For the occasion of the 114th Founders’ Day celebration of Silliman University, I would like to recall a New Testament story recorded in St. Luke chapter 5, verses 1-7.
This passage talks about Jesus telling Simon Peter to let down his net in the deep part of the Sea of Galilee, where a species of tilapia was common at those times. But Peter complained that they were fishing the whole night without any success at all; but nevertheless, because of Jesus’ instruction, he followed the advice. The result was that a large number of fish was caught — so many that they broke the net.
When the American philanthropist Dr. Horace B. Silliman suggested to the Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions in New York City in 1899 to build a trade and agricultural school for boys in the Philippines with his contribution of $10,000, he was in effect launching an academic institution for a definite purpose of educating the Filipino people, a people he had never seen.
That trade and agricultural school for boys is now Silliman University that has continuously served the Filipino for 114 years, except for two periods in 1941-1945 (World War II) and September-October 1972 (Martial Law declaration).
Silliman has contributed to the advancement of knowledge in various fields and academic disciplines, and has improved the quality of life of countless people.
The more than 200 awardees of Outstanding Sillimanians, as well as many others who have kept alive the Silliman Spirit attest to this fact.
But she should continue to accomplish even more in the future not only for the Silliman community but also for the country.
The Biblical passage in Luke I had referred to implies that Sillimanians must study deeply, and must be well prepared to launch their chosen professions. They must stand ready to serve God and the Filipino people wherever they find themselves in the world.
They are also expected to be outstanding citizens in every way. They must be professionally-competent. They must be distinguished by their personal integrity, and their high ethical practices.
Silliman University as an academic institution, including the Board of Trustees, the Administration, the faculty, the staff, have to be open to new ideas — and develop according to the expectations of academicians.
In this connection, I am reminded of the sermon of Dr. Paul T. Lauby titled Religion of New Wine in Silliman University Church in 2001. I quote portions of it: “…We grow comfortable with old ways of thinking, we cherish our inherited prejudices and biases, we resist new ideas and experiences, and we persist in holding on for dear life to the old wineskins. The old ways are familiar and reassuring; we recent new truths and new insights; they are troubling and threatening. It has always been that way when Galileo… discovered that the earth was round and that it revolved around the sun… As we enter the 21st century, we are on the brink of a new era of discovery… We will constantly be confronted with new knowledge about our world and human life… we must be flexible and resilient… Let us not forget that God is making new revelations for new directions.”
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Author’s email: suakcrem@yahoo.com
