Ex-president of CLSU dies

SCIENCE CITY OF MUÑOZ—Dr. Ruben Sevilleja, who served as president of Central Luzon State University (CLSU) here from 2007 until his retirement in June last year, died on Sunday after a lingering illness. He was 65.

Before becoming university president, he was formerly director of the CLSU’s Freshwater Aquaculture Center and vice president for academic affairs.

He was accredited by the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges as a university professor, the highest academic rank in a state educational institution.

A native of Narvacan, Ilocos Sur province, Sevilleja graduated from CLSU with a degree in agriculture in 1973. A faculty member of the university since 1974, he obtained a master’s degree in agricultural economics at Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama, and a doctoral degree in development education at University of Wales Swansea in the United Kingdom.

He is survived by his wife Gisela, children Norman Dale, Nelson Ray and Nerwin Ace, and two grandchildren.

His remains lie at the Knights of Columbus Hall at the back of the CLSU Catholic chapel. Interment will be on June 4 at the Eternal Peace Garden in Mayapyap, Cabanatuan City, after an 8 a.m. Mass at CLSU. Anselmo Roque, Inquirer Central Luzon