OSA looks back as it celebrates its 55th anniversary

7 July 2015 | KNVBeato |

Looking back and beyond. Old and new faces from Office of Student Affairs (OSA) gathered at the Makiling Hall, Student Union Building on 24 June 2015 to culminate its month-long anniversary celebration.

OSA at 55. UPLB Chancellor Fernandez joins Office of Student Affairs staff members in celebrating its 55 years of service on 24 June 2015 at the Makiling Hall.

There are 53 attendees from the UPLB Perspective, University Student Council (USC), Inter-Fraternity Council, Textbook Exchange and Rental Center (TERC) Board, retired employees, and guests who joined in reliving their experiences as OSA staff members.

Chancellor Fernando C. Sanchez Jr. said that "education alone will never be enough to transform our students into exemplary future leaders." According to him, OSA has been very helpful for students who need financial, academic, and personal support so that they, in turn, could realize their full potential.

Atty. Filemon Nolasco, the first UPLB USC chair, recounts the significance of OSA in the formation of the student council during OSA's 55th anniversary celebration held on 24 June 2015 at the Makiling Hall.

Atty. Filemon Nolasco, the first UPLB USC chair, acknowledged OSA's vital role in the foundation of the student council. He compared its function to that of a midwife, saying that it assisted in the bloody birth of an organization which is now 37 years old. "Sa pamamagitan ng OSA, nagkaroon ng pagkakataon ang mga mag-aaral na makapagpahayag, makapagtalakayan, makipagtalastasan, makipagpulong," he added. (Through OSA, the students were given the chance to speak their minds, discuss ideas, exchange views, and come together.)

Feliciano Manuel "Bong" Manlulu II of the Inter-Fraternity Council was grateful for the OSA staff members that never left him in the aftermath of the Mendiola Massacre. "What was nice about all these experiences is it feels good for a student when you have people like [the OSA staff] who are always there to help us in our needs," he recounted.

Chancellor Sanchez and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Portia G. Lapitan awarded certificates of appreciation to guest speakers, retired employees, and former and current student leaders who dedicated years of service to OSA.

OSA Director Nina M. Cadiz concluded the event by highlighting that OSA is the heart of the university, and it will continue working towards its aim to serve the students better.