The Association of Christian Universities and Colleges in Asia Executive Board has extended the term of Dr. Betty Cernol-McCann, Silliman University president, as the president of ACUCA until Dec. 31, 2021.
McCann’s presidency was supposed to end on Dec. 31, 2020 and be succeeded by Dr. Kwang-Sup Lee, Hannam University president, on Jan. 1, 2021 as the new ACUCA president.
However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Lee’s recent installation as Hannam University president, the ACUCA Executive Board, upon request of Hannam University, has voted to extend McCann’s presidency for a year.
McCann views the extended assignment as a continuing service to the 69-member association “as ACUCA firms up its path toward stability and sustainability in this unprecedented time.”
“The current disruptions all the more require institutions to manifest their Christian character, work together to enrich educational programs, and reassert the relevance of their programs and services mindful of the changing landscape of both regional and global higher education,” said McCann.
ACUCA Secretary-General and Silliman Economics Department chair Dr. Wilma Tejero said the 12-month extension can also be used as an opportunity for the university to showcase its strength in terms of academic offerings, which may be attractive to other partner institutions.
“The recent ACUCA virtual thanksgiving service and the ACUCA virtual fellowship have not only allowed Silliman University to show its capability to organize and lead such kind of event, given the relatively large number of members, but also showcase the talents of our students and faculty,” said Tejero.
With the extension of McCann’s ACUCA presidency, Tejero said the ACUCA Secretariat in SU hopes to maximize the opportunity of promoting SU’s programs to its partners in Asia.
Corollary to this, ACUCA member-institutions found a way to unite during Christmas time despite the COVID-19 pandemic through its first virtual fellowship, hosted by Silliman University on December 23, 2020.
With the theme “Hope and Unity in this Time of Pandemic,” ACUCA member- institutions from Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Myanmar, Philippines, Taiwan, and Thailand joined in the online event through a video which was livestreamed on the ACUCA website and Facebook page.
The event included a scripture reading and reflection, and featured Christmas greetings and messages from heads of member institutions, messages from students, performances, and talent offerings.
The event opened with Dr. McCann narrating a brief history of ACUCA and its establishment, followed by the lighting of the Advent candles and Christmas candle at the Silliman Church, led by Rev. Wella de Rosas, minister for students and campus chaplaincy.
“With the COVID-19 pandemic, it is my prayer and wish that all member-institutions will maintain and strengthen their Christian identity and see to it that the relevance of our educational programs will be in line with 21st century education,” said McCann.
She also said, as ACUCA president, that as Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ in an unprecedented time, the focus must be on Christ as their “Wonderful Counselor, Omnipresent Protector, and Wondrous Savior.”
“Let us actively seek and claim the promise of hope, peace, joy, and love in our lives no matter the situation we find ourselves in, for unto us, the child Jesus Christ is born,” she added.
Meanwhile, Dr. Fr. Roberto Yap of the Ateneo de Manila University said in his message: “Christmas 2020 symbolizes more than just the birth of Jesus. It also represents a rebirth, a renewal of our hearts, minds, and spirit as we let go of a tumultuous year and embrace the promise of a new one. As we celebrate the miracle and blessing of our Lord’s birth, may we all look at the image of the pure, innocent child, asleep in the manger, and see hope.”
The ACUCA is currently preparing for the joint conference with the United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia. As Tejero said: “With the challenges brought about by natural calamities and the current COVID-19 crisis, the ACUCA, which is currently led by Silliman University, aims to expand institutional partnership among 69 member-institutions in Asia and maximize the opportunities it offers, given the unique capabilities and strength of each member-institution.” – NWI
