Past and Present

In February 15 of 1886 were born the Externado University of Colombia like an answer to absolutism and the suppression of the freedom of education imposed by the dictatorship of Regeneration.

The young jurist and educator Nicholas Pinzón Warlosten founded the University.  With the support of a group of illustrious teachers of radical liberalism, Mr. Pinzon settled down an institution that, from its beginnings, has allowed the study and free examination of the ideas. In addition, has welcomed in students of all the regions of the country; has practiced the respect by the religious creeds and political ideologies and has promoted the tolerance like a formula to reach the pacific coexistence within the heterogeneity.

Was call “Externado” because the new institution received the influence of the most modern European educative centers, which in that time were against to the old system of the boarding school, school of medieval origin, inclined to the catechizing and the improper independent development of the personality. Externado implied, then, opening, freedom of study and education.

Throughout its history, the Externado has professed the principles and values that encouraged to their founders. Have been its directors: Nicholas Pinzon Warlosten, Diego Mendoza Perez, Ricardo Hinestrosa Daza and Fernando Hinestrosa.