The recognition was presented by the mayor of Ovalle, Claudio Rentería, and the regional mayor, Hanne Utreras, during the city's anniversary ceremony.

The Civic Military Act commemorating the 183rd anniversary of the city of Ovalle, was the moment chosen by the communal authorities to present the distinction as ''Illustrious Citizen of Ovalle'' to the Rector of the University of La Serena, Dr. Nibaldo Avilés Pizarro, recognition granted by the unanimity of the members of the Municipal Council.

The recognition to Dr. Avilés, born and raised in said commune, where he completed his basic and secondary studies at the former Men's School No. 1 on Independencia Street and the Alejandro Álvarez Jofré High School, was presented by the mayor of Ovalle, Claudio Rentería, and the regional mayor, Hanne Utreras, during this Official Act held in the city's Plaza de Armas in the presence of regional and local authorities, representatives of educational establishments and members of the community.

''It is a great pride to be declared an Illustrious Citizen of Ovalle, a city with which I maintain a strong bond. I appreciate the recognition granted by the Honorable Communal Council, even more so that it was delivered in such a traditional ceremony typical of the Ovallinos,'' stated the highest university authority.

Dr. Nibaldo Avilés was one of the nine Ovallinos declared ''Illustrious Citizens'' for his outstanding social role, along with the prominent journalist and current manager of Mega's information services, Jorge Cabezas Villalobos; the pisco grape producer, Gabriela Penna Miranda; the president of the Communal Union of rural neighborhood associations, Rosa Ángel Castillo; the outstanding athlete, trainer and former coach of Club Deportes Ovalle, Sergio Recabarren Collarte; the former soccer player and current president of the Ovalle Municipal Academy, Francisco Carvajal Ramírez; the announcer Carlos Ramos García; the owner of the Cormar Bus company, Guillermo Araya Urquieta; and Dr. Fernando Arab Nessrallah. 

It should be noted that Rector Avilés was also present at the Te Deum held in the San Vicente Ferrer parish, with which the celebration of a new anniversary of Ovalle began.