Tec honors José Antonio Fernández’s legacy with interactive artwork

Tec de Monterrey has recognized the work and legacy of engineer José Antonio Fernández Carbajal, who was Chairman of the institution’s Board of Directors for more than a decade, with an interactive artwork located in the EXPEDITION FEMSA building.

The work, “Reflejo de la auto aceleración” (Reflection of Self-Acceleration), was presented by its creator Daniel Rozin during a ceremony held by the Tec community to recognize the legacy of Fernández, who is also Chairman of FEMSA’s Board of Directors.

“For 11 years as Chairman of the Board of Directors and during the last two years as a member of the Board, José Antonio has marked a historic era for our institution with determination and a clear vision,” said the Tec’s Executive President, David Garza, who added:

“This EXPEDITION FEMSA building symbolizes innovation and transformation, which are part of José Antonio’s defining characteristics".

José Antonio Fernández served as Chairman of the Board of Directors from 2012 to 2023, after which he was replaced by Ricardo Saldívar Escajadillo. He currently remains an active board member at Tec de Monterrey.

Previously, from 1990, he was a professor at the institution, as well as a member of its Board of Directors.

Leadership that consolidated the Tec

At the event, it was pointed out that the Tec consolidated its position as one of the most prestigious educational institutions in Mexico and Latin America and entered into strategic national and international educational alliances during his tenure.

In addition, the Leaders of Tomorrow program was launched to attract the best student talent, along with the Faculty of Excellence model, which seeks to bring internationally recognized professors to the Tec.

“His contributions as Chairman of the Board impacted our students and faculty, the development of our campuses, and the creation of highly prestigious partnerships, along with the strengthening and increased prestige of our institutions.

“That’s why we’re here today celebrating the leader who has inspired us to continue transforming ourselves,” said David Garza.

“His contributions as Chairman of the Board impacted our students, faculty, and the development of our campuses.” – David Garza

The current Chairman of the Board of Directors, Ricardo Saldívar, also acknowledged the work of his predecessor, José Antonio Fernández.

“Over the years, we’ve seen in José Antonio the ability to think big and to structure and consolidate organizations. 

“With him at the head of the Board, we experienced a process of acceleration, institutionalization, and strengthening of governance that today allows us to continue taking firm steps in the construction of the institutions that make up our beloved Tec.”

He added that José Antonio Fernández also took part in beginning construction of the recently inaugurated EXPEDITION FEMSA building.

“While still serving as Chairman of the Board, he conceived EXPEDITION FEMSA, one of our institution’s most visionary projects. This is a place where we’ll experience the collaboration of minds, vocations, and technology.”
 

“The Tec has given me the best things in my life”

José Antonio Fernández was not only Chairman of the Tec’s Board of Directors, but he also received his professional training at the institution and has even been one of its professors.

“I feel very honored today, and I can tell you with a lot of gratitude that the Tec has given me the best things in my life,” he said during the tribute.

He also acknowledged that the work is due to the people who have accompanied him along the way and who have made it possible to continue the legacy of Eugenio Garza Sada.

“It’s been wonderful, and it’s been because we’ve always been accompanied by talented and beloved people. Their skills, vision, advice, and leadership have allowed us to continue the praiseworthy work that Don Eugenio Garza Sada and other distinguished individuals began 81 years ago.”

He also said that he will continue working for the benefit of education in Mexico: “There’s still much to do, so we’ll continue working for many more years in favor of education and shared prosperity.”

Interactive artwork to honor his legacy

American artist Daniel Rozi was responsible for creating the artwork in tribute to the legacy of José Antonio Fernández. He explained that it is a work which interacts with the audience, in addition to having more than 20 programmed visual effects.

At the unveiling of “Reflejo de la auto aceleración,” he said that the work is made up of three aspects: inclusion, acceleration, and technology.
 

- Inclusion

Rozi pointed out that the work seeks to represent the openness of the Tec by being an open space like the building that houses it, and which includes its students, professors, staff, and the surrounding community.

“The work itself is a mirror, so when people stand in front of the piece, they’re reflected in it, and they can walk in front of the work and do whatever they want in front of it. 

“The piece is also made to be seen by everyone, so I hope that there will also be young children here, jumping, spinning around, and that when people enter the building and see themselves in the work, they feel included, invited, and accepted,” the artist said.

 

- Acceleration

This aspect within the work comes from the word ‘expedition,’ which has to do with building and the idea of expediting or doing something faster, artist Daniel Rozi said during the tribute.

“I was thinking about how someone can come out of a stagnant state and accelerate out into the world. 

“As you get closer to the work, it all gradually becomes faster. You can jump and move and see your reflection in real time,” he added.

- Technology

Rozi commented that the technology part refers to how today’s problems are approached and solutions are sought from that perspective.

“That’s reflected in the materials the work is made with, such as wood, which is a warm, non-technological material. 

“As we move forward, we think about the problems of nature and people using technological tools. That’s why I used stainless steel.”

Another of the work’s characteristics are the printed circuits that allude to science.

“There are about 20 effects, so even if you come often, sometimes you’ll be surprised to see something new. You’ll see sine waves, and you’ll see computer programming stuff.

“You can also recognize the “Leaders of Tomorrow” logo through the propagation of waves, which happens every four minutes, so if you’re not interacting, you can also enjoy the work,” he said in closing.

This artwork dedicated to José Antonio Fernández is located in the lobby of the recently inaugurated EXPEDITION FEMSA building.




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