Tuesday, September 23, 2008 SLU tracing alumni for 2011 homecoming By Rimaliza Opiña
THE oldest university in Baguio City is now having a difficult time tracing the whereabouts of all its graduates with thousands of them from its elementary, high school and college levels since its establishment 97 years ago.
To solve this, various chapters here and abroad were formed to link graduates of Saint Louis University (SLU), said Engineer Bonifacio dela Peña, dean of the College of Engineering and Architecture and coordinator of alumni chapters.
The attempts at calling on all graduates of the university are in line with preparations for a grand alumni homecoming in 2011.
Among the active chapters are those in Sydney, Australia; Las Vegas and Nevada in the US; and in Manila.
Dela Peña said other than those who volunteer to have their names listed in the alumni office, there is no other way by which the alumni association can trace the whereabouts of SLU graduates.
"It is easier to coordinate with chapters rather than individuals," said dela Peña. The SLU administration is also planning on publishing a directory of its alumni, which they intend to update and publish every five years.
Also included in plans for the celebration of the university's centennial on 2011 is the publication of success stories of its alumni. For additional information regarding the activities of the university, log on to their website at www.slu.edu.ph.
Founded in 1911 by Rev. Fr. Seraphine Devesse, SLU started as a one-room elementary school for 10 boys.
In 1915, Fr. Florimund Carlu started the intermediates grades and trade school. Six years later, the high school department was inaugurated.
In 1952, the college level of the Saint Louis School began operating with courses in Liberal Arts and Commerce as its first course offerings.
In 1953, post-graduate programs were also offered.
Other courses soon developed through the years, so that on May 1963, Saint Louis College was conferred its university status.
