McCann reflects on eight years of leadership as presidential portrait is dedicated

Silliman University’s recently retired president, Dr. Betty Cernol McCann, reflected on her eight years of leadership and the University’s ongoing story during the Blessing and Dedication of her presidential portrait on September 1, 2026, at the Silliman University Library.

McCann, the University’s 13th president and first woman to hold the position, said seeing her portrait placed alongside those of the presidents who came before her carried both a sense of finality and continuity.

“I must admit that this is a difficult moment to put into words,” McCann said. “To see one’s portrait take its place among the presidents of this university is deeply humbling. There is a certain finality in it, and yet, for me, it does not feel like an ending. Rather, it feels like a pause in a much longer story—a story that began long before any of us arrived, and will continue long after we are gone.”

McCann said the portrait represented more than herself, as it brought together the experiences, challenges, and lessons of her presidency.

“As I look at that painting done by RJ and his team, I do not simply see myself. I see eight years of my life,” she said, recalling moments of celebration as well as difficult days during her tenure.

She emphasized that leadership is not defined by having certainty at all times, but by remaining committed to one’s responsibilities, values, and the people one is entrusted to serve.

“Leadership is not about always being certain. It is about remaining faithful to one’s responsibilities, to one’s values, and to the people one has been entrusted to serve, even when the road ahead is unclear,” McCann said.

McCann also reflected on the legacy of the presidents who preceded her. She acknowledged that each president serves during a different period in the University’s history, facing distinct challenges and opportunities and making decisions within the circumstances of their respective times.

“Each one carries different burdens. Each one makes decisions that others may not fully understand at that time. Each one does the best he or she can, with the circumstances, the people, the challenges, and the opportunities of that particular moment in history. And then, eventually, each one steps aside,” she said.

For McCann, this transition underscores one of the humbling realities of university leadership: presidents come and go, but Silliman University continues.

“That is perhaps the most humbling lesson of all,” she said.

McCann further described Silliman not simply as an institution, but as a community of people who, despite differences and disagreements, remain connected by their love for the University and their belief in what it can become.

“I came to understand during those eight years that Silliman is not simply an institution. Silliman is a community,” she said.

She added that the University is made up of people who may agree or disagree, work closely together or encounter differences, but who at their best remain united by a shared commitment to Silliman.

McCann said she therefore received the portrait not as a monument to herself, but as a symbol of a journey she was privileged to undertake with others.

“Today, I do not accept this portrait as a monument to myself. I receive it as a symbol of our journey that I was privileged to make with others,” she said.

She expressed gratitude to the people who became part of her journey during her presidency and, above all, to God for the opportunity to serve the University.

“Thank you, God, for the privilege of serving this university,” McCann said.

She concluded by expressing hope for Silliman’s continuing journey and future chapters.

“May the next chapters of Silliman’s story be even greater than the chapters we have known since 1901. And may God continue to bless Silliman University, its people, and all who will carry its mission forward,” she said.

McCann also noted the significance of the venue for the dedication. She recalled that her first meeting as president involved discussions about the Silliman University Library and the possibility of modernizing the facility.

She said it was fitting that the dedication of her portrait served as her last official act as president in the Library, where she had first encountered discussions about its modernization.

McCann also acknowledged the support of the Aboitiz Foundation, through Wilfred Steven Uytengsu, which provided substantial assistance for the Library’s modernization and equipment.

The portrait was formally accepted on behalf of Silliman University by Chief Finance Officer Atty. Eduisa Rositte C. Diocos.