, and putting academic excellence first, has brought undeniable benefits to the region. What was a project at the time is today an institution of international prestige: the best business school in Latin America according to the Financial Times ranking and a world-class think tank to help solve the problems afflicting the region.
Ernesto Cruz, Harry Strachan and their wives
"He insisted that the region needed more rigorous, not inferior, training. Effective leadership in the region was more difficult, not easier than elsewhere. In crisis, he was a calm and wise leader. He encouraged us very young and inexperienced faculty to take the lead in designing our courses and in ambitious research projects in areas of great relevance to the region (agribusiness, development banking, health care management). He made us feel ownership of INCAE, responsible for the future of the region." Harry Strachan, Professor in formative years, Chancellor 1980 - 1982 and current member of the Chancellor's Advisory Council.
Dr. Cruz unveiling the portrait of Francisco de Sola
Dr. Ernesto Cruz is an obligatory reference when we talk about the early years of INCAE, but also about the recent past. Until a few weeks ago, he would not forgive his daily walk around the Francisco de Sola Campus. He lived on the land next to the campus, it is true, but surely it was his way of savoring the view of his work and, incidentally, enjoying the countless trees that he himself, along with don Chico, chose to plant on the campus since its formation.
"Ernesto Cruz is considered one of the founders of INCAE. His professional life was a total dedication to the welfare and future of the institution. His actions are an example for the Rectors who will succeed him. Personally and as part of the MAE IV class, I send my condolences to his children and other family members, as well as to the entire INCAE family. Rest in peace Ernesto Cruz!" Julio Vivas Downing, MAE IV. Son of Cristina Downing de Vivas, who was the administrator of the cafeteria at the Francisco de Sola Campus.
After leaving INCAE s President in 1980 and before retiring in 2012, Dr. Cruz had come enough of a long way to be pleased. From completing his third doctorate at the University of Miami School of Law, to dedicating himself for three decades to the world of finance and consulting at the highest level in international companies such as BAC International Bank, BAC Credomatic, and GBM Corporation, to deciding to return to Nicaragua, the land of his love.
He was born in the department of León in Nicaragua, although he grew up in Managua. At the National University of León he obtained his first doctorate, in Law. After a few years of professional practice he moved with his family to the United States where he studied his Ph.D. in Political Economy & Government at Harvard University.
Don Ernesto and his wife, Mrs. Sonia Valle Peters
In his family -his late wife Sonia, his children Ernesto, Sonia, Eduardo and Rodrigo, his thirteen grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren- Dr. Cruz poured a dedication worthy of his great intelligence and sensitivity.
Don Ernesto Cruz with the former rectors of INCAE Roberto Artavia, Arturo Condo and Brizio Biondi-Morra, and the current rector Enrique Bolaños Abaunza.
In 2017 he published his work "INCAE, the formative years", where he tells in detail first-hand experiences and experiences about his time at the institute. A year later he published the book "Cuentos verídicos" with 24 stories collected during his extensive professional career.
The academic rigor that Dr. Ernesto Cruz imprinted on INCAE, his permanent struggle for excellence, his long-term vision, his confidence in a project that he made his own from day one, all this has remained in the DNA of the institute. And for all this, INCAE, its more than 19,000 graduates, and the entire region, must be eternally grateful to him.
Inauguration of the Rectoral Gallery Dr. Ernesto Cruz, at the Francisco de Sola Campus
In his beloved Campus Francisco de Sola, from the Rectory Gallery of INCAE that bears his name, the portrait of Dr. Ernesto Cruz looks to posterity with the satisfaction of duty accomplished.
