The National University of Córdoba (Spanish: Universidad Nacional de Córdoba) (UNC), is the oldest university in Argentina, and one of the oldest in the Americas. It is located in Córdoba, the capital of Córdoba Province. Since the early 20th century it has been the second largest university in the country in terms of the number of students, faculty, and academic programs. In 1610 the Society of Jesus founded the Collegium Maximum in Córdoba, which was attended by students of the order. This was the precursor of the university. On August 8, 1621 Pope Gregory XV granted this authority by an official document, which arrived in the city in April 1622. With this authorization, and with the approval of the church hierarchy and the provincial head of the Jesuits, Pedro de Oñate, the university began its official existence. (Full article...)