Silliman University this week celebrates its 109th Founder’s Day. Nine years after the centennial, she has withstood the rigors of the global meltdown, forming a new paradigm shift in her effort to stay true to her mission: via, veritas, vita.
The campus by the sea has changed through the years, but the ambience of academic freedom can be gleaned from its repainted buildings, new fringes of the commercial bulding, and robust landscaping, with the acacia trees bearing witness to the many generations of alumni who have passed through her gates of opportunity.
President Ben Malayang III is resolute in keeping the University true to its atmosphere of excellence in its educational programs, anchored in the spirit of its core values of Christianity in its generic sense.
It may come as a surprise to many that Silliman University has more than 80 percent Catholics, Alipayans, fundamentalists, and Muslims among its studentry, while its Preysbeterian roots remain evident in the centerpiece of the campus — the Silliman University Church.
As a Catholic myself, I can attest that the Sillimanians’ religious affiliations have never been an issue when it came to attaining honors for academic excellence or gaining employment in the University after graduation.
Respect for one’s religious affiliation is fostered in the discussions in the Religion subjects, part of the General Education curriculum in college; in the bible studies, and in other church-related activities in campus. Who can forget the Galilean Fellowships and convocations at the Church?
Many Sillimanians have their own stories to tell, but the common thread is that the excellent education which they got from Silliman University prepared them for their careers here and abroad.
Credit should be given where it is due — and these should be given to all those who stayed in Silliman to continue the tradition. For sure, the president, vice presidents, deans, administrators, faculty and staff would have had better salaries and other emoluments elsewhere, but they chose to stay.
We salute President Ben Malayang III and Board of Trustees Chairperson Juanita Dy-Amatong for leading by example — meeting the challenges of fiscal responsibility, in balance with the standard of a Center for Excellence, keeping in mind the foundations of faith woven into the fabric of the daily rigors of University Life.
Congratulations, Silliman University!
Welcome back to Dumaguete, alumni, friends and family.
Special congratulations to the Class of 1960 of the SU College of Nursing, especially former professors Cerlizita Cabote and Magdalena Sy who are celebrating their golden anniversary.
