The “Recoletos de Bacolod Walk of Fame” project of the University of Negros Occidental- Recoletos (UNO-R) in Bacolod City, has raised P1.7 million in donations from its alumni and different sponsors. UNO-R faculty member and project coordinator Connie Po said that as a way of recognizing the donors, their names are inscribed on the marble slabs that are placed at the University Park. Po said the donated amount was used to fund the rehabilitation of seven classrooms, park and lobby improvement, school building renovation, and scholarships grant and livelihood projects to various barangays in Bacolod. Speaking at the blessing of the adopted rooms on Saturday, Po said the project, started in 2007, is not just about their alumni donating money but a way of looking back to their alma mater. Donors and sponsors, mostly alumni of the university, are now successful individuals and have reached different parts of the world like Canada, Europe, China and United States, America. “The Recoletos de Bacolod Walk of Fame immortalizes not only the men and women who have walked through the portals of the school but other individuals who align their personal mission with that of UNO-R, loving God by helping others,” Po said. “Through this project, we won hearts of every UNO-Rian to take care of its own,” Po said, adding that even ordinary students donate, too. The coordinator noted that project carries one of university’s core values of being communitarian. Po said the endeavor has already helped residents of Barangays 17 and Felisa by conducting trainings on plastic crochet making and is continuously reaching other barangays with other livelihood programs like food processing. The project has also helped one scholar who has already graduated from UNO-R, she added. Moreover, The Order of Agustinian Recollects (OAR) community through the newly installed president Fr. Eduardo Celiz Jr., expressed its gratitude to the efforts made by the University personnel as well as those who have shared their blessings and gift of success. During the blessing of adopted rooms, the University also recognized its donors by giving them certificate of appreciation. In response, the Lopue family, one of the donors, shared that “it is an honor to be part of an endeavor that is not only a project, but a noble way of giving back to the community.” The people behind the project hope that more hearts will be touched thus, the university’s door they said remains widely open for support. (Erwin Nicavera, Sunstar, July 13, 2015 issue)
- 16 Jul
- 2015