HARI Foundation, Inc. (HFI) Chairman Richard L. Lee paid tribute to his Lasallian roots and affirmed his personal advocacy for innovation in the sciences with the launch of the Richard L. Lee Engineering and Technology Block.

The latest addition to the 50-hectare De La Salle University (DLSU) Campus in Laguna is set to realize its donor’s desire to be a premier innovation hub that bridges scientific research with business, and a seedbed for leaders committed to spread and nurture the Lasallian values of Religio, Mores, Cultura (faith, good conduct, and love for country) in the 21st century and beyond. Envisioned to enhance DLSU’s reputation as a Commission on Higher Education (CHED) “Center of Excellence,” the technology block will serve the country’s network of La Salle schools and over 50 other Metro Manila colleges and universities that have access to La Salle as a CHED Zonal Research Center.

(L-R) Amber Kinetics CEO and former DLSU Board Member Edgar Chua, DLSU Board Member Omar Cruz, Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr., HARI Vice Chairman Conrad Marty, HFI President Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo, HARI Chairman Edward S. Go, Ambassador Hye-Min Lee, Matthew Lee, HFI Chairman Richard L. Lee, DLSU President Br. Raymundo Suplido, FSC, and De La Salle Philippines President Br. Armin Luistro, FSC.

DLSU was recently proclaimed as the only private university in the Philippines to make it to the 2019 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings for outstanding research-intensive universities. The rank puts DLSU in the top 3-percent of more than 22,000 higher education institutions in the world.

During the inaugural ceremony, Mr. Lee, a proud “primus” or first graduate of La Salle Greenhills, expressed delight that his dream to give back to his alma mater in a meaningful way is now a reality: “It is an honor to provide a new institution of learning to De La Salle University’s Laguna Campus. This is a place where minds will be sharpened, challenged to think critically, solve problems, and innovate. The Engineering and Technology Block now stands as a living commitment to produce generations of Lasallians rich in knowledge and skills, but even richer in heart, putting their energy, talents, ambitions, and ideas to bring more greatness to our nation.”

The Richard L. Lee Engineering and Technology Block is expected to enhance and broaden the applied learning experience of the academic community. It will house engineering programs in all fields. Ongoing programs include research in computer science, alternative and renewable energy sources, and road traffic management.