Identity Symbols
Here we show you how the identity of the University has been forged through time with symbols that have become icons of our institution.
Crest and Text
The university crest was created in 1920 during the presidency of Monsignor Carlos Casanueva. It is a fundamental part of our institutional image and identity, reflecting relevant aspects of the university such as it being pontifical and Chilean. The crest has evolved from its creation to the latest version designed during the presidency of Ignacio Sánchez. The most important milestones of this evolution have been:
- The incorporation of the crown of the Sacred Heart in 1930 when the university was canonically erected by the Holy See.
- The gradual incorporation of the word ‘Pontificia’ since the 1970s.
- The use of software to outline the new sketch in the 1990s.
- The commemorative design of the 125th anniversary in 2013 and the 130th in 2018.
International brand
In July 2021, the UC launched the international brand UC | Chile. The shield and the acronym UC | Chile were established as the graphic image of the international mother brand to position the institution in the global concert. As the university's full name is difficult to pronounce (Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile), the positioning and perception of the institution tended to be diluted. The university also defined the need to highlight the country of origin, differentiate it from other higher education institutions in the world that are Catholic, or use the acronym UC. 
Flag
A white background crossed by a blue stripe, and the university’s color crest, are the elements featured in our institutional flag. Anthem
The UC anthem was composed by Alberto Buccicardi, Charles Brown and Pedro Fornazari. The original melody is inspired by the 1864 song "Tramp, Tramp, Tramp, the Boys Are Marching," composed by George F. Root during the American Civil War to bring hope to prisoners of the conflict.The UC anthem was first played in 1937 to cheer on the university’s soccer team.
Over the years and after Vicente Bianchi's musical arrangements, the anthem reached its current version. It was popularized during the presidency of Fernando Castillo Velasco when it was used both as the official anthem of the University as well as the musical backdrop at the start of the Channel 13 TV broadcast, which was then run by the university.
Listen to the chorus version (in spanish).
Listen to the instrumental version.
I
Keep your head to the sky and with faith towards the future full of light as the immortal Alma Mater guides us.
II
Crusading knights of noble ambition we carry our heart as a shield on our chest.
Chorus
Universidad Católica together lets vibrate with burning heat and carry in our soul a desire to succeed for the Homeland, God and the University.
III
Forging new paths in search of the ideal to the sound of rhythm and song that ennobles ambition.
IV
Our flag bears the blue and white, which spark with flashes that speak of our University.
Chorus
Universidad Católica together lets vibrate with burning heat and carry in our soul a desire to succeed for the Homeland, God and the University.
Keep your head to the sky and with faith towards the future full of light as the immortal Alma Mater guides us.
II
Crusading knights of noble ambition we carry our heart as a shield on our chest.
Chorus
Universidad Católica together lets vibrate with burning heat and carry in our soul a desire to succeed for the Homeland, God and the University.
III
Forging new paths in search of the ideal to the sound of rhythm and song that ennobles ambition.
IV
Our flag bears the blue and white, which spark with flashes that speak of our University.
Chorus
Universidad Católica together lets vibrate with burning heat and carry in our soul a desire to succeed for the Homeland, God and the University.
Prayer to the Sacred Heart UC
Our institution has grown and consolidated at the pace of the historical events that our country has experienced, always rooted in its solid Catholic identity at the service of God and the Homeland.
In this journey, the figure of our patron, the Sacred Heart, has been fundamental. His merciful, humble and simple love imbues our institution’s tireless work in search for truth and the comprehensive academic training of each of our students.
For more information on the history of this devotion at the university, read the Sacred Heart text at the heart of UC.
In this journey, the figure of our patron, the Sacred Heart, has been fundamental. His merciful, humble and simple love imbues our institution’s tireless work in search for truth and the comprehensive academic training of each of our students.
For more information on the history of this devotion at the university, read the Sacred Heart text at the heart of UC.
Prayer to the Sacred Heart UC
O Divine Jesus, you are the Lord of Sciences, in whose heart all the treasures of Wisdom are enclosed. We, here gathered: professors, students and officials of Universidad Católica de Chile come to consecrate to your Sacred Heart all this university family that you love so much and that recognizes you as its Master, its Lord, its Benefactor, its God.
We consecrate to you all the work that is done and can be done so that all of it is ordained by your Divine Grace. We want our University; through science, virtue and religious piety of its teachers and students; to spread our kingdom more and more among us. "Kingdom of Truth and Grace, Justice, Love and Peace." We want all our activity to be a continuous offering of adoration, thanksgiving, reparation and pleas that reach You ...
And take instead, as yours, all our desires and interests, all the life and progress of our University; bless all of us who are part of it and all who favor it, serve it and love it; and engrave in your Sacred Heart our names.
May your Infinite Love watch over all of us and guide us toward Heaven.
Amen.
We consecrate to you all the work that is done and can be done so that all of it is ordained by your Divine Grace. We want our University; through science, virtue and religious piety of its teachers and students; to spread our kingdom more and more among us. "Kingdom of Truth and Grace, Justice, Love and Peace." We want all our activity to be a continuous offering of adoration, thanksgiving, reparation and pleas that reach You ...
And take instead, as yours, all our desires and interests, all the life and progress of our University; bless all of us who are part of it and all who favor it, serve it and love it; and engrave in your Sacred Heart our names.
May your Infinite Love watch over all of us and guide us toward Heaven.
Amen.
Statue of the Sacred Heart
The characteristic image of Christ on display at Universidad Católica had its origin on May 14, 1931, when a fire burned through the Colleges of Engineering and Architecture on the third and fourth floors of University Palace. The university president at the time, Carlos Casanueva, asked the Sacred Heart of Jesus to help him rebuild. It took less than two years for reconstruction works to be completed, and as a sign of gratitude Monsignor Casanueva installed the statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in 1935, which to this day towers over the entrance to the Main Campus. The statue has had only one modification, as one of its hands was damaged during the 1985 earthquake. 
The Christ of San Joaquin
The Christ who has welcomed the UC community at the San Joaquín campus since 1982 was the work of sculptor Hernán Puelma. Forged in bronze, the sculpture measures 500 x 300 x 100 centimeters. 
Main Campus stained glass
The stained glass window in the staircase at the entrance to the chapel of the Central House was designed by Adolfo Winterlitz and installed in 1931. In 1988 it was used as a symbol in the celebration of the University’s Centennial. 
Mascot
In 2018, following a process of participation, collaborative design and competition, ideas, feedback, symbolism, values and school spirit, the UC mascot was created. The chosen mascot was a puma, a mammal indigenous to Chile that is known for its cunning, bravery and autonomy. Its presence in the ecosystem is key to maintaining the natural balance. Campus and physical spaces
Central Campus
This imposing neoclassical building was completed in 1917 and was originally known as the University Palace. Today it houses the University’s main officers and the colleges of Medicine, Law, Biological Sciences and Communication.
Lo Contador
This old hacienda from the 18th century has been the seat of the College of Architecture, Design and Urban Studies since 1958. Its main house is a National Heritage Monument and a Santiago architectural landmark.
Oriente Campus
This beautiful building was a convent and boarding school for the Sisters of the Sacred Hearts until 1971, when the University acquired it to launch several college careers. Today it houses the College of Arts and the Institute of Aesthetics.
San Joaquin
The largest campus of UC that has become a true university town, housing 13 colleges. It has belonged to the university since 1891, though the first colleges only began to be built there in the 1960s.
Villarrica Campus
The Villarrica Campus is located in one of the most beautiful cities in southern Chile. It houses the local university officers and offers the degrees of Primary and Early Childhood Education.