The Federal University of Paraná is the oldest university in Brazil and symbol of Curitiba. Wrapped in a history of struggles and achievements since 1912, UFPR is a reference in higher education for the State and for Brazil.

A major symbol of the Paraná intellectuality, the University demonstrates its importance and excellence through undergraduate, specialization, masters and doctorate courses, which are guided by the principle of inseparability between Teaching, Research and Extension. The social function of the university is valued precisely through this tripod, since all teaching, research and extension activity must return to this community, in the form of knowledge, technology and culture, the public resources that allow it to exist as a Federal Institution of Higher Education.

In addition to the campuses in Curitiba, UFPR is present in the interior and coast of the state, playing an active role in the socio-economic development and quality of life of the state of Paraná, through access to higher education and activities carried out by the academic community in Of the society of Paraná and Brazil.

History

The history of the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR) is marked by great achievements and is closely linked to the development history of the State of Paraná. It was the boldness and competence of its idealizers, motivated by the society of Paraná, that made UFPR the oldest university in Brazil.

An old dream, in 1892, the politician Rocha Pombo launches, in the Ouvidor Pardinho Square, the cornerstone of a future university. But, due to the instability generated by the Federalist Revolution that occurred in the South of Brazil due to the divergence between the federalist and republican elites, the project did not go forward.

It was only in 1912, when it was estimated that Paraná needed more qualified professionals, began a pro-University movement in Paraná. At that time, Political leaders also mobilized for the creation of the university.

On December 19, 1912, Victor Ferreira do Amaral e Silva led the effective creation of the University of Paraná. It was a time of progress of the economy of Paraná, due to the abundant production and the prosperous commerce of yerba mate. "December 19 represented the political emancipation of the state and should also represent its intellectual emancipation," said Victor Ferreira do Amaral.

In 1913, the university began to function as a private institution. The first courses offered were Legal and Social Sciences; Engineering; Medicine and Surgery; Trade; Dentistry; Pharmacy and Obstetrics. After having founded the University of Paraná, Victor Ferreira do Amaral - who was also its first rector - began with loans to build the central building in Praça Santos Andrade, on land donated by the city.

With the First World War (1914) came the economic recession and the first difficulties. Among them was a law that determined the closure of private universities, in an attempt by the Federal Government to centralize power under higher education institutions.

In Paraná it was necessary to create alternatives to avoid the closure of the university. The form found at that time to conform to the law and to continue working was to dismember the Institution in autonomous faculties, each one recognized individually by the government. For about 30 years, it was sought to restore the university, an objective reached in the late 1940s, When the existing faculties, added by the Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters, were reunited as the University of Paraná. The support of the press and the community of Paraná was fundamental for this unification.

Restored the university, in 1946 began the battle by its federalization. Flávio Suplicy de Lacerda, rector at the time, mobilized the leadership of the state and, in 1950, was renamed the Federal University of Paraná, a public and free institution. The tripod Teaching, Research and Extension was adopted, guiding the activities of the university towards the development of the community in which it is inserted.

With its federalization, the institution went through an expansion phase. The construction of the Clinical Hospital (1953), The Rectory Complex (1958) and the Polytechnic Center (1961) represented its consolidation.
They are 100 years of history, marked by perseverance and resistance. The UFPR is the greatest creation of the culture of Paraná, having been chosen symbol of Curitiba. Fruit of the audacity of its creators, the UFPR is the oldest university of Brazil and reason of pride for all the paranaenses.