Northwestern University celebrates 89th Foundation Day
Northwestern University honored the 89th Foundation Day of the university on January 28, 2020.
The NWU Marching Band and Tamboreros, along with the NWU riders, started the first day with the usual Diana Around Town as they paraded around the city as early as 5:30 AM.
An opening live video aired via Facebook, highlighting the new song entitled “Overcome” performed by the Saguday Performing Arts Group. At the beginning of the video, several alumni gave their testimonials: Mr. Hadji Rieta, now an executive, and a former broadcast industry practitioner, Dr. Maricon M. Guillermo, a seasoned instructor of CAS, and Trisha Carbonel Aceret, Miss Ilocos Norte 2018.
“Northwestern University has played a huge part (in my life), and until now I’m bringing all those experiences, all those lessons that I’ve learned, all these experiences that I’ve gained during my stay…NWU has been leading the province in terms of academics, education, and putting everything (for) God.” Hadji Rieta said.
The Foundation Week theme song was inspired by the university theme for this year, “We Will Overcome.” Written and composed by NWU’s Public Relations and Information Officer Spider B. Rodas, the chorus echoes a valiant anthem: “We are the champions, we will make it to the top. We will face the challenge and we will overcome.”
University President Atty. Ferdinand S. Nicolas, together with Col. Roy Nicolas and Mrs. Rachel Nicolas, both members of the Board of Directors of the university, attended the wreath-laying ceremony in front of the Nicolas N. Nicolas building. The president led the opening program as he recalled the founders’ resiliency, investment, love, and sacrifices in overcoming the challenges during their days. He then referenced the current situation, and gave points on how to face trials like a champion.
“To conquer this crisis, we must keep our spirits up and challenge ourselves not to give up. To be able to get through these difficulties, we must be able to encourage ourselves, taking these challenges one day at a time and being grateful for the blessings that we have and not focusing on those that we lack,” the president said.
