By Ambassador Leo Tito L. Ausan, Jr.
Ambassador Leo Tito L. Ausan Jr. (center), Commencement Speaker, is shown with ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy (left) and ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Board of Trustees Vice Chairman Dr. Matt P. Palabrica (right) during the 96th University Colleges Graduation. He later honored ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ with his written tribute, Ode to Central Dear.
O Central, my Alma Mater, Dear,
Indeed I’m glad, to be back and see you more than fine and good,
After I went away for a four decade wander,
And upon my return, you’re still deeply imbued, with even much warmer,
Moth’rly nurturing, warmth & care,
That’s calmed & balmed outright, all my worldly fear.
It all can be only so,
Be by Heaven’s grace, I know,
I still dare, though, and write this ode for you,
While it may seem long overdue,
Perhaps, O Central, my Alma Mater, Dear,
T’is from an unprodigal son, back for cuddling on your lap, after long uncaring wand’ring,
But still I write it, My Alma Mater Dear,
Elated to be back, unto your care,
Let the world ponder & do the wond’ring,
Central, my mother Dear, being your son, for all I care, I come out bold & brave,
‘Cause, O Central, my Alma Mater Dear, this praise, you richly deserve,
AFTER, I’VE KEPT YOU, LONG IN WAITING INDEED, MY NERVE!!….