“Try not become a man of success but a man of value” – Albert Einstein
The real graduation you
need to surpass is not found in school, but in life. Dr. Romel N. Fieldad, the late
Dean of the Business College, had lived in both ways; he became a man of
success and value. The life he had lived is a fulfilling one, a legacy he had
paved for 43 years.
Tragic news broke last
June 7, 2013 about his sudden passing away due to a severe asthma attack. This
was the second attack he had after 14 years. He was rushed to the hospital but he
didn’t make it and was then declared as dead on arrival by the doctor.
The NDDU community, as
well as his family and friends, mourned for his loss and had his wake at the NDDU,
St. Marcellin Champagnat Chapel. Everyone was still in shock for incidentally,
last June 6th of 2013 they celebrated his 20th year of
service as a dedicated educator in the university and was awarded with a plaque
of recognition.
“His being a Dean of
the Business College brought several innovative programs in the College
specifically inclusion of research in the BSBA Curriculum, enriched work
related learning experience program for all courses in the college and the
national and international exposures of the BSHRM and BSTM student,” Dr.
Ma. Monina M. Duqueza, Executive Assistant for Academics, said on her Eulogy.
He had his humble
beginnings, having his aspiration to be successful as his drive and his
principles to guide him along the way. He started off as a Computer Center
Staff from November 1992 to May of 1993. And on June of 2006 he was assigned to
become the Dean of the Business College which was known as one of the most populous
colleges in the university.
“Workaholic, dedicated,
loyal and patient,” this is how Ms. Rosalyn A. Alapag describe
him as a Dean. She added that sometimes he can be strict in terms of students’
performance in school but it was just his way of showing his concern and
guidance to let them learn from their mistakes. People who were courageous
enough to befriend him got to know who he really is; a simple person with simple
happiness.
He would always remind
his faculty to come on time, be at their best and to believe in themselves. He
is a man of principles; everyone should follow what is in the rule. That is how
he is as an educator and a father-figure to his students. Every graduation,
parents and students thank him because often at that point, they’ve come to
realize why he was too strict in the first place.
The legacy he had left
in NDDU and to the lives of the people around him made him a man worth
saluting. He had lived selflessly, a true Marist educator, indeed.
Garnet Cababayao
