Fourth Eastern Visayas State University President, Dr. Dennis C. De Paz reconnected and reintroduced himself to the EVSU community during the initial celebration of the week-long Investiture Ceremonies.
Said Investiture Ceremonies featured series of events intended for the university president to reach out to the community as take the helm of leadership for the next three years.
“I assure you and the great people of this academic institution that we will be together as we navigate and work in an unrelenting quest for the realizations of our plans even amidst the vicissitudes,” President De Paz said calling EVSU community’s aid to realize his platforms and plans.
The first day kicked off with the Arrival Honors wherein Dr. De Paz was welcomed in the university with a grand red carpet walk with his family, vice-presidents, student leaders, faculty, and staff. The event was followed with a thanksgiving mass celebrated by Msgr. Erlito Maraya who anchored the message of the homily on the importance of power of words as an educator and the responsibility it carries.
“As an educator, there is so much power in you, more powerful than an atom bomb or nuclear bomb- the power of words to create so much good. Change the word, change the world.” Msgr. Maraya said.
Consecutively, the university opened a memorabilia exhibit commemorating the works and achievements of former university presidents and administrators, at the Administration lobby. A collection of charcoal portrait of the university presidents and administrators created by a university faculty Mr. Alvin Ian Cillo served as the highlight collection of the event.
Moreover, EVSU community was given the chance to get to know Dr. De Paz through an activity tagged as “A day with the President” in which his previous teachers, colleagues, Board of Regents and family members shared their impressions of who Dr. De Paz was as a student, friend, father and as a leader.
“Dennis, you’re an amazing gentleman, good son, supportive brother and hardworking student. We’re not surprised of what you have achieved because you’re the kind of person who will give your 101% in everything you do.” Police Major Ted Prejula, a childhood friend of Dr. De Paz, said during a video massage played during the event.
To conclude the day, EVSU Main Campus Supreme Student Government, in coordination with the SSG of other campuses, organized a meet and greet with the university president to pledge their commitment in support to the new administration for the empowerment of the student population. Moreover, the student leaders engaged in soft discussions with Dr. De Paz to further know the him as a person and as a leader.
Article by Erwin Elicot, Jr.