The academic unit celebrated another year-end with its entire staff, marked by a wealth of academic milestones, professional development days, graduations, and the launch of new postgraduate programs. It was also an opportunity to thank Dr. Manuel García-Mansilla for his six years of service as dean and to welcome Gabriel M. Astarloa, who will lead the Board of Directors starting January 1, 2025.

The community that comprises the Faculty of Law and the School of Government of the Universidad Austral A New Year's toast was shared on the afternoon of Wednesday, December 18, at the Cerrito campus, to celebrate another year filled with academic achievements, graduations, and training activities. The gathering also served as an opportunity to thank and recognize Dr. Manuel García-Mansilla for his six years as dean of the academic unit. Celina Cantú and Ignacio de Casas, the Faculty's vice dean and academic secretary, respectively, offered words of gratitude to Dr. García-Mansilla for his years of dedication and hard work and presented him with a commemorative plaque.

Manuel García-Mansilla receives a plaque in recognition of his 6 years as Dean of the Faculty of Law. 

“I want to thank each and every one of you for your support and companionship over these past six years. I also want to welcome Gabriel and wish him all the best in this new challenge he is undertaking, and let you know that I will continue working and being part of this institution, but now in a different academic role. Thank you all, Merry Christmas and a very happy New Year,” said Manuel García-Mansilla.

On the other hand, Gabriel M. Astarloa, who will assume the role of dean on January 1, 2025, shared a few words: “I want to thank Manuel and all of you for the warm welcome you have given me during this last quarter of the year, a period of learning and transition, during which I was able to immerse myself in the vibrant life of this great academic unit. Thanks also to all the members of this Faculty with whom I met to hear their experiences and concerns. I am very happy to be here and to embark on this new challenge in my career. I have worked in various sectors, from the private sector to the public sector, the non-profit sector, and teaching. Now, with great joy, I choose to dedicate myself to leading this academic unit alongside all of you.”

Gabriel M. Astarloa and Manuel García-Mansilla.

About Gabriel M. Astarloa:

He is a political scientist, graduated from the Catholic University of Argentina (1982), and a lawyer, from the University of Buenos Aires (1985). He also completed postgraduate programs on Nonprofit Organizations at the University of San Andrés and Torcuato Di Tella University. He practiced law for 25 years in the private sector, working for both leading law firms and financial institutions. For the next twelve years, he dedicated himself to public service, holding various positions, including Attorney General of the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires from 2015 to 2023. He has also been a university professor for forty years at the Catholic University of Argentina and has taught undergraduate and graduate courses at other universities. He has participated as a speaker at various academic forums and meetings. He is the author of numerous publications and has received awards and distinctions for his legal works. He is also a member of several social and professional organizations.