Silliman University (SU) conferred the degree of Honoris Causa on Dr. Rolando V. del Carmen for his contribution to the field of law last Aug. 15 at the Claire Isabel McGill-Luce Auditorium.
“I never expected this day to happen… ever,” del Carmen said during his response address.
del Carmen graduated with Latin honors from SU with a bachelor of arts and law degrees in 1953 and 1956, respectively.
del Carmen is hailed is one of the foremost experts in the United States in the area of criminal justice.
He has received top awards from the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences including the Academy Fellow Award in 1990, the Bruce Smith Sr. Award in 1997, and the Founders Award in 2005. He is also the first recipient of the Regents Professor Award, the highest distinction given by the Sam Houston State University in Texas, USA.
del Carmen said that during his years in Silliman, he joined a lot of activities despite the loads of being a working student.
“Academics give you diploma, [but] co-curricular activities give you life,” he stated.
del Carmen also shared the two principles that have molded his life.
“The first principle is plan your life and set goals. Have a role model in your life…The second principle is strive for excellence in whatever you do.”
After graduating from SU, del Carmen also pursued additional degrees from the Southern Methodist University, University of California-Berkeley, and University of Illinois.
However, among these prestigious universities that he has attended, he said that Silliman is his best alma mater.
“Thank you, Silliman and thank you for giving me the best years of my life,” del Carmen said.
