UPLA Celebrates 20 Years of Nutrition and Dietetics Education
UPLA Celebrates 20 Years of Nutrition and Dietetics Program
Table of Contents
- UPLA Celebrates 20 Years of Nutrition and Dietetics Program
- UPLA’s Nutrition and Dietetics Program: A Party of 20 Years – Your Q&A Guide
- What was the main focus of the UPLA Nutrition and Dietetics program’s 20th-anniversary celebration?
- Who were the key figures involved in the anniversary event?
- What were some of the key achievements highlighted by Director Javier Aros?
- How does the UPLA Nutrition and Dietetics program contribute to the community in Valparaíso?
- Who were the nutritionists recognized at the event?
- what insights did Dr. Mirta Crovetto matassi, the program’s founder, provide?
- Who were the promising students that the university recognized?
- How did a UPLA graduate reflect on the program’s impact?
- what key topics were addressed by the nutrition experts during the event?
- What was the event’s concluding message?
VALPARAÍSO, Chile – The Universidad de Playa Ancha (UPLA) commemorated the 20th anniversary of its Nutrition and Dietetics program with a ceremony led by Rector Carlos González Morales. The event, attended by academics, students, alumni, and professionals, served as a platform to reflect on past achievements and future challenges in food health.

Javier Aros Rodena, Director of the Nutrition and Dietetics program, delivered a speech tracing the program’s history, highlighting milestones and future goals. He emphasized the collective effort of students, faculty, and graduates in building the program’s reputation.
Aros noted the program’s active engagement with the Valparaíso community through strategic initiatives and alliances. He stressed that UPLA nutritionists are distinguished by their “deep social vocation,” dedicating themselves to community work and addressing societal needs.
“In these 20 years…we have grown up with Valparaíso and its people,” aros stated.”we form professionals with a unique seal: a strong social vocation and a real commitment to work in the community.Our graduates make a difference, carrying nutrition where it is most needed.” He urged future professionals to prioritize the human aspect of their work.
Experts Address Key Issues in Nutrition

The anniversary party included presentations from prominent nutrition experts. Dr.Samuel Durán Agüero, former president of the College of Nutritionists, discussed the “needs and challenges of the nutritionist in Latin America.” Nutritionist Daniel Cantillana González, representing Renova Laboratory, addressed “immunonutrition in critical patients.”
Mauricio Ríos Fuentealba,nutritionist,kinesiologist,and president of the College of Nutritionists,presented on the “Effectiveness of food and protein supplements in the gain of muscle mass.” Master Paola Cáceres Rodríguez concluded the presentations with a discussion on “enduring diet: beyond the plate.”
Recognition of Contributions and Future Leaders

The university paid tribute to nutritionists who have significantly impacted the community. Honorees included Dr. Mirta Crovetto Matassi, program founder and researcher; Mg. Gloria Aubá Nicoli, for her professional career; and cindy Saa Garrido, director of Psychiatric Hospital el Salvador.
The event also recognized promising students: Constanza Gallardo Morales (Promotion 2021),Karen Gómez Fernández (Promotion 2022),Janeth del Pilar Sepúlveda Sanhueza (Promotion 2023),and Belén Zepeda Vásquez (Promotion 2024).
Founder Reflects on Program’s Origins
Dr. mirta Crovetto Matassi shared her memories of establishing the program.She recalled the challenges of integrating a health discipline into a faculty of basic sciences within a complex economic environment. She noted that new higher education policies and the need for self-financing paved the way for the program’s creation.
Crovetto, invited to lead the project based on her experience at the Institute of Food Nutrition and Technology (INTA) and the College of Nutritionists, left her work in public policy to focus on undergraduate teaching. “20 years have passed as then, and I feel happy and proud of everything that the career of nutrition and dietary has achieved,” Crovetto said, emphasizing the program’s commitment to disciplinary knowledge, the right to food, sustainability, and integral health.

