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Miguel Alemán Valdés
(September 29, 1903 - May 14, 1983)

Miguel Alemán Valdés was born into a revolutionary family in Sayula, Veracruz September 29, 1903. This year mark’s the 100th anniversary of his birth and the 20th anniversary of his death. After completing elementary school in Orizaba, Alemán graduated from the National Preparatory School and later received his Law Degree from the National University of Mexico.

Miguel Alemán Valdés’ father was a ranking General who gave his life in the defense of his principles during the Mexican Revolution and thereby provided inspiration and an example of national service to his son.

Like his father before him, Alemán devoted his professional career to serving Mexico’s best interests. His early professional life was linked to the struggles of the oil, railroad and mine workers. He was appointed Judge of the Superior Court of Justice for the Federal District and Federal Territories, and later, elected Senator and Governor of his home state, Veracruz. Miguel Alemán Valdés was the first president of Mexico to be elected after the after the conclusion of WW II, and the country’s first non-military president. In 1947, Aleman became the first Mexican to visit the United States as head of state. He served from 1946 to 1952.

Miguel Alemán Valdés had a profound knowledge of Mexico that enabled him to address and resolve many of its economic problems. He improved the country’s infrastructure by expanding the network of roads and highways. He created University City; the City of Mexico’s airport; a national supply system; new port facilities; supported industrial, agricultural and cattle-raising ventures with stress on irrigation and hydroelectric projects; and established a tourism infrastructure — all clear examples of his vision, his patriotism, and his love for the people of Mexico.

Miguel Alemán Valdés created Mexico’s Commission for National Tourism in 1947 with the mission to promote and to assist the development and the investments in the tourism industry. He also created a cabinet post for the head of that commission. In 1948, he established the first learning center for tourism in Mexico — now called the Mexican School of Tourism. He put together a group to build the Continental Hilton Hotel in Mexico City , and later, the Acapulco Hilton Hotel. Mostly by using his well established local and international prestige, he promoted the tourism and hotel industry.