SU pays tribute to the Hibbards with floral offering
Silliman University (SU), through its Elementary Department led by Principal Asst. Prof. Maria Rosario Dicen-Villanueva, honored Dr. David and Mrs. Laura Hibbard, with a floral offering in front of Hibbard Hall on August 8, 2025.
In her opening message, SU President Dr. Betty Cernol McCann recognized Dr. Horace B. Silliman for his donation that “[sowed] the seed for what would become an institution that has, through the decades, nurtured individuals of character, competence, and faith.” She noted, however, that while Dr. Silliman planted the seed, it was the Hibbards who first nurtured it and made it flourish.
“Thus, this morning’s floral offering is a fitting tribute to Dr. David and Mrs. Laura Hibbard, whose faith, perseverance, and service helped bring to life the vision of Dr. Silliman,” McCann said.
Rev. Dr. Jonathan R. Pia (center), SU Church senior minister and guest speaker, receives his certificate from Dr. Betty Cernol McCann (center-left), SU president, together with College of Education (CoE) administrators Dr. Gina F. Bonior (center-right), CoE dean; Dr. Elve O. Nasvik (right), CoE associate dean; and Asst. Prof. Rosario Dicen-Villanueva (left), Elementary School principal.
College of Education (COE) Dean Dr. Gina F. Bonior elaborated on Dr. Hibbard’s remark that he was the president and Mrs. Hibbard was the faculty. She highlighted Mrs. Hibbard’s multifaceted contributions, describing her as SU’s first librarian, guidance counselor, and teacher—and even the first female president when Dr. Hibbard was temporarily indisposed due to illness.
“So as we gather here, let us remember the legacy of these two remarkable individuals who, over a century ago, left their comfort zones and the familiar to bring the Word of God into the unfamiliar,” Bonior said.
Serving as Guest Speaker, SU Church Senior Minister Dr. Jonathan R. Pia shared the story of Silliman’s beginnings, from Dr. Silliman’s donation to the Hibbards’ journey to Dumaguete. He reflected on how the couple could have chosen different paths, but instead responded to God’s call to serve in the Philippines.
“I see the faith and passion of the Hibbards doing missions. They must have felt God calling them to come to the Philippines,” Pia said. “Because they responded to that call, their determination to see Silliman grow was unwavering. Today, we see Silliman University as the fulfillment of that dream—and in the people who work here, we still see that same faith, passion, and commitment to nurture not only enrollment growth but also the character of our students.”
The program also featured a reenactment by SUES faculty and selected pupils depicting key moments from the Hibbards’ life and mission.
SUES faculty members depict Drs. David and Laura Hibbard.
In her closing remarks, Dr. Elve O. Nasvik, associate dean of CoE reminded the community that the event was more than a ceremonial offering. “It is a living declaration of what we believe in: faith in God, the power of education, and the spirit of service,” she said.
The ceremony was attended by faculty, students, staff, and administrators of the University, as well as former directors of the School of Basic Education, including Prof. Francisco Ablong and Asst. Prof. Loreta C. Lachica.
Photos courtesy of the Silliman University Camera Club on their official FB page.
