The University of St. La Salle began its countdown to its 75th Diamond Jubilee in 2027 with “Facets,” a grand launch on October 7 that brought together the Lasallian community to celebrate its milestones and support plans for its continued growth and service.
University President Br. Joaquin Severino S. Martinez FSC DMin led the kickoff alongside the De La Salle Brothers Community of Bacolod, University administrators, students, faculty, staff, and alumni. The gathering placed education, formation, and community engagement at the heart of the anniversary preparations.
A highlight was the launch of the Brother President’s cornerstone Diamond Jubilee project, the 75M at 75 Years Fund. The initiative will support the University’s expansion projects in Granada and Iloilo, upgrades to sports facilities, and the strengthening of its scholarship fund.
Martinez underscored quality education, improved athletic facilities, and greater accessibility as priorities for the growing institution. He also acknowledged the generosity that continues to sustain the University through difficult times.
“We have been recipients of generosity and will continue to do so,” Martinez said, expressing confidence in God’s providence and gratitude for the people who support the University’s mission.
The event also introduced ILIFT, an institutional formation program for all sectors of the USLS community. The program is spearheaded by Br. Irwin Anthony A. Climaco FSC, Special Assistant for Lasallian Formation and Community Director of the De La Salle Brothers Community of Bacolod.
In his welcome remarks, Climaco called on the community to make the anniversary a commitment to the work ahead.
“The best way to celebrate 75 years of Lasallian presence in Negros and beyond is not simply to remember the past but to live the mission—so that the next generation will have something worth-remembering and worth living for,” he said.
Alongside a presentation of the University’s milestones, “Facets” gave particular attention to its community engagement through BALAYAN, the social action center of USLS. Through the years, BALAYAN has advanced the University’s work in social justice, poverty alleviation, and other social causes.
A video presentation featured its disaster relief operations, feeding projects, barangay care initiatives, environmental efforts, scholarships for refugees, and youth volunteer formation. These programs illustrated how the Lasallian mission reaches communities beyond the campus and gives students opportunities to take part in service.
Meanwhile, University Chancellor Minnie Chua led the ceremonial toast with the Lasallian Brothers, honoring 75 years of faith, service, and influence, and the generations of Lasallians who continue to carry the mission forward.
With the countdown underway, USLS approaches its 75th Diamond Jubilee with projects that connect its history to the needs of a growing University and the communities it serves.
The grand kick-off coincided with the University’s annual Lasallian week celebrations.