Message from the Executive Director
UPAEP UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION
Our Social Commitment
At the UPAEP University Foundation (legal name: Universidad Popular Autónoma del Estado de Puebla Foundation for the Advancement of Higher Education in Developing Countries), we believe in the transformative power of education.
We are dedicated to creating opportunities for individuals from vulnerable communities to break free from the cycles of poverty and inequality through access to higher education. This vision transcends borders, embedding hope, empowerment, and meaningful change into the heart of society.
Our vision
To be a recognized organization that, through the UPAEP University Educational Model and innovative initiatives, drives social and economic mobility for our students and their communities in the United States and Mexico.
Our mission
The mission of UPAEP Foundation, a non-profit organization, is to facilitate and manage philanthropic donations, guiding the goodwill of donors according to the priorities of the University.
Our core values
  • Truth
  • Liberty
  • Respect
  • Love
  • Justice
  • The human person
  • Social commitment
  • Solidarity
  • Congruence
Board of Directors
Our Board members advocate for and volunteer in their respective communities in many ways, providing optimal benefits to UPAEP University students, faculty, staff, and the Foundation. With heartfelt compassion for our students, the UPAEP University Foundation Board powerfully impacts our goals and helps us meet the needs of our communities. Our dynamic Board members represent both countries and bring a fresh, uniquely experienced approach from their extensive industry and academic involvement.
Martha Cruz Albo
President
Andrés Barba Vargas
Secretary
Salvador Lozano Torres
Treasurer
Renee Alvarado Porter
Director
José Sagarnaga
Director
Our Team
Alejandro Aizpuru Kurezyn
Executive Director
Leticia Vásquez Cruz
Coordinator of Institutional Advancement
Strategic Advisory Council
Gabriela Fernández Gutiérrez
Advisor
José Antonio Llergo y Victoria
Advisor
Melisa Valdez Mendoza
Advisor
Paola Ochoa Márquez
Advisor
Alied Muñoz Ortega
Advisor
UPAEP University
UPAEP University was founded in 1973 as a project of the people of Puebla, led by the youth who at the time decided to make a difference and undertake, for the sake of freedom and university autonomy, an endeavor that has been realized in what UPAEP University is today: an institution committed to the search and dissemination of truth, aligned with Christian humanism.
UPAEP University is and always has been committed to the formation of professionals who are agents for change and transformation in order to achieve the Common Good.
Official Websites
Mission
“To create currents of thought and educate leaders to transform society, in the search for Truth, integrating faith, science, and life.”
President Annual Report
The 2023-2024 Report by Dr. Emilio José Baños Ardavín, Rector of UPAEP, reflects a year of significant achievements and challenges faced with determination and vision.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
ABOUT UPAEP FOUNDATION
What is the UPAEP University Foundation?
The UPAEP University Foundation is a supporting fundraising organization for UPAEP University initiatives. Our mission is to contribute through education to the social and economic mobility of the Hispanic community in Mexico and the United States by developing transformational leaders and integrating the goodwill of donors and their philanthropic objectives.
What Is the relationship between UPAEP University Foundation and Communities Foundation Of Oklahoma (CFO)?
In 2011, the UPAEP University Foundation Board of Directors established an agreement with the Communities Foundation of Oklahoma (CFO), a prestigious organization, to create the UPAEP Administrative Fiscal Sponsorship Fund as a permanent component of CFO, and the UPAEP Foundation Endowment Fund, which is an invested, permanent fund held by the Communities Foundation of Oklahoma (CFO), a 501(c)(3) publicly supported charity, Federal Tax ID 73-1396320. This agreement was made to support the charitable goals of the UPAEP University Foundation, with the intent that CFO closely oversees the fund’s use to ensure alignment with the donor’s intentions.
Who governs the UPAEP University Foundation and determines its fundraising priorities?
UPAEP University Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors responsible for setting fundraising priorities and guiding strategic decisions. The Foundation’s President manages operations under the policies established by the Board. Additionally, the Executive Director serves as the advisor to the UPAEP funds.

DONATIONS AND TAX INFORMATION

How can I obtain tax credit for my charitable donation?
CFO Current Policy:
Checks Under $100 USD:
  • Receive an email only if an email is on file or included with the check.
Checks $100-$200 USD:
  • If an email is on file, they receive an email.
  • If no email is on file, they receive a mailed letter.
Checks Over $200 USD:
  • Always receive a mailed letter.
Online Donations:
  • Automatically receive an emailed receipt.
What are the UPAEP funds to which I can donate?
1. UPAEP Administrative Fiscal Sponsorship Fund: Fund to directly support the UPAEP University Foundation initiatives.
2. UPAEP Foundation Endowment Fund: Donations made to this fund are invested to generate income. The principal is kept intact while the investment earnings support the Foundation's activities and ensure long-term financial stability.
3. UPAEP Rodolfo Carvajal Scholarship Fund: Donations made to this fund are invested to generate income. The principal is kept intact while the investment earnings provide financial support for students' participation in international programs.
What are the ways to give?
Donations can be made to the UPAEP Funds through the Communities Foundation of Oklahoma (CFO) using several options, including:
  • Debit or credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover)
  • Marketable securities
  • Wire transfer
  • Please make checks payable to the Communities Foundation of Oklahoma. You can use the check’s memo line to reference the UPAEP Fund of your preference. If you want your money to go directly to support the initiatives, write 'UPAEP Administrative Fiscal Sponsorship Fund' in the memo line. Checks can be mailed to the Communities Foundation of Oklahoma, PO BOX 21210, Oklahoma City, OK 73156.
For all other types of donations, please reach out to the friendly CFO team at 405-488-1450. They are happy to guide you through the steps.
v class="upaep__about-questions-content-item-card-text"> UPAEP University Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors responsible for setting fundraising priorities and guiding strategic decisions. The Foundation’s President manages operations under the policies established by the Board. Additionally, the Executive Director serves as the advisor to the UPAEP funds.

TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY

How is the Foundation accountable to donors?
UPAEP University foundation and Communities Foundation of Oklahoma (CFO) provides oversight as we maintain donor confidentiality and follow proper business practices regarding human resources, legal, financial, and other matters. We also meet and often exceed all regulatory requirements at the federal, state, and local levels. We are dedicated to maintaining public confidence and private trust. In the interest of transparency, we provide information about the use of donations in the resources section (Nota: Ponerlo en negritas y vincularlo a sección de recursos). This includes:
CFO:
  • Audited financial statements
  • Annual reports
  • Financials, Policies, and Publications
  • IRS forms
UPAEP University Foundation:
  • Annual activities report.
  • IRS forms.
  • Privacy Notice.
  • Privacy Rights Request Form.
  • IRS forms.
CONTACT US
Our team is ready to assist you with any questions and guide you through giving opportunities. For more information:
Phone: 405 744 5342
giving@upaepfoundation.org
Mon-Fri 8:00AM - 5:00PM CST