Reunion Day 2006
by Dr. Thara Simon
The programmes of the reunion day commenced with a thanksgiving
service in the college chapel at 9.30 a.m. Prof. M. K . Thomas gave the
message. The key note address was delivered by Prof. M.S. Girija, the
Deputy Director of Collegiate Education and an alumnus of the college.
Justice Sundaram Govind welcomed the gathering and mentioned that we
are honoured by the presence e of an illustrious daughter of UCC, Prof.
Girija.
Principal Dr. Varghese John was out of station as he had to attend
the Asian Christian Faculty Federation conference in Hong Kong as an
office bearer from India. Prof. Santha M. Mathew, the principal in
charge ( Dean administration and Head of the department of Botany)
presided over the function. She recalled the service and contributions
of the UCC alumni in the past. Being a hostel - mate of Prof. Girija in
UCC, she shared her unforgettable days and added that Prof. Girija was
known as “Jaya Bachan” among the students of the time. She acknowledged
the initiative and support provided by Dr. K. C. Chacko from Denver, the
first president of the North American Alumni association. She specially
thanked members of the association for sparing time for their alma
mater.
Prof Girija shared her thrill and excitement of a great home coming,
and added that UCC is neither a college, nor a mere educational
institution fitting in the present day definition, but it is a place of
worship. She recollected the family atmosphere that she experienced in
the hostel under the wardenship of A. M. Chacko sir and Sodari Kochamma.
Prof. Girija concluded that her search for role models always ended in
Union Christian College and it is true even today.
There was a special function for honoring the senior alumni and
retired faculty. The newly appointed permanent faculty members were
introduced to the gathering.
Dr. Sunny Kuriakose proposed the vote of thanks and he reminded the
gathering to fill up the alumni information form, as UCC is currently
preparing an alumni directory and Dr. Thomas Mathew from Ohio (treasurer
of the North American alumni association) is currently in charge of the
North American alumni directory.
There were variety entertainments by the present students and the
alumni shared their reminiscences of the past. After the lunch, they
visited the departments and hostels, and the programme ended after the
business session in the afternoon. |