Daniela campos Bernal, a graduate of the Nutrition and Dietetics program, emphasized the relevance of her education to her current work at the Enrique de Flame Medical Center in Valparaíso. “The UPLA provided me with the essential tools for my work advancement,” Campos Bernal stated, ”feeling fully prepared thanks to the solid acquired knowledge that I apply daily for the benefit of my patients.”
The 20th-anniversary celebration reaffirmed UPLA’s commitment to training professionals capable of fostering a healthier future.The event concluded with a performance by the guitar ensemble led by Daniel Díaz Cerda.
UPLA’s Nutrition and Dietetics Program: A Party of 20 Years – Your Q&A Guide
The Universidad de Playa Ancha (UPLA) in Valparaíso, Chile, recently celebrated a significant milestone: the 20th anniversary of its highly regarded Nutrition and Dietetics program.This event was a chance to reflect on the program’s remarkable journey and its lasting impact on the community.Let’s delve into the key aspects of this celebration with a Q&A format.
What was the main focus of the UPLA Nutrition and Dietetics program’s 20th-anniversary celebration?
The core of the celebration revolved around commemorating two decades of the Nutrition and Dietetics program, acknowledging its achievements, and charting a course for future endeavors in food and health. The event,lead by Rector Carlos González Morales,brought together a diverse audience,including academics,students,alumni,and nutrition professionals.

Who were the key figures involved in the anniversary event?
several prominent individuals played essential roles in the celebration. Javier Aros Rodena, the program’s Director, delivered a report, and Dr. Mirta Crovetto Matassi, the program’s founder, shared insights. Furthermore, the event featured presentations by experts like Dr. Samuel Durán Agüero, Nutritionist Daniel cantillana González, Mauricio Ríos Fuentealba, and Master Paola Cáceres Rodríguez.
What were some of the key achievements highlighted by Director Javier Aros?
Director Aros emphasized the program’s history and highlighted its milestones and future goals. He strongly pointed out the collective effort of all involved.Also, Director’s speech highlighted the program’s focus on community engagement and its dedication to the people of valparaíso.
How does the UPLA Nutrition and Dietetics program contribute to the community in Valparaíso?
The program’s contribution is multifaceted. The program actively engages with the Valparaíso community through strategic initiatives and collaborations. Graduates are known for their “deep social vocation,” which means they are committed to community work and tackling societal health needs. This commitment to community welfare is a core value of the program.
Who were the nutritionists recognized at the event?
The university recognized several nutritionists for their outstanding contributions to the community. These included Dr. Mirta Crovetto Matassi (program founder and researcher), Mg.Gloria Aubá Nicoli (for her professional career), and Cindy saa Garrido (Director of the Psychiatric Hospital El Salvador). Their dedication to the field and positive impact was celebrated.

what insights did Dr. Mirta Crovetto matassi, the program’s founder, provide?
Dr. Crovetto shared her memories of establishing the program. These included discussing the challenges and the driving forces behind its creation. She highlighted the role of new higher education policies and the need for self-financing. She emphasized the program’s commitment to disciplinary knowledge, the right to food, sustainability, and integral health.
Who were the promising students that the university recognized?
UPLA celebrated the achievements of several promising students.The recognized students were: Constanza Gallardo Morales (Promotion 2021), karen Gómez Fernández (Promotion 2022), Janeth del Pilar Sepúlveda sanhueza (Promotion 2023), and Belén Zepeda Vásquez (Promotion 2024).
How did a UPLA graduate reflect on the program’s impact?
Daniela Campos Bernal, a graduate of the program, highlighted the crucial role her education played in her current work at the Enrique de Flame Medical Center in Valparaíso.She emphasized how UPLA provided her with the necessary tools for professional advancement, giving her the knowledge she applies daily to benefit her patients.

what key topics were addressed by the nutrition experts during the event?
The expert presentations covered crucial topics in the nutrition field. Dr. Samuel Durán Agüero discussed the needs and challenges faced by Latin American nutritionists. The other presentations included topics such as immunonutrition for critical patients (Nutritionist Daniel Cantillana González), the effectiveness of food and protein supplements for muscle gain (Mauricio Ríos Fuentealba), and enduring dietary practices (Master Paola Cáceres Rodríguez).

What was the event’s concluding message?
The celebration showcased UPLA’s continued dedication to preparing highly skilled professionals dedicated to creating a healthier future. The culminating musical performance by a guitar ensemble,directed by Daniel Díaz Cerda,reflected the joyous spirit of the event.
