New School Year, new academic burdens and for the freshmen a new environment that they need to adapt to. For this month's Professor of the Month, we have decided that if ever there is anyone that we have to get to know of right away it should be the Dean. She is the head of our college, almost like a second mom to all of us here in the College of Commerce.

Q: Dean Loanzon, what does it mean to be the "Dean" of the College of Commerce?

A: It means to be with young students brimming with enthusiasm and life mostly. It means as well, being a companion to students with deep struggles at such a young age.

Q: What first came into your mind when you first found out that you will be the next Dean of the College of Commerce?

A: It is an opportunity to serve but of course the hesitation for the job was there.

Q: Last year you were away for almost half of the school year, did some problems arise because of that? If there were, how did you face them?

A: Asst. Dean Ireneo who took over my duties was very responsible, so I didn't have much problem. Fr. Cajilig, O.P. also supported him and so did the rest of the administration and faculty. I didn't feel I had too many problems when I came back after the post-doctoral research in Germany.

Q: As the Dean and also as a teacher would you encourage teachers to be close to students (as in a "buddy" relationship) or do you think it breaches professional ethics?

A: It is good to be both--to be close as to invite students that we could listen to them but also to be detached to give objective grades and advice them wisely.

Q: Some students especially the freshmen might thing, "naku.. si dean to BAKA mahigpit, masungit at unapproachable", how would you react to that?

A: We are all different--like a garden. Different styles but unted in our concern for the students. Of course, we also make mistakes or sometimes just too tired. But we try our best.

Q: For you, what are the things needed to improve in the College of Commerce?

A: We need to strive for excellence in our studies. When we are able to do this, it seems we can achieve a lot since I believe that we are a community of goodwill.

Q: Speaking of improvement, it you don't mind Dean Loanzon, we know that cleanliness and sanitation is important. But I have heard a lot of complaints from the students about the restrooms in the building. They don't have a flush that's why they stink. Is there anything that's being done to address this problem?

A: Yes, we have tried to talk to our maintenance staff as well as buy additional plastic drums to store water. But the problem could be more systematic to the whole university. Hence, we will still try our best to inform the right parties and be consistent in our follow-up.

Q: Do you think that the students in the college of Commerce are at par with students from other universities?

A: Definitely, much talent to share. We need to be serious with our academics, perhaps as a general rule. But we will try to work this out with much help from our faculty, also exerting efforts to finish their graduate studies.

Q: You are also known to be thre brains behind the new Major Program Entrepreneurship or Tripple E. Can you tell us more about this program and why we have this kind of program?

A: It is definitely a response to our country's situation where we need to create jobs as well as provide goods and services. The inequality in our society is a potential source of conflict. It is better we do something positive than wait for worse things to happen.

Q: Do you encourage incoming sophomores to consider having Tripple E as a major?

A: I might be biased-all majors are needed by our country. As of now, I think Triple E might be more urgent and practical if we want our graduates to really respond to society's needs.

Q: As the Dean what can you advice the freshmen and sophomores since the freshmen are new to college environment and the sophomores will be deciding what major program to take?

The freshmen need a success formula which can be followed by all--

Success = S2 + C2 + R2

Where in:

S2 = Study, Sacrifice
C2 = Connections (seeing these in subjects), Cooperation
R2 = Responsibility, Relationships (important for learning atmosphere)

For sophomores, the same formula, especially acting not only responsible for their studies but ability to respond to the freshmen who need their help and support both in words of encouragement as well as perhaps, tutorials.

Q: How does Dean Loanzon see the College of Commerce in the near future?

A: A place where students and faculty have a happy and fruitful stay where the S2 + C2 + R2 formula pervades. That we are on our way to being a Catholic community.

Q: For what do you want to be most remembered for?

A: That I paid attention to student's needs and was able to respond to such with the help of the faculty, administration and non-academic personnel, including entrance and security people.