THE University of Pangasinan (UPang) has “chalked up 83 years of missionary work in the education of the Filipino youth in this part and is still going strong.”

Thus did UPang chairman Cesar T. Duque proudly describe the strides taken by the university shortly after a thanksgiving prayer and the faculty’s restatement of commitment to academic excellence during last month’s university foundation day celebration.

Dr. Catalino Rivera, Jr., for his part, underscored the university’s outreach program. He presided over a lecture series on UPang’s continuing program to upgrade the teaching competencies of its faculty and to boost its successful overseas program.

The university’s program seeks to expand the opportunities for graduates who have been prepared to compete in the global job market.

Bernadette Cabugao, dean of the school of nursing, reported that the university again notched a great honor after it was declared as having the highest number of board examination passers among nursing schools in Pangasinan.

One of UPang’s successful nursing graduates, Helen Jimenez-Dichoso now based in Houston, Texas, operates a dialysis center that employs several people in the medical field.

Over the years, the university has consistently produced top board placers in all the professions. Gringo Sandiego, a nursing graduate, topped a recent board exam.

Last year, UPang’s university choir tied with Russia in a world choir competition.

The university, under its founder, the late Dr. Blas F. Rayos, started a tradition of academic excellence that continues to this day with Duque, the new owner at the helm.

Running the university affairs with Duque and Dr. Rivera are Dr. Marietta Sorio, senior vice president and Ofelia Rayos, dean of academic affairs and Dominador Rayos, director.