“…remember to love UPV.” The line from a short message that Dr. Dionisia Rola gave in response to the online tribute via Zoom organized by UP Visayas on November 3, 2020 stands out powerfully.
The tribute was in honor of her 100th birthday, which was on November 1. Rola, the first Chancellor of UP Visayas, is acknowledged as the most responsible for its creation.
Numerous colleagues and UP officials sent greetings and heartfelt testimonies for UPV’s ‘Grand Dame.’ The first few messages came from the past chancellors of UPV who came after Rola. These were Francisco Nemenzo, Flor Lacanilao, Ida Siason, Glenn Aguilar, Minda Formacion, Rommel Espinosa, and Ricardo Babaran. The current Chancellor Clement Camposano also remembers Rola fondly as a strong leader who knows how to control dire situations.
Rola is known for her legendary work ethic. Long after she retired from UPV, people remember her professionalism and extreme dedication. Former Mayor of Miagao, Erlinda Britanico, sent a message saying that “Miagao will always be grateful for all the hard work and dedication you have done to bring UP Visayas into our small town.”
Ms. Norma Pison, former UPV Cash Chief, and Dany Walo, a former staff member at the UPV Diliman Liason, also sent their greetings.
Attendees flooded the Zoom chatbox with birthday greetings and testimonies about Rola’s contributions to UPV. There were also stories and anecdotes on how she inspired former colleagues, students, alumni, and faculty members to be excellent workers.
“I have the warmest feeling of UPV, the sister of my educational emotion. The few things that I will carry to my grave are the fragrance of my friendships among the faculty, students [and staff] of UPV. I am very fortunate to be gifted with these memories,” she said. “If the intensity of my feelings is to be ranked in terms of warmth and gratitude, UPV would be number one,” she added.
Saying she is a “friend of UPV” is an understatement. She is UPVs mother, its most ardent supporter, and number one champion long after retiring from the university.
More photos here: https://www.facebook.com/U.P.Visayas.Official/ | Photo credit: Prof. Jose Wendell Capili
