SU ISO and American Corner – Dumaguete unveil Silliman portrait for July 4th celebration
The Silliman University (SU) International Students Office (ISO) and Robert B. & Metta J. Silliman Library’s American Corner – Dumaguete unveiled the portrait of Dr. Horace B. Silliman, in time for the Fourth of July celebration, July 4, 2025, on the Second Floor of the Anthropology Museum, Hibbard Hall. The program began with a soft opening of the exhibit honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Silliman as SU celebrates his 200th birth anniversary this year, which will culminate on December 3.
Asst. Prof. Christine S. Batiles, SU Anthropology Museum curator, welcomed all students, faculty, staff, and friends of the Silliman community to the museum, while Asst. Prof. Sarah Angiela A. Ragay, university librarian, underscored events like this as “opportunities for learning, reflection, and connection.”
“Today, as we mark America’s Independence Day, we also take time to reflect on the values it stands for—freedom, democracy, and the continuous pursuit of a better society,” Ragay said, highlighting the purpose of the activity.
“May today’s event inspire all of us to reflect on how we can live out these values in our own context, and how we, as a community, can contribute to building a future rooted in empathy, respect, and shared purpose,” she added.
The event also highlighted guest speaker Daryl Robinson, whose message titled, “Celebrating Legacy, Faith, Freedom, and Friendship: Honoring the 200th Birth Anniversary of our Missionary Founder, Dr. Horace B. Silliman,” highlighted SU’s Via, Veritas, Vita as the grounding principle in our pursuit for knowledge and service.
“Via, because every journey toward freedom begins with choosing the path of inquiry. Veritas, because freedom unmoored from truth becomes chaos. And Vita, because our studies exist to enrich lives, to help communities, and to foster hope,” Robinson said.
Robinson is a seasoned leader with more than 20 years of combined experience in military and civilian service. He currently heads the Anti-Terrorism and Force Protection Division of the Joint U.S. Military Assistance Group at the U.S. Embassy in Manila, overseeing protection operations and training for U.S. Department of Defense personnel stationed in the Philippines.
A retired U.S. Navy veteran, Robinson served for two decades and received multiple commendations for his expertise in mission planning, operations management, and personnel training. He is pursuing a master’s in Counseling Psychology and is an active member of the American Psychological Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Freemasons, where he is set to become the 100th Worshipful Master of Mount Kaladias Masonic Lodge No. 91 in Dumaguete City.
Present at the event were Shimei R. Estimada, National Museum of the Philippines – Dumaguete head; American Corner – Dumaguete staff; students; faculty; staff; and the community.
After the program, the students proceeded to Sagbang, Valencia for some burgers and barbecue at the residence of SU alumna and annual hosts Bob and Glenda Hobart from Florida, USA.
