Dr. Julio Sy, Sr.

 Julio O. Sy, Sr. was born in 1933 in Dumaguete City. He finished his elementary in 1947, high school in 1950, and college in 1952, with a degree in business administration, all in Silliman University. Armed with the Silliman education and high regard for labor, as well as a keen eye for business, Julio Sr. deftly maneuvered through the odds, and successfully brought his businesses into the competitive level where they are now. He was chairperson of the Bayview Park Hotel, the Dumaguete City Development Bank Inc. (DCDB), and the Dumaguete Coconut Mills Inc. He was also the president of BUSCO Sugar Milling Co. Inc., HIDECO Sugar Milling Co. Inc., and New Bian Yek Commercial Inc. Throughout his successes in life, he remained humble and generous. His employees and colleagues have described him as a man of integrity, a person who had great concern for others, and a great leader. Admired for his principles and strong beliefs, his contribution to quality education was one of his lifelong passions, believing that education is one effective way to combat poverty and end social injustices. He served member of the Silliman University Board of Trustees for 21 years, representing the Silliman University Foundation Inc. He received the Outstanding Award in the field of Business in 1971, and the Order of Horace B. Silliman in 2007.