18 October 2016 — Dr. Charles L. Flynn, Jr. paid a courtesy call on Philippine Consul General Mario L. de Leon Jr. on October 13, two days before the end of the latter’s tour of duty in New York, and accorded him the College of Mount Saint Vincent President’s Medal. During the tenure of the Consul General, the College of Mount Saint Vincent (CMSV), collaborated and partnered with the Consulate General to promote people-to-people relations.
Consul General de Leon thanked Dr. Flynn for personally visiting the Consulate General and conveyed his appreciation on the support being extended by its officials and students in creating an environment that promotes community diversity and friendship between Filipinos and the greater American society.
On his part, Dr. Flynn expressed his gratitude on the Consulate General’s excellent relationship with the College. He further conveyed that the College feels a very special connection to and pride for the Philippines and Filipinos, pointing out that President Corazon Aquino was its most distinguished alumna. He thanked the Consul General in bringing the commemoration of the 30th Anniversary of the EDSA Revolution in their campus.
He emphasized that the history of EDSA helped many of the students to understand the Philippines. He stated that the Consul General, unassuming and articulate, has spoken and taught powerfully about democracy and the rule of law.
“The rule of law is a protection which we all depend and the only system of government compatible with human equality and dignity” Dr. Flynn stated.
Professor Lynne Bongovianni, Associate Professor and Director of the Mount Mentors Program, Chairel Tabanya, President of SAMAHAN, a Filipino Association in the College and its member Karen Therese Vallejos joined President’s Flynn on the courtesy call on the Consul General.
The College of Mount Saint Vincent also plans to include a subject on the Comparative History of the Philippines and Ireland in their curriculum, to amplify the importance of people to people ties. END
