Silliman’s SSAD honors student scholarship donors

Silliman University (SU) celebrated its continuing tradition of generosity and support for student education through “An Afternoon of Gratitude: Celebrating a Legacy of Giving: 1898 and Beyond,” hosted by the Office of Student Services’ Student Scholarship and Aid Division (SSAD) on August 28, 2026, at Silliman Hall.

Led by Dr. Jaruvic C. Rafols, OIC dean of the Office of Student Services, the gathering recognized the contributions of scholarship donors whose generosity continues to provide students with opportunities to pursue their education.

The following donors were honored during the event:

1. Amor Family
2. Dr. Noriel C. Capulong
3. Ruby Abiera and Rudy N. Figueroa Scholarship
4. Silliman University Alumni Association New York – New Jersey Chapter
5. Rev. Prisco G. Contado Family Scholarship Fund
6. CHED NIR
7. Silliman University Golden Rule Scholarship

In his opening remarks, Mr. Ricardo A. Balbido Jr. reflected on Silliman’s beginnings and the generosity that has helped sustain its educational mission through the years. He connected the occasion to the university’s 125th Founders Day theme, “125 Years of Legacy: Remembering with Gratitude, Moving Forward with Hope,” emphasizing the importance of remembering those whose generosity helped build the university while continuing to support future generations.

Balbido encouraged scholarship recipients to make the most of the opportunities made possible by donors and, in time, to extend the same spirit of generosity and service to others.

Juliesette D. Hatulan of the Silliman University Alumni Association, Inc. (SAAI) New York-New Jersey Chapter likewise shared the chapter’s commitment to supporting Silliman students. Representing its 2024–2026 officers and members, Hatulan expressed gratitude for the recognition of the chapter’s $10,000 contribution toward education scholarships for the year.

She described the contribution as an expression of gratitude for the education, experiences, and values that Silliman University has given its alumni. For Hatulan, giving back is a way of honoring an institution that has touched many lives and of helping provide opportunities to students who need support.

Hatulan also recalled the example set by the university’s early benefactors, noting that the generosity of individuals who contributed to Silliman’s development demonstrated how giving can lay foundations for generations to come.

“Every act of generosity matters,” Hatulan emphasized, underscoring how collective contributions can help sustain Silliman’s legacy of education, service, and aid.

Jindra Linda L. Demeterio also spoke on behalf of her sister, Dr. Erlinda Tabasuares-Demeterio, and their family, who support the Jose K. and Josefa L. Demeterio Endowment Fund.

In her message, Demeterio paid tribute to her parents, Jose K. and Josefa L. Demeterio, describing the occasion as an opportunity to honor their memory and the values they passed on to their family. She also expressed gratitude to the Silliman University Board of Trustees and the university community for recognizing their family’s contribution.

Meanwhile, Rudy Figueroa, donor of the Rudy and Ruby Abiera Figueroa Scholarship Fund, called for continued collaboration in generating resources for talented and deserving students.

We need to work together to get more resources, so that these fortunate, talented people can contribute to society,” Figueroa said, adding that individual contributions can collectively make a difference.

Figueroa also thanked Silliman University and the SSAD for helping make scholarship opportunities known to students and encouraged the community to continue asking what more can be done to support them.

#SUOfficeofStudentServices
#SUStudentScholarshipandAidDivision

PHOTOS: Aaron Jalalon for the Office of Media and Public Affairs