The twentieth century witnessed the most spectacular and amazing advance in science and technology. It allowed us to see the uprising not only of the atomic era; but also of the electronic computer and the space era. As a result of this scientific and technologic overproduction, universities have had a vast demand in educational services regarding these subjects. Computer science, in particular, has experienced a great demand, which is the consequence of the transversal growth of computer science in almost every human knowledge field and even in the daily practices of society.

The School of Systems, Information Technology and Computer Science Engineering (FISICC, for its initials in Spanish) was founded in 1977 as the technological school of Universidad Francisco Marroquin and as the answer to the increasing need for qualified professionals in Computer Science.

With twenty two years of successful experience, facing the rapid-changing times and the knowledge globalization, FISICC promptly positioned itself in a relevant spot as a viable choice for the education of the Guatemalan and Latin American new generations.

The Political Constitution of Guatemala recognizes the urgent need to create new and better sources of education for Guatemalans, as it is stated in article 71, which reads as follows: “We declare of public utility and convenience the founding and preservation of all educational and cultural centers as well as museums.”

As a response to those needs, Fundación Santo Domingo was created. This non-profit institution’s aim is to effectively contribute to the development of our country, especially in the educational, technological, cultural and artistic fields.

Article 1, “Nature and Purpose”, of the Decree 82-87 of The Congress of the Republic of Guatemala, states that: “Private universities, as independent institutions, are obligated to develop and organize the national private higher education. They will be granted freedom to create their schools, departments, institutes, and develop their academic and teaching activities; as well as to develop their plans and study programs, with the purpose of contributing to the professional training, scientific research, the diffusion of culture and the research and solution of national problems”. On this basis, Fundación Santo Domingo decided to found Universidad Galileo.