“The marks on the student’s lives are permanent; the influence of a good teacher can never be erased. Behind every dazzling mind that illuminates the path of accomplishment, there lies the hidden support. These quiet architects of greatness, though often unobserved, fuel the incandescent achievements of those who shine vibrantly in the society. It is their unspoken devotion and enduring influence that transform mere sparks into beaming beacons of victory”.

In a heartfelt and elegant ceremony, the students and Management felicitated 2 retired staff members on Thursday, 26th September and Monday, 30th September respectively at St Agnes College (Autonomous), Mangaluru.

On 26th September 2024, the farewell program for Prof. Dr Nancy Vaz and Mrs Marina Pinto was organized by students. The program started with an invocation by Sr Soniya and team, a warm welcome given by Moksha, a welcome dance presented by Sahana and team and a farewell song by the students. The students shared their experiences where Sheethal spoke about Dr Nancy Vaz and Stuthi spoke about Prof. Marina Pinto.

Dr Nancy Vaz and Mrs Marina Pinto spoke about their journey at St Agnes College and gave few sweet advices to the students. The Vice Principal addressed the gathering with her words of encouragement. The program was attended by the students from BA and BSC. Sunena Subbanna Rai, Vice President of Science compered the program and the vote of thanks was proposed by Sakshi.

On 30th September, the ceremony imbued with a sense of gratitude. Sr Dr Maria Roopa AC, Joint Secretary of St Agnes Institutions honoured the retired staffs with a shawl, Sr Dr M Venissa AC, Principal honoured the retired staffs with a garland and Sr M Carmel Rita AC, Administrator honoured the retired staffs with a fruit basket. The Management, teaching staff, Non teaching staff and PTA member felicitated the retired staffs with mementos.

Sr Dr Maria Roopa AC in her address articulated deep gratitude for the retired staff for their unwavering perseverance and trustworthiness to lift up the level of excellence in this institution and for shaping the lives of thousands of students.

Sr Dr M Venissa AC in her address expressed profound gratefulness and admiration for the retired staff for their steadfast dedication, commitment and loyalty to mould the minds of numerous students.

Dr Nancy Vaz and Mrs Marina Pinto conveyed heartfelt thanks to the management and to all who guided and supported them in their career. The retired staff left with a sense of connection and fulfilment, carrying with them a thousand smiles of gratitude for the recognition of their services by the management.

The program commenced with a prayer service led by Ms Lavita Ramya D’Souza, Dept of Mathematics. It helped everyone gathered to experience the divine presence. Mrs Sandhya Pai, Dept of English warmly welcomed the gathering. Mrs Roshni and Dr Ita D’Souza greeted the retired staff member with flowers sapling, acknowledging their elegant presence and the significant contributions they have made during their teaching career. As colleagues Mrs Shanthi Nazareth, Dept of Secretarial Practice and Sr Yvette Priya AC shared brief accounts of the retirees’ Dr Nancy Vaz and Mrs Marina Pinto achievements and words of felicitation respectively. A farewell song was sung by Mrs Janet and team. Mrs Nimitha, Dept of Commerce proposed a vote of thanks and Mrs Froidy Fernandes, Dept of Botany compered the programme. The entire teaching and non teaching faculty were present for this program.

“Congratulations and wishing you both a retirement filled with endless adventures! We will miss you dearly but we’re so excited for the next chapter in your life. Thank you for your many years of hard work, contributions and for adding value to St Agnes College (Autonomous) each day”.