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The University of Oriente announced this Tuesday the passing of Professor Emeritus Dr. C. Mercedes Lina Cathcart Roca at the age of 87, who over the decades became one of the most prominent voices in literature, education, and university life in eastern Cuba.
Born on September 20, 1937, she graduated in Humanities from the University of Oriente, where she developed her academic and institutional career, emphasized the educational institution on Facebook.
She was a professor of several subjects at the School of Letters, head of the Spanish Department, director of the School of Letters, and dean of both the Faculty of Philology and the Faculty of Arts and Letters, positions from which she made a decisive contribution to strengthening the teaching of the humanities in the country.
He published articles and books that reflect part of his professional legacy and extended his teaching work beyond Cuba, with stints at the University of Bordeaux III (France), the University of Conakry (Guinea), and the University of Cape Verde, where he was involved in academic cooperation projects.
Dr. Cathcart was also a member of the Advisory Council of the Culture Directorate of Santiago de Cuba and of the Scientific Degrees Commission at the University of Oriente, institutions through which she influenced the cultural, academic, and scientific development of generations.
His extensive career was acknowledged with numerous distinctions, including the Frank País Order of the second degree, the Rafael María de Mendive Distinction, the José Tey Medal, the National Culture Distinction, the Literacy Medal, and the Plaque for the 50th Anniversary of the UO, among others that attest to his dedication to education and culture in Cuba.
Cathcart leaves a deep imprint on the education of several generations of professionals in the arts and humanities, for whom he has always been an example of rigor, dedication, ethics, and commitment.
His legacy transcends academia and has earned the respect and affection of the entire university community, the University of Oriente stated in the announcement.
Your colleague, Irina Bidot Martínez, shared some beautiful words on Facebook: "With deep sorrow, today we bid farewell to Dr.C. Mercedes Cathcart Roca, a scientific mother to all of us. May her example remain alive in all of us who love and defend our language."
For his part, the writer Yunier Riquenes García said on that social network: "The sad news of the deaths of our teachers continues. But they have left us a path and a mark. Mercedes was in my classroom only a few times, but I admired her for her work and dedication."
The journalist Reinaldo Cedeño Pineda emphasized: "THANK YOU for your devoted life, for all the generations you shaped. A thousand thanks! Being a teacher is the most honorable profession in the world."
The city of Santiago de Cuba has experienced a painful succession of losses within its intellectual and cultural community in recent months.
The recent passing of Professor Mercedes Lina Cathcart, a key figure at the University of Oriente, is joined by other names that leave a void in the academic, artistic, and communicational landscape of the region.
One of them was the well-known broadcaster Noel Pérez Batista, who had a long career in Santiago radio and was the voice of numerous iconic programs.
The university community also mourned the passing of another of its pillars, Luis Felipe Suárez Page, remembered by the academic community of Santiago as a rigorous trainer and passionate about teaching.
Moreover, local journalism suffered a significant loss with the passing of journalist Sonia Franco, who was greatly cherished by the community. Her commitment to truth and social sensitivity defined her coverage of the most pressing issues in the region. Her direct and ethical style made her a respected voice in the Santiago press.
Frequently asked questions about the legacy of Mercedes Lina Cathcart and the University of Oriente
Who was Mercedes Lina Cathcart and what was her contribution to the University of Oriente?
Mercedes Lina Cathcart was a Professor of Merit and an emblematic figure at the University of Oriente, where she graduated in Literature and developed an extensive academic career. She held positions such as head of the Spanish Department, director of the School of Literature, and dean of the Faculties of Philology and Arts and Letters. Her work was crucial in strengthening the teaching of the humanities in Cuba.
What recognitions did Mercedes Lina Cathcart receive throughout her career?
Mercedes Lina Cathcart received numerous accolades for her dedication to education and culture in Cuba, including the Frank País Order of Second Grade, the Rafael María de Mendive Distinction, the José Tey Medal, and the Distinction for National Culture. These awards reflect her dedication and commitment to training generations of professionals in the fields of literature and humanities.
What was Mercedes Lina Cathcart's legacy in the international arena?
The legacy of Mercedes Lina Cathcart transcended Cuban borders thanks to her involvement in academic cooperation projects at universities such as Bordeaux III in France, Conakry in Guinea, and Cape Verde. Her influence reached an international level, contributing to the development of higher education in the field of humanities.
How has the loss of Mercedes Lina Cathcart impacted the university community of Santiago de Cuba?
The loss of Mercedes Lina Cathcart has left a profound mark on the university community of Santiago de Cuba, which remembers her as a model of rigor, dedication, ethics, and commitment. Her academic and cultural legacy is widely respected and cherished by generations of students and colleagues at the University of Oriente.
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