US ambassador leads relaunch of American Corner – Dumaguete
Her Excellency United States Ambassador MaryKay Loss Carlson attended the relaunch of the American Corner – Dumaguete (AC), housed inside the Robert B. and Metta J. Silliman University Library, on May 30, 2025.
Although the AC has been a special section of the SU Library since 2003, the relaunch was in celebration of the newly renovated library.
In her message, Ambassador Carlson noted how SU, having been established through the generous donation of philanthropist Dr. Horace B. Silliman, is one of the significant examples of the shared history binding the United States and the Philippines.
She also highlighted how the AC has become an integral part of SU’s legacy of “…shaping the minds and futures of countless Filipino leaders,” serving as a hub for cultural exchange, knowledge sharing, and skills development.
Her Excellency United States Ambassador MaryKay Loss Carlson delivers her message to the SU community.
“We are very pleased to see that the American Corner is a place where people can choose their communities and interact with one another,” she said.
Meanwhile, Dr. Betty Cernol McCann, SU president, highlighted the significance of the AC, noting how the space has long stood as a symbol of friendship, shared values, and mutual aspiration between the US and the Philippines.
Ambassador Carlson and McCann lead the ribbon cutting ceremony to formally relaunch the American Corner-Dumaguete.
“The American Corner, to us, is more than a resource hub. It is a dynamic space where students, faculty, and members of the broader community engage with ideas, expand their global awareness, and nurture the values of democracy, innovation, and civic responsibility,” McCann said.
The relaunch followed a simple ceremony, featuring a symbolic ribbon cutting by Ambassador Carlson and Dr. McCann. Present at the event were some members of the SU administration, including Dr. Mae Brigitt Bernadel L. Villordon, interim assistant vice president for Academic Affairs, and Dr. Warlito S. Caturay Jr., Media and Public Affairs chief; the Library staff; the US Embassy delegation; and students.
Ambassador Carlson responds to questions from student leaders and representatives from student organizations.
Immediately after the ceremony, Ambassador Carlson held a round table discussion with students, including members of the Corps of the Campus Ambassadors, student leaders of the SU Student Government, BS Foreign Affairs students, and Library Science Students. It was facilitated by John Edgar C. Rubio, a faculty member of the SU Senior High School.
American Corner – Dumaguete
As part of a global network of American Spaces supported by the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines, the AC in Silliman University serves as an essential resource hub for students, educators, and community members. Its primary thrust is to provide accurate and accessible information about American society, values, and education, while creating a platform for dialogue, skills development, and civic participation. The American Corner invites students, educators, and the general public to visit the space and take part in programs designed to enrich learning and build lasting cross-cultural connections.
It can be recalled that when the SU library underwent renovation and transformation in 2023, it was temporarily relocated to the SU Gymnasium. The AC occupied a small space at the Gymnasium to ensure that service to the community would not be disrupted.
Ambassador Carlson poses with the SU community, led by McCann, SU president.
Asst. Prof. Sarah Angiela Ragay said, “Despite the transition, activities and events continued, with the university’s MPR and AVT serving as alternative venues.”
In 2024, the AC launched a dynamic series of programs reflecting its commitment to education, innovation, democracy, and inclusion. Highlights included workshops on the International Day of Education, the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, and the STEAM Teaching Enhancement Program. Arts and cultural initiatives, such as the Digital Poster Making Contest during Women’s Month, the Youth Entrepreneurship Art Jam, and a session on visual storytelling through graphic novels, provided platforms for youth expression and creativity.
The AC also hosted events like the U.S. Mock Election Day and the screening of The Misinformation Threat, sparking dialogue on democracy, media literacy, and press freedom. Programs on sustainability and entrepreneurship, such as the 12th Hour film screening and Starting Small: Thinking Big, further enriched community learning.
Celebrations like the 6200 Pride Parade, the Fourth of July event, and the Thanksgiving gathering fostered inclusivity and intercultural understanding. Meanwhile, initiatives such as the LAGDA training for barangay officials, the Mental Health Literacy Workshop, and eLibraryUSA sessions strengthened local capacity and promoted civic competence.
With the relaunch complete, the AC is now set to fully resume its programming in the newly renovated space.
“The American Corner has relaunched its space — refreshed and ready to welcome students and the wider community once again. We are excited to continue offering meaningful programs and services in our new home,” Ragay said.
