On August 28, Silliman University will celebrate its 108th birthday in Dumaguete City. On that day, all roads will lead to its beautiful campus by the sea. Loyal alumni, former students and faculty will come by plane, boat, bus, jeep and by foot. The earliest to arrive are usually alumni and their families from abroad.

Even now, class reunions are held simultaneously all over the campus. The high school classes are usually the most active. The high school class of 1949 counts itself among the most loyal. Colleges also hold homecoming events for their returning alumni.

Alumni associations all over the country and abroad usually have their own celebrations earlier so that they can join the big day in Dumaguete.

Two weeks of non-stop celebrations. The celebration officially started on August 16. Every day, the calendar of activities has to be revised to accommodate numerous lectures, anniversaries, concerts, contests and alumni parties.

Homecoming alumni like me go home for the events which are part of our Silliman memories—the cheering contest, the selection of Miss Silliman University, the University concert, the parade, and of course, the Founders Day service. They also come to give lectures in their fields of interest

The celebrations reach fever pitch on August 28 with the Sunrise Service at 5:30 a.m. when the university community gathers to give thanks for the life of this great university. To make sure that everyone gets up in time, the university band goes around the campus and plays rousing music. Those who have just returned from parties and celebrations the night before have to drag themselves out of bed, looking like sleepwalkers. By the time this century-old traditional service is over, everyone is awake, ready to share breakfast and start celebrating again.

The rites for the awards for outstanding Silliman alumni are also held on August 28. They are recognized not for riches or for material success but by the simple standards of Silliman’s motto: Via, Veritas, Vita—the way, the truth and the life. This refers to the path an alumnus chooses and undertakes in his or her life’s journey, adherence to the truth, and the life he or she leads as a Christian.

The annual Parada Sillimaniana is unique in that the entire city joins in the celebration. A veritable contest of bands and majorettes usually happens when all the other school and university bands, as well as rondallas from the barangays participate. For over six hours, the community is treated to a cornucopia of sights, colors, costumes and sounds.

The day is capped with the glittering alumni night dinner and fireworks. It ends with the singing of the Silliman Song. Tears are shed as alumni bid goodbye and promise to return the next year.

Liwas Founders Day. With such intense celebrations in two packed weeks, it is indeed very difficult to suddenly grind to a halt and go back to classes. The process of winding down is called liwas. August 29 is usually spent in serving the community. This is the time when free medical services are given, lectures and demonstrations on farming and fishery rendered, and a fair is held for the surrounding barangays, complete with bands, shows and a market for farm produce.

The Silliman Spirit. The most important and meaningful things in life defy definition. Alumni always talk about the “Silliman Spirit” which binds the Silliman family whether in the sophisticated jungles of New York, high places in Europe or missions of service in the remotest areas of the country.

Alumni make sure their children also go to the university. Thus, families can have four generations of Sillimanians in their clan. My father went to Silliman. His great grandchildren are also in the university.

When I was a child, there was no question that I would go to Silliman. It took incredible sacrifice for my parents, both school teachers without property, to send six of their eight children to the university. I walked to school in hand-me-downs. When I was in my junior year I started working as bookkeeper in a book store. My mother took boarders to augment her meagre salary.

It was in Silliman that I learned that all men and women are equal, regardless of status. I did not suffer discrimination. I never felt inferior or insecure because we were taught that we were all God’s children. As a matter of fact I hardly felt poor with my second hand clothes and worn shoes. It just did not matter in a university where academic excellence and Christian virtues were more important than wealth or station in life.

Happy birthday, beloved Silliman, from your former Chairman of the Board of Trustees.