UNAM Recognition Award 2025
A Profound Honor: Erie House Recognized with UNAM’s Alfonso García Robles Award
We’re deeply moved to share exciting news. The Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) honored Erie House with the Reconocimiento Alfonso García Robles for our humanitarian work alongside immigrant communities.
UNAM presented this recognition on December 4th, 2025. Notably, the award honors organizations that stand in solidarity with migrants through genuine partnership and advocacy—not through a lens of charity. UNAM honored us alongside inspiring organizations: Justicia Migrante, Casa Anunciación, Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization, and Central American Resource Center of Los Angeles. These organizations demonstrate unwavering commitment to justice and dignity daily.
What makes this award especially meaningful? Its foundation honors a powerful legacy. The award bears the name of Mexican diplomat Alfonso García Robles. In 1982, García Robles received the Nobel Peace Prize for his work toward nuclear disarmament and peace. Accordingly, this recognition celebrates his humanitarian commitment and dedication to universal human dignity.
The award recognizes those who understand that migration is a complex, multifaceted reality. Simple solutions cannot address its challenges. Instead, the award celebrates work rooted in a fundamental belief: every person deserves dignity, safety, and the opportunity to build a better life. These values defined García Robles’ career in service of humanity.
For 155 years, Erie House has walked alongside immigrant families in Chicago. Therefore, this recognition belongs to the thousands of community members who have trusted us with their stories, struggles, and dreams. It belongs to our dedicated staff who show up every day with empathy and purpose. Furthermore, it belongs to the resilient families who navigate impossible systems with courage and hope.
During the ceremony, UNAM Rector Leonardo Lomelí Vanegas offered powerful words. He noted that recipients of this recognition demonstrate extraordinary sensitivity. Moreover, they reflect the universal aspirations that Nobel Peace Prize winner Alfonso García Robles embodied.
We accept this honor with humility and renewed commitment to the work ahead.