“What is a Sillimanian?”
GE10 – BB

There is a mysterious phenomenon I always hear about from Silliman graduates. Among those who have gone on far and long from their beloved alma mater, they always insist on the living nature of the Silliman spirit. Somehow, it’s a collective feeling brought to consciousness. I always hear of a Silliman spirit, but never of a NORSU spirit or anything like that (no offense to NORSUnians).

To be a Sillimanian appears to not be a physical concept marked by an ‘Officially enrolled’ status and validated ID card. Rather, it seems to be a spirit that drives us all as we go into our respective fields. It’s the feeling of familiarity when you see a stranger in a distant place. It’s the competence, character, and faith instilled in you when you leave the four walls of the classroom. I think the most important thing that would mark one as a Sillimanian would be the values one would develop as the result of Silliman’s whole person education. After all, it is because of our experiences in Silliman that we become changed persons. And so, a Sillimanian would be someone who has gone on to be successful in their own right as a result of Silliman’s education and who has best lived in pursuit and service of its goals and vision.

As for what I feel makes me a Sillimanian, it’s because I share the same feelings and values as those who have come before me. It really is a unique experience that cannot be described rather than by living and breathing in the campus yourself. The concept of a Sillimanian is a long legacy of competence and virtue. I tend to identify with the same goals the school and its people and its community have, and so I feel one with it.