The Quill: Celebrating 60 Years of Publication Excellence

Sixty sparkling years since its birth, Southwestern University’s Official Student Publication, The Quill prides a history intimately interwoven with its alma mater. Its celebrated history speaks scores of dimension of the crusading zeal of past writers and editors. Until today, the school paper advocates a community, more importantly an academic community, where each member holds with high regard the right to speak and be heard.

On July 25 at Crown Regency Hotel, the entire editorial staff of The Quill in collaboration with SWU Center for Promotions and Publications headed by Dr. Rouel A. Longinos honored The Quill’s outstanding alumni, called “Alumni Quillers,” who have always fought for the preservation of the fundamental rights and liberties of the campus press and students’ rights as mandated in the 1987 Philippine Constitution Bill of Rights and the provisions of the Republic Act 7079 otherwise known as Campus Journalism Act of 1991.

Former SWU President Dr. Alicia P. Cabatingan and current university president Dr. Eldigario D. Gonzales were awarded by The Quill as Outstanding Honorary Quillers for “their trailblazing efforts and commitment to the preservation in upholding campus press freedom: the sacred bulwark of democracy and free speech.”

Awardees for the Outstanding Alumni Quillers are former congresswoman Clavel Asas-Martinez, Mrs. Maria Theresa Linao-Quibido, Dr. Adelamor Solon, Atty. Abelardo Almario, Atty. Tito Pintor, Dean Jonah Villagonzalo, Dr. Ulysses B. Aparece, Mr. Leonilo Estimo, Mr. Bong O. Wenceslao, Mr. Roger Serna, Mr. Manuel Abadiano and Mr. Loyd Wilson Sato.

The awardees were given plaques and medallions of excellence during the testimonial dinner and awarding ceremony. The said event was well-attended by student writers from different colleges, The Quill editors, members of the University Editors Guild,  Center for Promotions and Publications staff and University Council of Southwestern University.

The official website of The Quill was also formally launched during the affair. The website, www.swuquill.org, is another history in the making for the past and present staff of the school paper since the school paper will now be available online. This website is also an ideal avenue for bona fide students to voice out their views and opinions regarding the school and matters concerning their student life.