LICEO U OPENS ITS 68TH FOUNDING ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
Today marks a momentous event for Liceo de Cagayan University – its 68th
Founding Anniversary. It was on this day in 1955 when the visionary couple,
Atty. Rodolfo and Elsa Pelaez, founded the Liceo de Cagayan. With great love
for Cagayan de Oro and for the nation and with deep passion for education,
Rodelsa and Elsa braved those trying years of the new republic by establishing
a collegiate school, which became a full university in the late 1990s. With a
very long history of quality education in various program offerings evidenced
by numerous recognitions and distinctions earned, Liceo U has become one of the
earliest, most enduring, and most respected higher learning institutions in
Mindanao. Liceo de Cagayan University is indeed the founders’ great legacy to
the community and the nation – a legacy that Liceans now celebrate with
festivities.
The
celebration was formally opened early today with a Holy Mass celebrated
by Rev. Fr. Bobit Laroga, SSS at the Liceo
Civic Center. Following the Mass was the laying of wreath before the founders’
life-sized monument laid at the iconic Rodelsa Hall. Chair of the Board Dr.
Rafaelita Pelaez Pelaez and University President Dr. Alain Marc P. Golez
led the wreath-laying rites. In attendance were the University’s top officials,
the heads of all academic and non-academic departments, the faculty and staff,
and the students.
In
his message during the opening salvo at the Civic Center that featured several
live performances and the candidates of the Liceo Student Ambassadors 2023, the
University President expounded the celebration’s theme “Thrive. Triumph.
Transcend.” saying,
“To
thrive means to grow, to prosper, to reach our full potential. It is a fitting
theme for our anniversary as we reflect on the many ways that Liceo de Cagayan
University has flourished over the years. Our academic programs have expanded,
our facilities have improved, and our reputation for excellence has spread far
and wide. But even as we celebrate our success, we know that there’s always
more we can do, more we can achieve.
To
triumph means to overcome obstacles, to persevere in the face of adversity, to immerge
victorious. It is a testament to the resilience of our community that we have
weathered so many challenges over the years from natural disasters to global
pandemic. But through It all, we have remained steadfast in our
commitment to education, to service, and to each other. And we will continue to
triumph in the face of whatever challenges lie ahead.
To
transcend means to go beyond, to rise above, to reach new heights. It is a call
to action, a challenge to strive for excellence in all that we do. We must push
ourselves to be better, to learn more, to serve more, to make a greater impact
on the world. And we must do so, not just for our own benefit, but for the
benefit of all those around us, for our community, for our nation, for the
world.”
>On a final note, Dr. Golez urged the Licean community to look to the past, present, and future as he remarked: “…let us look to the past, to our founders Atty. Rodolfo and Elsa Pelaez, to the present with determination, and to the future with hope. Let us continue to thrive, to triumph, and to transcend, building on the legacy of those who have come before us and paving the way for those who will follow.”
Academic and non-academic events highlight the celebration of the 68th Founding Anniversary. These
events include RODELSA Lecture Series, Atty. Rodolfo N. Pelaez Debate Tournament, Intraschool Oratorical Contest,
Research Colloquium, The La Castilla Blue and White Ware: A Photography Exhibition (Ayala Mall), Opera Bonanza featuring
CDO Symphony Orchestra, 17th Cultural Season (arts festival), Service Awards 2023, H.E.L.P.S (outreach program), Liceo
Student Ambassadors Coronation Night, Rise Up: A Variety Concert, Employees’ Day, and REGRESSO 2023 (grand alumni
homecoming), among others.
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