[2] His greatest achievement was founding the Universidad de Concepción (University of Concepción), the third oldest university in Chile and the first to be located outside the capital Santiago.
Garmendia is considered the most distinguished pedagogue of his time, as well as one of the most influential Chilean philosophers.
[4] Some of his main works, including books, scientific, and philosophical articles:[3][5] The work Tribute to the Spirit of the Founders of the University of Concepción, designed by Samuel Román, honors Enrique Molina as the co-founder and first rector of the University of Concepción.
In his various trips through other countries Molina Garmendia received multiple distinction and awards including:[2] Additionally in 1956 he was named the rector of the University of Conceptión for life; in 1959 the author Samuel Román erected in his name the monument Tribute to the Spirit of the Founders of the University of Concepción, placed at the City University of Conceptión.
The same year he received the honorary title, Doctor Honoris Causa at the University of Chile.