By Nova Veraley V. Grafe
ON HER BIRTHDAY, Silliman University Vice-President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Betsy Joy B. Tan, launched a book entitled, “Milestones of Academic Excellence: A Collection of Speeches,” at the Main Library, Sept. 23.
“Milestones of Academic Excellence: A Collection of Speeches”, is a book that is a collection of Dr. Tan’s speeches that embodies the word F. I. R. E in the 5Cs of Silliman University (SU) education. F. I. R. E. is an acronym of the words Faith, Instruction, Research, and Extension.
Dr. Tan said that the book is divided into three parts: first part is on Milestones of F. I. R. E, speeches on Faith, Instruction, Research, and Extension of SU; second part is on milestone of the Five Cs, speeches on the 5Cs of SU: Church, Court, Community, Classroom, and Cultural Activities; and the third part is remembering the heritage builders of the university, speeches on the people who built a strong foundation for the institution of SU.
As stated in the foreword of the book, Dr. Tan quoted Dr. Ben S. Malayang III, president of Silliman University that the speeches of the book seek to transform the person through education.
“Education that goes beyond building competence…, seeks for all Sillimanians to become persons for others, for themselves, and for God; and seeks for all Sillimanians to live out the via, veritas, vita in their personal and professional undertakings.” said President Malayang as quoted by Dr. Tan. The book serve as a response to the requests coming from the various institutions and schools; from local, national, and international HEIs; and from professional organizations.
