Goodbye Dear Ole Holy Name

I chanced upon the ongoing demolition of the original Holy Name University based in downtown Tagbilaran a week ago. It was a heart- wrenching scene to see my beloved school in her present state. I took the photos from the H. Grupo St. entrance gate to the gym. 

HNU Main took a big blow during the Oct 15, 2013 temblor that compromised the structural integrity of the main campus in Gallares Street hence the decision to relocate to its Janssen Heights Campus. 

 Your Roving Eye in front of dear ole Holy Name

The beloved gym is no more. The gym where scores of commencement exercises were held, where Bohol’s biggest events took place and where thousands of students like me honed and sharpened their skills and talents will now exist in our minds, in photos and in our hearts.

But fret not. For there would always be a rainbow after the rain. It’s all for the best.

 

 From the BQ Mall driveway

My dear HNU Main Campus in Gallares St., you would always be etched in our collective memories. Forever.

Holy Name University: The Early Years

Pioneering SVD priests 

It was around the mid 1940's and World War II had just ended. The municipality of Tagbilaran was in the process of rebuilding itself and picking up the pieces.

It was around this time in 1946 when the foundation for Holy Name University was slowly and steadily put into place by its founder, Fr. Alphonse Lesage, SVD. 

This was through the vision of  Most Rev. Julio D. Rosales who wanted an institution of higher learning providing quality education and instilling Catholic Christian principles.

This lofty idea was the inspiration of a man who became the first Catholic Bishop of Tagbilaran.  

 L-R: Bishop Rosales. Fr. Lesage & Monsignor Ramirez

The biggest Catholic university in the province of Bohol started as a diocesan school named Holy Name College on July 14, 1947 and owned by the Diocese of Tagbilaran.  

The first school building was located along Libertad Street (now Carlos P. Garcia Avenue).

The lot was donated by the Diocese of Tagbilaran through the efforts and generosity of Monsignor Gelacio T. Ramirez (1881-1948), the philanthropic former Vicar General of the Diocese of Tagbilaran

It was only in 1963 or 50 golden years ago that the SVDs gained full ownership of the college.

Iconic facade of the campus during the late 60s

It was renamed Divine Word College of Tagbilaran. 

It was on November 19, 2001 when the school was granted full university status and the name changed to Holy Name University.

On the occasion of Tagbilaran City's 47th Charter Day Anniversary,

I am sharing some vintage photos that capture the parallel paths that the fledgling school and what was then a sleepy town had taken.

Let's take a stroll down memory lane now  

  HNC bids  farewell to Fr. Paulsen  back in 1948 

  Fr. Bates as Athletic Director in 1952

 Pastora Mendoza was crowned the 
1st Miss HNC  March 1948

 HNC was famous for its musicals and operettas 
 

 Ma'am Nellie Lumayag: Campus headturner during her time

Charity Sarmiento's star wattage shone the brightest  

 In 1970, Fr. Leo Ortiz became the first Filipino president of DWCT

Holy Name University's last look