An estimated 800-strong crowd of Louisian alumni toppled age barriers and communed as one as they celebrated their indomitable blue-and-white spirit during the Grand Alumni Homecoming on December 30, 2015 at the University of Saint Louis (USL) Campus. Defying intimidations from an unpredictable weather, the crowd joined as one to reminisce their Louisian years and relive their high school and college moments in a festive mood of the traditional barrio fiesta theme set by the sponsors, the Saint Louis College of Tuguegarao (SLCT) Batch 1990, who were celebrating their silver anniversary as members of the alumni community.
The homecoming started with a mass officiated by Reverend Father Ferdinand Baculi, a USL alumnus himself.
“It is heartwarming to come home to Saint Louis,” he said in his homily.
Father Baculi challenged the alumni members to be Louisians in their thoughts, words and deeds.
“The test of the true Louisian spirit is living out the CICM mission through the testimony of your lives,” he said.
Father Baculi concelebrated the mass with Reverend Father Gilbert Sales, also an alumnus and current President of Saint Louis University (Baguio City) and concurrent President of Saint Louis College (San Fernando City, La Union), and with Father Rex Salvilla, CICM Liaison Officer in USL.
A program was held at the USL open stage with the alumni members celebrating to the accompaniment of soundtracks from the decades of the 70s, 80s and the 90s. There were several prizes raffled during the program that culminated in a mini concert by a local band, whose lead singer was also an alumnus.
Dr. Delailah Valencia, USL Acting President, welcomed the alumni guests and visitors and continued to present the achievements of the University.
Also present was Tuguegarao City Mayor Jefferson Soriano, a member of SLCT Batch 71.
Mayor Soriano said that Louisians are making their marks in different fields, and he is proud to be joined by several Louisians in the field of public service, mentioning Batch 90 President and Tuguegarao City Councilor Bienvenido de Guzman, along with Board Member Christian Guzman, also of Batch 90.
Unmindful of the imminent rain, the crowd actively joined the dancing and singing, even taking to the stage in a rare chance to become young and carefree again. Many of them professionals, they figuratively took off their coats and shoes to bond with their school and their peers, leaving cares and woes behind even for just a day.
At the sidelines were whole pigs and calves roasting over open fire waiting to be enjoyed by an exultant crowd.
The host batch also gave tribute to the honoree batch of 1975 and to their teachers way back in high school.
“This is one of the most memorable homecomings I have attended,” commented Olivia Turingan, a member of Batch 84. “We enjoyed a lot. Thank you, Batch 90.”
Indeed, the party reinforced the camaraderie of the alumni members in the light of the efforts of the officers of the USLT Alumni Association to create a stronger organization.
“This event gives me reason to come back often to USL. I never thought it feels so good to come home and be with my Louisian family,” bared Colonel Jacob Thaddeus Obligado of the Philippine Army who was joining for the first time.
“I am humbled,” confessed an overseas worker, also on her first homecoming. “To think that I told myself there was nothing to go back to.”
The get-together brought out many reactions and emotions among the alumni, but the USLTAA is hopeful that all these will lead to a closer and more relevant association that is more involved in the University’s quest for its place among the stellar academic institutions.
The event was capped with a magnificent pyro-musical display at around six o’clock in the evening.
The USL administration headed by Dr. Delailah Valencia, Acting President
Members of the host Batch 90 showcase their dance
Alumni members donned their respective batch shirts
