THE University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos is the 1st Catholic university in the island of Negros and the first university in Negros Occidental. These are the two titles enjoyed by the university. Other titles could also be attributed as the first Catholic university to be recognized under the guiding principles of Pope John Paul II's Encyclical "Laborem Exercens."
Once again, this September 28, the alumni of this prestigious university will gather and reminisce their experiences at this great educational institution. Like in the past years, graduates of Occidental Negros Institute, University of Negros Occidental and UNO-Recoletos will retell their stories of greatness and their treasured memories as they gather in the General Alumni Homecoming. The hosts for this year's alumni homecoming are Class '69 - Golden Jubilarians; Class 79 - Ruby Jubilarians and class '94 - Silver Jubilarians.
Class '69, the Golden group, visited the university last Monday, September 23, and told me their treasured memories of their stay at UNO-R. They shared the activities they had in the different corners of their beloved alma mater. Walking with them, I could see how proud they are that they came from and were trained at UNO-R. What I gathered was they are thankful to the university for not only making them who they are today but of the training they had and how they passed it unto their children and their grandchildren.
UNO-Recoletos started as Occidental Negros Institute in Talisay by Dr. Antonio Lizares and Dr. Francisco Kilayko. They dreamed of putting up a premier basic and tertiary school for the people of Negros Occidental. It opened in June of 1941 and in December, it was closed down due to the onset of war in the Far East. The school remained in hibernation during the Japanese occupation. In 1946, the school reopened in Bacolod City at the former Doctor's Hospital in Smith Street. In a year, the student population grew big and the school needed a bigger place. So, the lot in Lupit -Lizares saw the construction of the new ONI site. It was built on a 15-hectare lot, complete with facilities for sports. The new building was occupied by the students in 1948 but was formally inaugurated and occupied in 1950.
The founders scouted the best professors for the School of Law and pre-law, Liberal Arts, Commerce, and Education. It also employed teachers for basic education who were trained in some parts of the world. Soon, the institute made a name in the country and abroad that in 1957, the Department of Education declared ONI as a university and thus was renamed to University of Negros Occidental or UNO.
In 1962, the UNO was bought by the friars of the order of the Recollection of St. Augustine (ORSA, now the Order of Augustinian Recollects (OAR)). Rev. Fr. Federico Terradillos was the first rector appointed by the Prior General of the Order. The University was named UNO-Recoletos. It offered new courses that responded to the needs of the industry, especially in Negros. Engineering courses were developed that it became the pioneer flagship program of UNO-R. Later, it was followed by Medical Technology. Today, the University is piloted by Allied Medical Health Sciences, Liberal Arts, Business and Accountancy, Criminal Justice, Education, Engineering, Information Technology, Law and Graduate studies. The values of Service, Interiority, Marian and Moral Integrity, Peace and Justice, Love and Passion for Excellence are being instilled by each program to their students.
UNO-R takes pride in the achievements of all graduates. However, it takes great pride in instilling the Augustinian values of interiority, truth, freedom, community, friendship, and solidarity and justice. These are the things that every UNO-Rian is proud of. These are also shared by its cousins the La Consolacion College and Colegio San Agustin-Bacolod. So, today, once more UNO-R gathers its children and calls for their commitment to continue their journey under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the values of Sts. Monica and Augustine, St. Nicholas of Tolentino and St. Ezekiel Moreno.
Long live UNO-Recoletos! Numero UNO.