The University of San Carlos and the entire Carolinian community deeply mourns the passing of Fr. Roderick C. Salazar Jr., SVD.

Fr. Salazar was considered a pillar of the institution who dedicated his life in the service of the Carolinian community, both here and abroad. He was a true servant leader whose vision propelled the University to greater heights. His compassion is still warmly felt by those whose lives he has touched and changed for the better.

Fr. Salazar served as the University President for two consecutive three-year terms from 1987 to 1993, and then again from 2002 to 2008. He first served in the administration of Fr. Margarito Alingasa as his Vice President for Administration.

Father Rod, as he was fondly called, was an excellent communicator and was widely known for his distinct British accent. He was well-loved by alumni associations all over the world for his speeches and homilies, where he would oftentimes sing. Testament to his prowess as a wordsmith, he crafted the University’s vision and mission, which still stand today.

In his four terms as President, Fr. Rod oversaw a massive building phase in Talamban Campus which included the Robert Hoeppener Building, the SAFAD Building, the University Stadium, the Michael Richartz Conference Center, and the Ernest Hoerdemann Building.

He was also responsible for USC’s first website as well as the publication of the authoritative historical account of the University, a book authored by National Artist Dr. Resil B. Mojares, Dr. Erlinda K. Alburo, and Dr. Jose Eleazar Bersales entitled University of San Carlos: A Commemorative History.