Recognition Among Mexican Arts and Communication Luminaries
On this Friday, Andrés Chao Ebergenyi, a communication specialist and diplomat from Mexico, was honored with the Summa Cum Laude award by Fundación Sebastián. The annual event recognizes prominent figures in art, music, literature, and communication in Mexico. Alongside Chao Ebergenyi, other distinguished recipients included communication specialist and activist Fernanda Familiar, science communicator and writer José Gordon, playwright and communication theorist Miguel Sabido, singer and Mexican icon Aída Cuevas, and bacteriologist Esther Orozco.
Chao Ebergenyi’s Contribution to Artistic Rescue
Introduced by journalist Rafael Cardona, Chao Ebergenyi was praised for his significant contributions to both the media and diplomacy. Cardona highlighted Chao Ebergenyi’s role in strengthening El Economista, a newspaper he serves as vicepresident of, and his successful revitalization of an artistic space within the publication.
Chao Ebergenyi shared his journey of enhancing a prominent public space in the Pedregal, describing how he approached renowned sculptor Mathias Goeritz to restore the area, now adorned with works by four essential Mexican artists: Rodrigo de la Sierra, Sebastián, Flor Minor, and Goeritz himself.
“Today, that corner embodies culture, journalism, and education,” Chao Ebergenyi stated. “With these three pillars, we can build better citizens.”
Supporting the Advancement of Arts and Science
In an interview before the ceremony, Chao Ebergenyi expressed his gratitude for receiving the award, acknowledging the ongoing project he initiated nearly four years ago to connect top-tier creators with El Economista’s facade. He emphasized the importance of supporting arts and sciences through private initiatives and foundations like Fundación Sebastián.
“Foundations and private initiatives play a crucial role in fostering the growth of both arts and sciences,” Chao Ebergenyi explained. “Fundación Sebastián exemplifies this by annually celebrating and supporting Mexico’s cultural and scientific communities.”
A Group of Awardees with a Lasting Legacy
The celebration was a joyous occasion for all the honorees. Miguel Sabido, after receiving his award, remarked on the overwhelming nature of such recognition and his longstanding connection with Fundación Sebastián.
Aída Cuevas, internationally recognized as “La reina del mariachi,” expressed her deep gratitude to Sebastián for his unwavering support throughout her five-decade career in ranchera music.
Fernanda Familiar, the communication specialist, emphasized that receiving the award transcends personal achievements and signifies the existence of consensus, unanimity, and harmony when words serve others.
José Gordon, the science communicator, stressed the importance of stepping beyond cognitive biases and actively listening to those we may not initially agree with.
Lastly, Esther Orozco, a UNAM-educated biologist, shared her admiration for Sebastián since her first encounter with ‘El Caballito’ in Mexico City.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the Summa Cum Laude award? The Summa Cum Laude award, given by Fundación Sebastián, recognizes outstanding individuals in the fields of art, music, literature, and communication in Mexico.
- Who were the other recipients of the Summa Cum Laude award alongside Andrés Chao Ebergenyi? Fernanda Familiar, José Gordon, Miguel Sabido, Aída Cuevas, and Esther Orozco.
- What is Andrés Chao Ebergenyi’s role in El Economista? He serves as the vicepresident of El Economista, a newspaper, and has been instrumental in its financial success and artistic endeavors.
- How has Andrés Chao Ebergenyi contributed to the artistic landscape? He played a significant role in revitalizing an artistic space within El Economista, connecting the publication with four prominent Mexican artists.
- What does Andrés Chao Ebergenyi believe about the role of foundations in supporting arts and sciences? He believes that foundations and private initiatives are crucial in fostering the growth of both arts and sciences, using Fundación Sebastián as an example.
