My School-GAUF-DLSU

DLSAU Celebrates 61st Foundation Day

With the approval of the Board of Trustees and the consent of the Araneta family, Gregorio Araneta University Foundation (GAUF) was integrated into the De La Salle system, thus making GAUF the 7th member of the Lasallian system. The name Gregorio Araneta University Foundation was changed to De La Salle Araneta University. The management of the university was finally turned over to the DLSU System in June 2002.

For the 61st Foundation Day, two founders are honored: Dr. Salvador Araneta and St. John Baptist de la Salle. Dr. Salvador Araneta, the founder of the Gregorio Araneta University Foundation, was born on January 31, 1902 and died on October 7, 1982. He donated a substantial share of his fortune to GAUF and converted it into a foundation in honor of his father, Gregorio Araneta. He was also a co-founder and president of many pioneer and industrial enterprises in the Philippines. He joined the government service and served as Secretary of Economic Coordination in the Cabinet of President Quirino and as Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources in the cabinet of President Magsaysay. He was also a delegate to the Constitutional Conventions of 1934-35 and 1971-72. This generous man who had five daughters considered the university his sixth child. Thus Jan. 31 has always been celebrated for the past years as Don Salvador Araneta´s Day.

The other honoree is St. John Baptist de la Salle, the Founder of Lasallian Schools. He was a rich man who relinquished his family status, family wealth, and ecclesiastical positions to devote his time in the Christian education of the young especially the underprivileged and neglected during his time .He established an institute for religious teachers popularizing the use of the vernacular and using example as a method of teaching. He founded the Brothers of the Christian Schools and worked for its recognition. He was proclaimed Patron of All Teachers. He died in 1719 and was canonized in 1990. His relics were translated to Rome on January 26. Thus, January 26 is celebrated as Teachers´ Day.

For this year´s 61st Foundation Day, these are the schedule of activities.

This event is headed by Ms. Allison Parpan, over- all chairperson of the 61st Foundation Day.