Why Green and Gold Leaf?

As a member of the Editorial Board of The Green and Gold Leaf, The Official Yearbook of the University of Pangasinan 2008, I edited the write-ups of the students, contributed to the layout design (particularly the front cover and back cover page, the editorial board background, and the University collage), wrote the history of the University and explained why the yearbook is called: The Green and Gold Leaf.

Why Green and Gold Leaf?

In ancient Greek mythology, the laurel wreath was connected with the god Apollo, but it was also used as a symbol for victory in triumphal processions in the Roman Empire. During the Middle Ages and the renaissance, the laurel wreath symbolized poetry, but it was also associated with scholarship.

In the field of education, the laurel leaf stands for knowledge and learning. It also symbolizes the completion of a bachelor degree. The term "baccalaureate," means laurel berry, and refers to the ancient practice of honoring scholars and poets with garlands from the bay laurel tree.

True to the ideals of the University of Pangasinan, the laurel leaf as a symbol is prominently displayed in the university logo. The two fronds of green and gold Gloria Et Honor Laurel signify the university’s excellence-driven transformative role in molding the students as well as the community.

This has been the inspiration in naming the University of Pangasinan Yearbook; The Green and Gold Leaf. This has been the yearbook’s name since its first publication- an annual chronicle of the illustrious past and rich heritage of the University of Pangasinan and an invigorating glimpse of the vibrant future of the students, the institution and the community.

Green is life. It signifies growth, renewal, health, and environment. It is also a color of harmony and balance. It represents the university’s commitment to sustain, improve and expand high quality, relevant transformative, interactive, collaborative, learning systems guided by responsible scholarship and education.

Gold symbolizes brilliance, excellence and success. It embodies the university’s persistent pursuit of sustainable excellence.

Together, the colors green and gold reinforce the university’s vision as a competent enabler of people and communities' transformation toward achieving prosperity, security and social wellness in dynamically changing and globalizing societies.