Bro. Andrew Gonzales FSC, President Emeritus of the De La Salle University System and former Department of Education secretary, died January 29, 2006 from complications due to diabetes. It is a sad day for many Lasallians who see Bro. Andrew Gonzales (not Bro. Andrew Gonzalez) as a visionary. Aside from being an indispensable consultant for education, a prolific researcher and expert in linguistics, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde where I work, is Bro. Andrew Gonzales' brainchild.
I remember very distinctly what Bro. Andrew Gonzales said to me when he handed me my cum laude medal in 1997. Bro. Andrew said with a big smile: "Congratulations. Keep it up!" Bro. Andrew FSC was already weak at that time since he was seated during the whole ceremony. Nevertheless, he leaves quite an impression to the graduates. I had the pleasure of reading some of Bro. Andrew's writings and he was truly a brilliant man. In conferences, his booming voice and straightforward energy never failed to amaze his audience. Many a times, he would give spontaneous speeches that are brief but memorable. The Lasallian family will surely miss the energy and wisdom of Bro. Andrew.
For those interested to visit Dr. Andrew Gonzales FSC for the last time, there will be an alumni mass for Bro. Andrew today, January 30 at the La Salle Main Chapel, 7PM. The memorial wake starts today at the La Salle Main Chapel. There will be 7PM masses on Tuesday and Wednesday. There will be a mass at the Chapel of the Resurrection at 9AM on Thursday, after which Bro. Andrew will be cremated. Bro. Andrew's ashes will then be brought to the Brothers Mausoleum in Lipa. In lieu of flowers, the Brothers will appreciate donations to the DLSU Charity Hospital in Apalit, Pampanga. You may make your checks payable to the "DLSU Science Foundation (for Br. Andrew Gonzales FSC)."
Goodbye Br. Andrew Gonzales. I will miss your energy.
1 comment:
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