Silliman concludes the cultural season with a surprise tribute to Dr. Betty Cernol McCann

Silliman University (SU) paid tribute to its 13th president and the university’s first woman president, Dr. Betty Cernol McCann, through Silliman Performs: Purple Days held on March 22, 2026, at the Claire Isabel McGill Luce Auditorium, marking the culmination of her term this year.

Organized by the Culture and Arts Council, Office of Media and Public Affairs, and the Psychology Department, the event gathered the university community in an evening of music, dance, and heartfelt remembrance.

Performances by the SU Campus Choristers, SU Band, SU Dance Troupe, Orchestra Sin Arco, Women’s Ensemble, Julia Joaquin, and the Dr. Mariano Lao Global Studies Center highlighted the celebration, which also signaled the conclusion of the cultural season.

Messages and tributes were delivered by Moses Joshua Atega; Amelia Revez, McCann’s older sister; Dr. Margaret Helen U. Alvarez; Rev. Jonathan R. Pia; Dr. Earl Jude Paul L. Cleope; Dr. Lily Ann D. Bautista; Dr. Dionesio Pinero; Asst. Prof. Novee Maestrecampo; Dr. Hope Antone, Louisa So, and Dr. Angela Wai Ching Wong from the United Board for Christian Higher Education; and the president’s family Alexander Abregana, Joseph Joaquin Abregana, and Dr. Dennis McCann, collectively honoring her leadership and enduring contributions to the university.

McCann will officially end her term in May 2026.