Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore
Mangalore, May 28: Rich tributes were paid to the vision and sagacity Fr Valerian D’Souza, the founder director of St Joseph Engineering College, here, when the entire SJEC fraternity came together on Wednesday May 23 to bid farewell to this living legend, on the eve of his transfer after completing ten years of stewardship of the institution.
Assistant director Fr Henry Mascarenhas recalled the seven principles of leadership Fr Valerian had practiced in order to build up the institution from scratch. Under his able leadership SJEC has grown steadily through these ten years to become a redoubtable college, he said, recounting his wonderful qualities of head and heart.
Fr Joseph Lobo, who has just taken over as director gave several instances of his ability and capacity as director in attending to the needs of the nascent institution, all made possible because of the determination and generous spirit he exhibited, and described him as a visionary leader.
Leading a host of admirers, who included the teaching, technical and administrative staff of the college, Dr Joseph Gonsalvis, principal, recounted the practical ways in which Fr Valerian gave constant attention to all aspects of administration. MBA student Rayan D’Souza gave a beautiful simile of how and with what caring thoroughness Fr Valerian had addressed the needs of the student community, ready to help at any cost.
As a lasting reminder of the esteem and love with which all SJECians hold Fr Valerian, a beautifully crafted memento was presented to him, together with flowers fruits and a shawl.
Replying to the felicitations, Fr Valerian D’Souza let the secret of his success out of the bag. He said he did not understand many a technical thing, but put his entire trust and faith in the staff and they rose to the occasion. He attributed his success to the dedicated service of the staff.
Dr Rio D’Souza, dean academics and MCA welcomed the gathering.
Professor Eric Patrao, dean planning and development proposed the vote of thanks.
Lorraine Rosario, faculty in the PG department of administration, compered the programme.
Students, Robin and Meredith Correyo felicitated the outgoing director with bouquets of flowers.