As a respected academic institution, the University of Nueva Caceres has been instrumental in shaping the minds of countless Bicolano students who are contributing to the advancement of knowledge in various fields and in different parts of the world. The Founder’s Day serves as a momentous occasion to reflect on the university’s rich history, celebrate its achievements, and honor the visionaries who laid the foundation for its success, led by our Lolo Brown, as we fondly call him. It is a testament to his leadership and dedication that the university has flourished under his guidance and visions. His unwavering commitment to excellence in education, nation-building, and community engagement has undoubtedly played a significant role in the university’s growth and positive impact on society. On this special day, I would like to express my deepest admiration and gratitude for his outstanding contributions to the university. His vision and student-centered approach have transformed the University of Nueva Caceres into a hub of intellectual curiosity and excellence. As a President Jaime Hernandez scholar and President of the University Student Government, I position myself to serving the best interests of the students for us to live with Dr. Jaime’s aspirations. This is a significant time to better serve the UNC community.
Dr. Jaime Hernandez, the founder of our beloved university, left an indelible mark on the education landscape in the Bicol region. His unwavering commitment to quality education has transformed the lives of students like me through the efforts he made in developing the minds of countless individuals. His principles and ideologies have served as guiding lights, illuminating our path to success and instilling a sense of purpose and responsibility. With his vision for the university, rooted in academic excellence and holistic development, he led it to become one of the most prominent educational institutions in Bicol. As a Jaime Hernandez Scholar, I am deeply grateful for the opportunities that this scholarship provides. It has not only lightened the financial burden of pursuing my education; but also reinforced the values and principles he instilled in us. We have been given wings to soar by his generosity and the belief that we can make a meaningful contribution to society. As a member of the University of Nueva Caceres, I am committed to preserving the ideals and values he bestowed upon us. I will strive to embody the spirit of excellence, compassion, and service he exemplified throughout his journey. May his vision continue to guide us, and may his name be forever etched in the halls of this great institution.
It was 131 years ago since the person who founded the first-ever university in Southern Luzon, Dr. Jaime Hernandez Sr. was born. As we commemorate his 131st birthday and 37th death anniversary, let’s look back on his legacy and its effects on the whole UNCean community. “Lolo Brown”, fondly called by UNCeans, is a true epitome of a Bicolano hero. After he served as the Secretary of Finance to five Philippine Presidents – Quezon, Osmeña, Roxas, Magsaysay, and Garcia, he came back home to Camarines Sur to help hundreds of talented Bicolano students who could not afford to study in various colleges in Manila by establishing the first college in the region namely Nueva Caceres Colleges and now the University of Nueva Caceres. Since the Bicol region needed an educational institution that would provide opportunities for higher learning and quality education at a relatively cheaper cost, he and his team organized a school that would meet all those needs. Ever since the university is founded, his envision for UNC to be the leading learning institution in Bicol is continuously happening. From being a small college to a huge one, and from being the first to number one. Everything has turned to his living legacy that provides quality and affordable education for the Bicolanos. Aside from that, a lot of opportunities were given to students through scholarships and grants. As a student beneficiary of the President Jaime Hernandez Scholarship Program, it is indeed a huge help to us to pursue studying in a high-quality institution that offers a hundred percent tuition fee discount. This program together with the other financial assistance offered by the institution served as the true avenue to achieve UNC’s goal which is “Everyone Makes It”. Dr. Jaime Hernandez Sr., a true hero, became an instrument for every Bicolano youth. The whole UNC community, especially us, his scholars will be forever grateful to our founder who made countless contributions and brought a quality and affordable education as well as a lot of scholarships and financial assistance programs for UNCean students that will surely inspire hope among us to achieve our dream profession and be provided with greater opportunities and better tomorrows.
Celebrating the 75 years existence of the University of Nueva Caceres is also a celebration to commemorate and honor its founder, Dr. Jaime Hernandez. “Non Scholae, Sed Vitae” a Latin word and the very know motto of the University; in English translation “Not of School, But of Life”. University of Nueva Caceres has molded a lot of people who studies, work and graduated in the said University. Knowing the fact that UNC just not offers education but also opportunities for all. If not because of Dr. Jaime Hernandez, we are not here today. This is his great legacy not just for the university but also in the community. As a PJHS scholar, I am indeed thankful and blessed to be given a chance to have this opportunity as I continue to pursue the degree that I am looking forward to. In addition, remembering the five core values of the university, I will always be a proud UNCean and I will not quit until graduation day! From 1st to Number 1 ☝️
We always owe its existence and success to the vision of extraordinary individuals who leave their indelible mark to pave the path for generations to come. Such as our school founder, whose vision is to continue to guide us toward excellence. Dr. Jaime Hernandez was more than a notable person but also a visionary leader that possessed insight into the transformative power of education. His dedication and determination toward education touched the hearts and minds of every unceano and unceana. His commitment to excellence and compassion serves as a guiding compass that we continue to instill in navigating hurdles that we’d encounter. His perseverance to establish our school, envisioning a place where excellence, knowledge, and personal growth would coexist peacefully, will always leave an indelible mark as we become Bicol’s first university and a regional leader in higher education. Our school founder, Dr. Jaime Hernandez, remains an inspirational figure to the university as he left an enduring legacy that we are privileged to inherit.
The “We champion excellence” will always be the trademark of our school as our honorable founder used the excellence to showcase it to generations and embody its vision of a better world. As a PJHS student, I feel grateful and honored to be one of the chosen students to be a scholar of our school. It gives me a lot of opportunities to embrace intellectual curiosity and be driven to explore the excellence of knowledge and make a meaningful contribution to society. Embodying excellence will lead us to success in life, where failure becomes an opportunity to do better and be the best.