The mostly gloomy skies that prevailed throughout the week failed to dampen the celebratory mood of the Foundation University community as they gathered to mark their 65th Founding Anniversary last week.
Founded by the educator and statesman Dr. Vicente G. Sinco, Foundatio University, a non-stock, non-profit and non-sectarian institution, started as a two-classroom Foundation College atop the Teves Building along Perdices corner San Jose Sts.
Today, only a giant photo of the first inauguration hangs on a wall of the Museo Vicente at the main campus, to remind everyone of that historic day in July 4, 1949.
The 65 years that have passed has transformed the University into a verdant garden which is pleasing to both the eyes and to the mind.
With a vibrant student population, dynamic and friendly faculty and staff, the University’s eclectic course offerings are matched by excellent facilities, which keep improving under the careful supervision of Victor Vicente “Dean” Sinco, a US-educated architect who has taken up the cudgels in pursuit of his grandfather’s vision of providing affordable quality private education to everyone.
Sinco, who is chairman of the Board of Trustees, is also vice president for finance and administration.
The celebration started with the Academic Opening Convocation last Wednesday at the Sofia Soller Sinco Hall. The Batch of 2018, led by Halimatu T. Yushawu, the valedictorian of the San Miguel Bacong High School and Kevin N. Casimsiman, the valedictorian of the Cawitan, Sta. Catalina High School, were given the official welcome to the campus by President Mira D. Sinco.
In her speech read by her son Dean, the President presented several success stories about some outstanding alumni. “They were once like you. At some point in their lives, they were sitting where you are sitting now… wondering: what will life be after I graduate from Foundation University?”
She called on them to embrace the love for learning, to dream big, and to have the courage to live their dreams.
The University’s board passers in the recent board examinations were also given recognition during the ceremony.
Thursday afternoon saw the Foundationites parading towards the Rizal Boulevard with their floating lanterns for the Dal-uy Festival. This ritual, where wishes and prayers are written on the lantern covers before the lanterns are set afloat, takes off from the water lantern festival in several Asian countries. Capping the ceremony was a colorful fireworks display.
July 4, Friday, was the day of the actual Founding Anniversary, which opened with a thanksgiving mass led by Msgr. Julius Heruela, the university chaplain. It was fun day with members of the Foundation University community enjoying a fellowship meal and later taking part in some Larong Pinoy friendship games.
The Foundation University Alumni Association, led by Dr. Charlotte V. Carino, also launched a fund-raising drive for a four-storey building for the North Campus, whose top floor will be the site of the new Balay sa Alumni.
The new Balay sa Alumni will have eleven rooms “of five-star quality” but will be priced like a pension house.
The initial fund campaign was a dinner buffet last Saturday at KRI Restaurant. Two alumnae – Rose Fabruada Daher and Atty. Florence Tangente – have also responded to the call for donations in support of the project. (AP)
