USC receives endowment from Pilipinas Shell

Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation gave to the University of San Carlos a one million-peso scholarship endowment to support engineering education in the university.

The formal turnover of the donation took place on February 6, 2007 in a special ceremony at Rigney Hall in the College of Engineering. USC president, Fr. Roderick C. Salazar Jr., SVD received the check donation from Pilipinas Shell Chairman and President, Engr. Edgar O. Chua.

USC President Fr. Roderick C. Salazar Jr., SVD receives the P1M check from Pilipinas Shell Chairman and President Engr. Edgar O. Chua.

In his message, Engr. Chua talked about the importance of quality education in fostering sustainable economic growth and social development in the Philippines. He impressed on the audience that a key to sustainable development are people with the right knowledge and values.

He said that one of the primary reasons why Shell chose USC as a recipient is its confidence in the university’s capacity to bring students towards professional excellence and commitment to values. He expressed hope that the endowment would only be the start of more partnerships in the future between Pilipinas Shell and USC, in the light of working together towards the country’s sustainable development.

On University of San Carlos’ behalf, Fr. Salazar expressed gratitude to Pilipinas Shell for having “come out of their shell… and shell out” such a beautiful gift. He made a promise of putting to good use the gift USC was privileged to receive. The endowment will be used for building up a fund for student scholarships in the Master of Science in Chemical Engineering program.

Also present during the turnover were the VP for Academic Affairs Fr. Teodoro P. Gapuz, SVD, the Director of the Office for International Linkages Fr. Theodore D. Murnane, SVD, Dean of the College of Engineering Dr. Nicanor S. Buenconsejo, Jr., Assistant Dean Engr. Rosana J. Ferolin, and Chemical Engineering Chair Engr. Luis K. Cabatingan.

Together with Engr. Chua were Pilipinas Shell representatives who also flew in from Manila for the occasion including External Affairs General Manager Engr. Roberto S. Kanapi and Sustainable Development Manager Ms. Mylene O. Santos. Also in the audience were some of the chairs from the various departments in the university, some of the managers for the Pilipinas Shell Vis-Min operations, chemical engineering faculty and senior chemical engineering students.

Author: Engr. Luis K. Cabatingan
08 / February / 2007