THIS year, the first back-to-back celebrations of the 58th Foundation Day and the General Alumni Homecoming of the University of St. La Salle were held last July 2, 2010. On this day, USLS honored the fourth batch of 50th Jubilarians - the Class of 1960 Grade School, High School and College - a distinguished batch of gentlemen, who are a special part of the university's rich institutional tradition.
To set the mood for the celebrations, welcome cocktails held at Santuario de La Salle in the evening of July 1st kicked-off the series of events prepared for the Golden Jubilarians. 52 batchmates arrived, with some coming all the way from the USA, Canada and Spain, as well as from Metro Manila, Cebu, Dumaguete and Bukidnon. This reunion came 5 years after the batch celebrated its 45th jubilee here in 2005. Rekindling of friendships was an unending affair, as each one arrived and was greeted by the rest of the batch. Batch coordinators helped to make sure that many of them came home for this grand reunion - Philip Garcia and Boy Parroco for the grade school, Jun Cuenca for the high school and Andy Benedicto for the college.
A briefing of the next day's events was given by Cugie Loarca, Alumni Relations Director, followed by the unveiling of the photo exhibit, circa 1960. Of course, each one went looking for his photo, either during graduation or wearing basketball or football uniforms. The evening ended with the batch singing the Alma Mater song, Men of La Salle, with so much vigor!
The day's activities on July 2nd started with the concelebrated Mass of the Holy Spirit at the USLS Coliseum. Filled with Lasallians representing all sectors of the academe and the community, it was also the venue of the succeeding ceremony remembering this batch of gentlemen of Class '60, many of whom have excelled in their chosen fields. It was even made more special because each member was awarded with a gold medallion and pin by no less than the University President-Chancellor, Br. Raymundo Suplido FSC, and the Director of Bahay Pag-asa Youth Center, Br. Arian Lopez FSC. 4 widows and a sister of their batchmates also came to receive the medals on behalf of the departed members. Giving the response on behalf of Class '60 was Jose Ma. L. Hilado, of the college batch. Among the out-of-towners were: Richie Garcia and Art Aguilar from Manila; Dodo Bustamante from Dumaguete City; Chito Villanueva, Neri Jocson and Sonny McFarland from the USA; Joseling Hilado from Ontario, Canada; and Iñaki Achaval from Madrid, Spain.
The visit to the Museum and brief walking tour of the campus, led by selected student guides, brought a nostalgic feeling to these gentlemen, as they recalled the old places where they used to go, at the same time a sense of pride in being part of what La Salle-Bacolod has become today. A lunch reception at Santuario de La Salle was tendered by the university for the Golden Jubilarians and guests, who were entertained by a presentation of their family photos. Before they left, each Jubilarian received his Yearbook '60 CD, a pennant, rosary and a selection of 60's songs.
The General Alumni Homecoming in the evening of July 2 was attended by all sectors of the Lasallian family - alumni, students, faculty, administrators and staff. Hosted by the USLS Alumni Association together with the Grade School - High School - College Jubilarians of Class '60, '65, '70, '75, '80, '85 & '90, the event gathered alumni batches from 1957 to 2010 at the USLS parking area tents.
Featuring the Grupo Marie Teves Band, the pop dance and rock n' roll band contest winners at the Birthday Bash, as well as the USLS-IS Drumbeaters, everyone had a great time renewing acquaintances with every toast of their cold drinks!
Part of the evening's programme was the giving of plaques of recognition to the participants of the 2nd Alumni Summer Basketball League held last April-May, 2010, and to the host Jubilarians of the various years, who had all worked together with the USLS Alumni Association, to make this Homecoming successful. The rock n' roll music continued with the weather nicely cooperating the whole evening.