Silliman, San Francisco Theological Seminary Ink MoU

Silliman University and the San Francisco Theological Seminary (SFTS) entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on February 19.

The MoU facilitates the promotion of common areas of interest, including faculty and student exchange, sharing of resources, and research collaboration. In the lead in the operationalization of this partnership for Silliman is the Divinity School.

Silliman President Dr. Ben S. Malayang III signed the MoU with SFTS president Rev. Dr. James McDonald at the Board Room of the Leopoldo T. Ruiz Administration Hall.

SFTS, which is based in San Anselmo, California, is one of the top seminary schools in the United States affiliated with the Presbyterian Church USA (PCUSA)

Dr. McDonald was with Dr. Jana Childers, Dean of the Seminary and concurrent Vice President for Academic Affair, and Mr. Adlai J. Amor, an Outstanding Sillimanian in the field of Environmental Journalism (1994) who is currently a Member of the Board of Trustees of SFTS.

Joining them was a delegation from PCUSA: Coordinator for Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Dr. Laurie Kraus, Coordinator for Asia and the Pacific Rev. Mienda Uriarte and 218th General Assembly Moderator Rev. Dr. Bruce Reyes-Chow.

In the morning before the signing, both guests from SFTS and PCUSA had a discussion with Dr. Malayang and some members of the Silliman Administration, which included Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Betsy Joy B. Tan, Vice President for Finance and Administration Prof. Cleonico Y. Fontelo and Vice President for Development Prof. Jane Annette L. Belarmino. The University gave a brief overview of its operations and a presentation on its Continuing Calamity Response Program. Guests from PCUSA and SFTS both commented that it was their first time to  learn of such an organized and sustained effort of giving and caring demonstrated by an academic institution that they have worked with.

Later in the evening, Dr. Childers, who is a popular professor of homiletics and speech communication, served as the guest preacher of the mid-week service at the Silliman University Church in celebration of the University Christian Life Emphasis Week.

Silliman President Dr. Ben S. Malayang III (third from left) with Dr. James McDonald, president of the San Francisco Theological Seminary (second from left), SFTS Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Jana Childers and Divinity School Dean Dr. Lope Robin. Standing are (L-R) Presbyterian Church USA Coordinator for Asia and the Pacific Rev. Mienda Uriarte, SU Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Betsy Joy B. Tan and SU Vice President for Development Prof. Jane Annette L. Belarmino.