The formal inauguration of the Henry Sy, Sr. Hall (HSSH), the Donor’s Night and the launching of the Corazon Aquino Democratic Space was held last February 13, 2012 at the HSSH grounds.
Noted guests who attended the event include President Benigno Aquino III, DLSU President and Chancellor Br. Ricky Laguda FSC, the De La Salle Brothers, the Sy family, donors, board members, and other University representatives.
In appreciation
Br. Bernie Oca FSC explains that the Donor’s Night was held to recognize DLSU’s donors and benefactors who have supported the University in the past two years.
He furthers that DLSU launch of the Corazon Aquino Democratic Space that was also part of the event is the fulfillment of a promise the brothers made to themselves shortly after the death anniversary of late President Corazon C. Aquino. The democratic space is meant to honor the late former president who was deemed as an icon of democracy in the Philippines.
Br. Ricky, in his opening speech, adds that the University intended to commemorate the spirit of the late president, as she was a model of faith and fortitude who upheld the Lasallian core values of faith, zeal and communion.
According to him, the Corazon Aquino Democratic Space will be a place for open discussions and gatherings that promote and realize freedom of speech.
President Aquino adds that the democratic space could help Lasallians gain their “own edge” to achieve academic success and to serve the country.
Program overview
Br. Michael J. Broughton FSC led the opening prayer, followed by opening remarks from former DLSU University Student Government (USG) president and current DIWA Party-list Representative Emmeline Aglipay.
A background of the Cory Aquino Democratic Space was presented by Br. Ricky. President Aquino announced his speech thereafter, followed by the unveiling of the HSSH marker, a dinner with performances from the DLSU Chorale and Lasallian Youth Orchestra (LYO), the recognition of donors, a message from the Sy family, the singing of the Alma Mater and a tour of the Henry Sy building.
