Eye Opener
Let Central spirit lead us onward
Central Spirit, Our Heritage, Our Pride, Dr. Griño's banner message during the 81st graduation rites of Central Philippine University on March 29, 2009. Dr. Griño was the head of the English Department of Central Philippine University for nearly three decades, M.A. English and Ph.D. in Education, English and Literature language at the Michigan University, USA. She was also a distinguished Barbour scholar in the same university. She was also conferred by CPU of the Doctor of Literature degree, honoris causa.
In her brief graduation speech, Dr. Griño underscored the Central Spirit that defines the character of university on the six principles, 1) dignity of labor, 2) personal responsibility, 3) freedom of expression, 4) excellence in education, 5) faith in God and 6) neighborliness. The five institutions on campus, the eminent lady enthused, realize the working of Central spirit and the sixth follows wherever we are. From the start of the industrial school helping poor but promising boys get education by working for it. Central has always taken in work students for labor is honor. Work students are honored at Central and participate in campus activities for which they are qualified. Many work students have become campus leaders, school administrators, and business executives. The Student Republic, the oldest student government in the Philippines was established on the conviction that a respectable community should take responsibility for its own functioning and welfare. The amiable Eliza averred that in a country used to imposition by the powerful, the school set up the practice of democracy. Through the years changes in campus demographics have necessitated modifications in government structure but the essence of democratic practice has been kept. Presently, the president of the student republic is seated with the counseling communities of the University president and the school respects the students' right to be heard concerning campus issues.
The student newspaper of CPU even though it is a school community paper, yet its expression and communication are necessary to the health and functioning of a democratic society. Hence, Central has encouraged the maintenance of a publication by students to keep the campus community cohesive and informed. The school paper, Dr. Griño continued, has also been a good sounding board of student ideas and problems. In addition, the school paper has offered those with artistic talents space and audience.
CPU is known for its excellence in education. Griño said that Central could have remained an industrial school for boys until they become literate and handy enough to be on their own. Life and work could have been easier for those who run the school. Fortunately, Central's builders caught the vision of preparing graduates who can help develop the fledgling nation of the Philippines. The growth of Central to its present stature is testimony to the earnest biblical, injunction that when one knows what is good to do he should do it. Effective leaders and efficient workers are always needed everywhere. It is rightly said that the student is central at Central. Central has a mission, it stresses for excellence. To achieve academic excellence, Central works to improve its personnel, programs and facilities. To expand student horizon Central invites outside experts and scholars to participate in conferences and seminars on campus. Central exposes its students to cultural influences to round out student education.
Central could not have been established if its founders did not believe that true education can only be based on faith in a living and loving God. The beautiful church on the campus is a reminder of this tenet. It urges all who are drawn to the campus to hold fast to faith even if they seek knowledge. The church works to complement education of the mind with education of the will and the heart. Its message is echoed in the school motto “Scientia et Fides” – Knowledge and faith.
Dr. Griño concluded her message by mentioning the CPU Alumni Association (CPUAA) as admirable in its concern for the school itself and for fellow alumni. Not only have we generously supported the school in many ways, but we have also looked after one another when some need is known. When word gets around, we pray for those in dire circumstances, congratulate the successful, offer shelter and comfort to the unsettled, give to the needy, visit the lonely, share in happy fellowship. The way the Association has grown in number of chapters all over the world attests to the beatific environment that alumni provide. Think of the power for good when this neighborliness spills over to the world outside our chapter doors!