SU honors Hibbards with floral offering ceremony

by Nathan Cruz | News Writer

HONOR. Pres. Betty McCan delivers words of remembrance in honor of SU’s founder, Dr. David Hibbard, at the floral offering ceremony, Aug. 11. Photo by Leandro T. Credo

Silliman University (SU) administrators, organization representatives, teachers and students gathered in a floral offering ceremony for Dr. David and Laura Hibbard at Dr. Hibbard’s statue by Hibbard Hall, Aug. 10.

In its third year, the ceremony aimed to commemorate the arrival of the Hibbards in Dumaguete City, a century ago.

Silliman University Elementary School (SUES) Principal Dubhe Estallo delivered the opening remarks, followed by a reenactment of the Hibbards’ time in Dumaguete City with the SUES Dramatics Club.

“As we gaze at the statue of Dr. Hibbard and the portrait of his wife, Mrs. Laura Hibbard, we realize how heavily indebted we are to the two of them. We are also emboldened by this sense of gratitude to carry on the mission that they have started: to say yes to the opportunity to serve and yes to the challenge of giving our best in everything that we do,” said Estallo.

SU President Betty McCann also spoke about how our side trips in life can be our main trip by relating it to how SU was founded through the Hibbards and Horace Silliman.

“Fast-forward 117 years later, from an industrial school for boys to a co-education university that offers preschool to basic education, to post-graduate and graduate programs. From 15 boys to 10,000 co-ed students, spread over more than 50 degree programs, I’m still proudly echoing the observations… and I quote, ‘and the spirit that pervaded the place was one of the finest he experienced anywhere – the Silliman spirit proudly echoed in the gospel of Jesus Christ,’” Pres. McCann said.

Estallo said this year’s event has seen an improvement in attendance due to the cancellation of classes in the elementary, allowing the students and teachers there to freely attend.