MOMMY Tiger has left the lair.
Felicitas Francisco, one of UST’s longest-serving employees, was honored in a dinner held at the SyCip-Velayo Multi-purpose Hall at the AMV-College of Accountancy last June 22.
Francisco was responsible for the varsity team’s transition from the “Glowing Goldies” to the “Growling Tigers” in 1992, earning her the moniker “Mommy Tiger.”
Besides her contributions in collegiate sports, she was also known in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines for wearing tiger-printed clothes and bags in the league’s events.
A true “yellow-blooded” Thomasian, Francisco graduated from the College of Education and held several positions in UST, where she started as a supervising teacher at the Education High School in 1965. She became directress of the Physical Education Department in 1990 and assistant director of the Institute of Physical Education and Athletics last year.
Fr. Rolando de la Rosa, O.P., Rector of the University, described Francisco as a person respected even outside the campus, and someone who would be remembered as an “administrator who never questioned the University’s directives.”
In her closing speech, Francisco recalled her beginnings in UST and assured Thomasians that she would always support the University.
“I was with UST for more than 50 years, and enjoyed my stay in the University. I will surely miss it,” she said.
Francisco is the former liaison officer for Quadricentennial activities of the sports for luminary alumni before her retirement.
During the dinner, the Yellow Jackets and Salinggawi Dance Troupe presented a tribute performance for Francisco.
The dinner was also attended by University officials, athletes, and family members. Diana Jean B. Evite
