Following an announcement released last January 22, 2013, Br. Bernie FSC will assume his new role at De La Salle-Zobel on June 2013. Br. Bernie will, however, continue his functions for four more months as the Vice Chancellor for Lasallian Mission and Alumni Relations before his appointment takes effect.
Br. Bernie has been with DLSU for six years. He shares that the Brothers usually follows “reshuffling of assignments” after a long assessment period. According to him, reassignments are made whenever necessary, and are usually deliberated upon by the Board of Trustees.
The policy was created to examine the skills, competence and experiences of a brother, and to ensure that a brother would be able to contribute to the institution he is assigned to. Br. Bernie shares that accepting the opportunity, to the brothers, would mean fulfilling their vow to the mission.
Smaller school, bigger responsibilities
Br. Bernie explains that he is anxious about his new responsibility. “As the President, I’m sure there’ll be more stress,” he jests. He argues, however, that he will be moving to a relatively smaller institution, but quickly stresses that he would have bigger responsibilities.
He furthers, “As a Vice Chancellor, you act as more of a supporting to role to the President. As the President, everything stops with you. As a Vice Chancellor, you try to accomplish all you are supposed to in your area. As president, you become accountable for so much more.”
In preparation for his new role at DLSZ, Br. Bernie has been studying high school strategic plans. He shares that he needs to study how the school runs before implementing changes. One clear assignment, however, is his preparation for an upcoming PAASCU accreditation.
From his initial research, he finds that DLS-Z is a well-run high school, but recognizes areas for improvement such as their technology innovation programs, formation programs, leadership programs, and sports programs.
In addition, he wants to establish a debate society and other programs that would enhance students’ academic skills. As much as he shares a passion for sports programs, he explains, “I also want them to join academic competitions so we end up with well-rounded students.”
Br. Bernie served as President of La Salle Greenhills in 1997.
In good hands
Br. Bernie shares that when he accepted the position, he had no problem thinking about his replacement. He adds, “I knew someone very competent would replace me. The change, therefore, would not be too difficult.”
Br. Michael was a ”seamless appointment,” as Br. Bernie put it. The former is a current Assistant Vice Chancellor and is well versed the demands of the latter’s position.
Setting the bar higher
When asked about some of the achievements the University has reached during his stay, Br. Bernie chuckles, believing that one can never say they have done enough. “It’s always a work in progress,” he shares.
He mentions that although certain areas are already good, such as the cultivation of student organizations, other areas such as faculty development, outreach programs, and general Lasallian formation could still benefit from improvement efforts. He adds, “But at least, through the years I’ve seen the changes, and that, to me, is enough of an accomplishment. It’s just a matter of aiming higher once again.”
The future for DLSU
Br. Bernie hopes DLSU will continue to develop its programs. He also adds that he wants the students to continually worship their God as they work towards the development of the nation.
Still, being the sports fanatic that he is, he remains positive about DLSU’s possible General Championship win this UAAP season. “I’m hoping we get it. And when we do, we will continue to get it,” he exclaims.
In an effort to improve Lasallian formation and outreach activities, he shares that he wants to see a stronger community within the University and among the different affiliated institutions. He argues, “I will really miss DLSU. But we have to remember that we are one La Salle.”
On leaving
“Nothing will change,” says Br. Bernie. He says that it is relatively easy for him to keep in touch and to be involved in activities within the University, as he will still live on campus. He shares that DLSU has been his home, and that he will, from time to time, come down for a visit to see how the University is doing.
