What he visualized, he actualized. Br. Andrew Gonzalez FSC deeply moved the society, especially the youth, through his contributions to the Philippine education. Br. Andrew, who passed 29 January 2006, served as President of De La Salle University -Manila from 1979 to 1991 and from 1994 to 1998.
Born in 29 Febuary 1940, Macario Diosdado Arnedo Gonzalez - his real name - was the son of a wealthy businessman, Augusto Gonzales and Rosario Arnedo, daughter of then Pampanga-governor.
Bro. Andrew, as he is called after he joined the De La Salle Brothers in 1955, was responsible for conceptualizing the now-defunct De La Salle System of teaching Lasallian students. (The System is now replaced by the De La Salle Philippines that networks 18 La Salle schools throughout the country).
The College of Saint Benilde came about from Bro Andrew’s concept of specializing in specific careers. He then helped to establish the De La Salle University- Dasmarinas and the De La Salle Health Sciences Institute.
Appointed as DECS Secretary from 1998 to 2001, he slowly tried to get rid of the corruption in the system by thoroughly making sure that the textbooks and other materials acquired by the department are well accounted for. “Thousands of classrooms were built to meet the increasing student population. He commenced the changing of the language of instruction to the regional language for the first three grades,” Alejandro Camilling wrote for the famous Kapampangans.
After serving the government, Br. Andrew devoted his time in helping the DLSU-M as a Vice president for Academics and Research from 2001 to 2003 and Presidential Adviser for Academics and Research from 2003 to 2005.
In his lifetime, he was the educator everyone looked up to not only for his exceptional intelligence but also for his sensible managing abilities.
Br. Andrew Gonzalez Hall FSC, the newest building of DLSU-M and the country's tallest educational institution, proudly stands for the man it represents.
Though he joined the creator two years ago, the Lasallian community still has a vivid image of this visionary. He was a servant for all, and a teacher who remains an inspiration.
Testimonials for Br. Andrew
“The idea that there should be support and prioritization for scholarship is a very important statement the University can make and we have to thank Br. Andrew for articulating that in a very emphatic way – without negating the other roles of university like teaching.”
Dr. Allan Bernardo, DLSU-M University fellow
“In one particular oratorical contest, Br. Andrew had me practice in the old school gym after supper. He would be at the entrance while I was up on stage at the other end of the floor, an entire basketball court separating us. There he would engage me in a conversation to help me project my voice. And he did this nightly for almost two weeks. Looking back, I believe that was the beginning of my vocation as a “public speaker” and the discovery of my voice as a “instrument for good” in teaching individuals and facilitating groups.”
Br. Ceci Hojilla FSC, Lasallian Brother
“A man, like Br. Andrew Gonzales, comes only once in a lifetime. He was a well-respected towering figure in the Philippine academe, a man for all seasons, and truly a quintessential man: an accomplished and seasoned educator, a brilliant and multi-talented professor, an academe specialist, a versatile school innovator, and a pragmatic, forward looking administrator.”
Dr. Florentino Timbreza, DLSU-M University Fellow
For more information about Br. Andrew, you may visit the following websites:
1.Biographies of Famous Kapampangan.
2.Manila Bulletin article
Some resources were taken from The La Sallian February 2006 special issue.
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