The AAA PRESIDENTS -
Women of Faith, Women of Action
by Dulce Festin Baybay
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When "Old Girls" visit the Assumption Alumnae Association office today at San Lorenzo Village, Makati, there is a room called the "Gallery". In that room are not only milestone photos of the activities of the alumnae through the decades, but also an interactive corner where one can now watch on video the 23 past president of the Association recalling their days at their Alma Matter and how it was to be president during their time. The "Gallery" also shows the various programs/projects of the AAA then and now.
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The setting up of the "Gallery", a brainchild of President Ma. Lourdes "Baby" Goyena Herrera HS'76, was a daunting task, particularly in getting together most of the past president of the Association for an interview. It could not have been done without the full support of the Alumnae Board Members, particularly project director Ma. Milagros Tañada Ocampo and AAA Manager Alice Tioseco whose patience and perseverance in calling the presidents took months in the making. But as the interviews took place, it was a heartwarming and inspiring time for all involved, including the cameramen of the Assumption College's Department of Mass Communication led by Ming Roxas. Even the backdrop used for the interview was special. This was a quilt with the picture of Mother Foundress, St. Marie Eugenie, lent by Pinky Valdes. What a fitting set-up as the former presidents recalled their years as leaders of the association, with none other done Mother Foundress watching over them.
Each president was sent the interview question ahead of time, through fax and email. As the day for the interview came, most were hesitant as they never faced a video camera before. The interviews lasted from 30 minutes to more than an hour for each. For some, it was their first time to return to their Alma Matter after they had served their term. For others, it was a moment to be remembered as they reminisced on what they felt were their contributions to the growth of the Association. But each had a message to give. Each had inspiring words of wisdom to share with the present and future "Old Girls." Each showed that they had lived St. Marie Eugenie's dictum of becoming "women of faith, women of action."
A few could not be found. Some had passed away. Here are some messages for everyone from those who were interviewed. To better appreciate the interviews, a must visit to the "Gallery", particularly the interactive corner, is in order. And view how grateful tears were even shed during the interviews.
Each president was sent the interview question ahead of time, through fax and email. As the day for the interview came, most were hesitant as they never faced a video camera before. The interviews lasted from 30 minutes to more than an hour for each. For some, it was their first time to return to their Alma Matter after they had served their term. For others, it was a moment to be remembered as they reminisced on what they felt were their contributions to the growth of the Association. But each had a message to give. Each had inspiring words of wisdom to share with the present and future "Old Girls." Each showed that they had lived St. Marie Eugenie's dictum of becoming "women of faith, women of action."
A few could not be found. Some had passed away. Here are some messages for everyone from those who were interviewed. To better appreciate the interviews, a must visit to the "Gallery", particularly the interactive corner, is in order. And view how grateful tears were even shed during the interviews.
