Remembering Sergio Rodríguez MPA '17

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SIPA remembers Sergio Mario Rodríguez, a 2017 MPA graduate in the Energy and Environment concentration and Management specialization, who died on January 15 at the age of 33.



After completing his studies at SIPA, Sergio returned to his hometown of Barranquilla, Colombia, to further his lifelong commitment to serving his community, city, and country. It was in Barranquilla that Sergio saw both a need and an opportunity to address enormous gaps in Colombia’s education system. He dedicated much of his time to becoming a professor at both public and private universities, teaching economics and business at Universidad del Sinú in Cartagena and Universidad del Norte in Barranquilla; his lectures were praised as enlightening, innovative, and fun. 

Sergio had discovered his love for teaching at SIPA, where he always stood ready to help his fellow “Seeples” — by explaining economics concepts in Lehman Library before exams, or going over case studies to help classmates prepare for interviews. He was also a leader in the energy concentration, and in his classes often shared the lessons of his time spent working on energy issues for the Colombian National Planning Department.

Throughout his professional life, Sergio explored new ways to engage his family’s transportation business in philanthropic causes, like sponsoring youth participation of in sports and promoting more equal access to health care.

Most recently, Sergio was serving on the board of directors of his family business, Expreso Brasilia, and working as a financial consultant in addition to teaching in Barranquilla.

His classmates and friends mourn his passing and remember his eloquence, intelligence, and capacity to bring people together and make everyone around him feel like family. Sergio's legacy remains in the hearts of those who were touched by his power to explore, seek an opportunity out of every challenge, and live life to the fullest.

Thanks to those in our alumni community who collaborated to produce this message of remembrance.