Without a doubt, Professor Evelyn Arriola-Songco, Ph. D. is one of the most beloved faculty members/administrators in UST, especially to her children—the Thomasian students. For sixteen years—from 1990 to 2006—she was the Assistant to the Rector for Student Affairs (ARSA) of UST, well known for her residence in the old Office for Student Affairs office (now the Office of Public Affairs).

            Students who have been under her during her time as ARSA always speak of her with reverence and sincere fondness: “Ma’am Songco, mommy.” “Dr. Songco, sobrang bait.” “Ma’am Evelyn, makulit!” However, my one-year term as Student Council President of EHS from 2006-2007 gave me little chance to work with Dr. Songco, since she was removed from OSA at the end of the second semester, and was succeeded by Assoc. Prof. Cristina M. Castro-Cabral, Ph. D.

            June 1, 2007. All of a sudden, Ma’am Songco—who had taken a half-year sabbatical leave—had come back to the administrative ranks of UST, now newly appointed Director of the freshly constructed Office for Alumni Relations. “Philippe! Is this the time for us to reunite now?” I remember her asking me during our first meeting since 2006. Now, Dr. Songco’s children from OSA—most of them—are also her associates in Alumni Relations. It seems our mission to reach out with Dr. Songco has not ended yet!

            Ma’am Evelyn, a true pride of the College of Education, will always rank high in my long list of special people and most loved bosses. Charming and jovial, it is out of the norm for anyone to see her angry. Vibrant and innovative, she brings forth a shining beacon of light to OAR. One-of-a-kind and lovely, she will forever hold a magnificent niche in our—her associates’—hearts.

 

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