University of Batangas (UB) conducted the formal installation of Lily Marlene J. Hernandez-Bohn as the third and first female University President in a presidential investiture ceremony at the Juan Y. Javier Culture and Arts Building of the UB Batangas City (UBBC) campus last January 4.
Coming from a family of educators, Hernandez-Bohn traces her lineage to the Javier family, especially her grandfather Founder Juan Y. Javier and her father Dr. Cristeto R. Hernandez, the first-ever Dean of the College of Engineering and former Vice Chairman of the Board of Regents.
In attendance were prominent individuals from various political organizations, academic institutions, and industries including Batangas Governor Hermilando Mandanas, University of the Philippines (UP) President Angelo Jimenez, Miriam College President Laura Quiambao-Del Rosario, Soroptimist International Batangas Premier (SIBP) President Loida Rhodora Mayo, etc.
Welcoming guests to the investiture, Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) Dr. Aurora Pargas-Tolentino lamented that the said Javier lineage of Hernandez-Bohn captures the innovative spirit of the University’s founders.
On the other hand, narrating the history of the educational institution in a poetic manner was the recitation of the piece of Dr. Victor M. Arguelles, member of the Board of Regents and son of Founder Atty. Jesus Lorenzo Arguelles, named “Mga Gunita at Pag-asa” by Keian and Andrea Bohn, son and daughter of the University President.
Following this was the giving of citations from the presidents of UP, Miriam College, and Santa Clara University in California, universities attended by Hernandez-Bohn in her younger years.
To signify a momentous change of leadership anchored in the traditions of the University, Chairman of the Board of Regents Atty. Jesus V. Mayo entrusted the Presidential Medallion to Hernandez-Bohn while Corporate Secretary Mr. Jose Carmelino V. Quizon handed over the University Mace to the new President; Atty. Mayo would later on supervise the presidential oath of office.
In her investiture address, Hernandez-Bohn emphasized the longstanding journey of UB in its 78 years of existence while also highlighting that delivering quality education should be relevant with the ever-changing times. Also, innovative plans and futuristic objectives were shared by the University President as she envisioned the continuous improvement of the University to better serve the studentry.
Meanwhile, showcasing the uniqueness of Batangueño culture and the splendor of music, members of the Indayog Kultura Dance Company (IKDC) and UB Chorale exhibited their innate talents as they delivered several performances during the ceremony. Afterwards, an evening reception in honor of the new President was held at the UB Millennium (ML) Gymnasium.
Text: Carlos Kim Raphael Perez (The Westernian Advocate)
Photo Taken by Karla Lois Amihan (The Westernian Advocate)