ADMINISTRATOR EXTRAORDINAIRE. This is how his colleagues and peers described Dr. Rodolfo C. Natividad during the retirement program and birthday celebration tendered for him by the Administrative Council, June 13, at the University Hostel.

The afternoon’s mood was joyful as attendees serenaded the honoree with a medley of songs from the 70s and 80s. The honoree was later crowned and offered with flowers in keeping with Ilocano birthday traditions. He turned 65 on June 6.

In the ceremonies that fittingly capped Dr. Natividad’s 40 years in government service, President Miriam E. Pascua hailed his contributions in instruction, research, and physical infrastructure while Dr. Artemio B. Alcoy, CAFSD dean, made a powerpoint presentation of the honoree’s professional career. Administration and Business Vice President Ramon Leaño also commended Dr. Natividad for his dedication to the service and his exemplary work ethic.

President Pascua awarded Dr. Natividad a plaque of recognition while Prof. Marcial Gabriel, in his capacity as Faculty Association president, handed another plaque recognizing the honoree’s achievements.

Dr. Natividad began his academic career as an instructor at the Ilocos Norte Institute of Technology in 1972. He retired with the rank of Professor V.

Starting in 1979, he served as administrator, assuming the following designations: chair of the Agricultural Engineering Department (1979-1986); assistant director for research (1991-1992); dean of the College of Agriculture and Forestry (1992-1993); presidential assistant for external affairs (1999-2001); dean of the College of Engineering (2001-2008); and director of the CHED Zonal Research Center (2009). He was director of the Physical Plant and General Services Division since 2009 until he retired. The highest post he held was as vice president for research and extension in 1993-1999. He also chaired various committees, including the Bids and Awards Committee and the Curricular Coding Committee.

Dr. Natividad’s potentials were seen early on in his life. He finished elementary, with honors, at the Nagrebcan Elementary School, Badoc; graduated from high school as valedictorian at the Central Luzon State University (CLSU) in Muñoz City, Nueva Ecija, where one of his relatives  worked; and pursued, also at CLSU, a bachelor’s degree in agricultural engineering as scholar of a Filipino Community in the United States. His master’s at the University of the Philippines Los Baños under a scholarship from the Ford Foundation, and his doctorate at CLSU funded by the UMDP, are both in agricultural engineering.

In response to the tribute feted on him, Dr. Natividad thanked the university community for their trust and confidence. He said the memories he shared with co-workers and students will forever be treasured and that it has been “a big honor” to have served MMSU from its birth to its current stature of distinction and prestige. For all the various positions he assumed, Dr. Natividad revealed his most important role in life when he turned teary eyed while thanking his loved ones for their endless love and support. A devoted family man, he is husband to Academic Affairs Vice President Wilma C. Natividad, father to Jerome and Marissa, and grandfather to Bianca Ysabelle. The family is based in Paoay town.

The College of Engineering also feted him with a retirement program, June 6, at the college’s audiovisual room.