Upcoming Alumni Events

Navathi Festivities

For in-depth news of the Navathi Program, please visit our Navathi website.

NRI Reunion

Saturday July 17, 2010

Summer is the time when most NRI's visit Kerala. So, based on the recommendation by the Kuwait Chapter of the UCC Alumni Association, the Governing Body of the College has given OK to have an NRI reunion in July. We know, it is short notice; but if you tell all your friends about this, we can spread the news by word-of-mouth. We will give more details as they become available. If you are planning to be in Kerala on July 17th, please plan to attend the reunion.

Reunion of 1968-70 Batch of Pre-degree IInd Group

Babu Joseph, an alumnus of UCC and a member of the 1968-70 PDC 2nd group batch, is organizing a reunion in late 2010 or early 2011. More details.

News Headlines
(Details in Archive.)

Dr. APJ Kalam, Former President of India, visited the college on Saturday, June 5. In a surprise move, he  visited the chapel, the Principal's office, and the Gandhi Mango Tree. He also planted an Asoka plant (a highly medicinal endangered herb) to commemorate the World Environment Day. In front of an overflow crowd at the UCC's New Seminar auditorium and an overflow crowd who watched the proceedings via TV, Dr. Kalam told the assembled that they have a responsibility to keep the Gandhi's ideals. Read more

Bini Baby, 1990-93 B Sc. Physics Died in a Car Accident

Bini Baby, from 1990-93 BSc Physics and former inmate of East Hostel, passed away on March 31, 2010 in a car accident at Angamaly. She was a teacher at DonBosco School, Angamaly.

Bini Baby was from Thrikkalathur, near Muvattupuzha.. Her funeral was on June 1st at 10 am. May her soul rest in peace.

The Tragic demise Dr. Raveendran, Distinguished Alumnus of the College (B.Sc. Physics 1973-76 Batch)

A fatal traffic accident near Tiruvanandapuram has taken the lives of Dr. Raveendran and his wide Dr. Sudha. They are survived by their daughter Reshmi. More details

Dr. T. Thomas Philip Was Installed as the New Principal of UCC on Saturday, March 20, 2010

In a solemn ceremony at the college chapel attended by a big crowd, Dr. T. Thomas Philip, Head of the Department of Zoology and coordinator of Biotechnology Division and Bursar of the college was installed as the new Principal of U C College on Saturday, March 20, 2010 at 11:15 AM. Rt. Rev. Dr. Zacharias Mar Theophilus, Suffragan Metropolitan of Marthoma Church and a member of the Standing Council of UC College and an alumnus of the college, delivered the installation message.

It was indeed a simple, blessed solemn occasion. The college chaplain Rev. Johny George and former manager Rev. K. C. Mathew lead the worship.

Bishop Rt. Rev. Dr. Zacharias Mar Theophilus delivered a powerful message. He remembered the contributions of the outgoing Principal Dr. Varghese John. He gave very clear expectations of the UCC Management from the new leader reminding him to be taking up the Christ like leadership - the master who becomes a servant and willingness to be one among the group. Dr. Thomas Philip was encouraged to bring new visions for the College and to take the College to greater heights. He further referred to those disciples who wanted to sit on the right and left of the Lord and the answer Jesus Christ gave. The experience of St. Peter on the hilltop (transfiguration) to make three tabernacles to keep the experience frozen was also cited.

Thirumeni reminded the attendees about the diverse leadership challenges that we face today. The role of Union Christian College principal is to enlarge vision of the founders, enthuse people around, and to ensure love. Recalling a meaningful African proverb, Thirumeni said "If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go farther, go together."

Thirumeni concluded his message by aptly quoting the words of Albert Einstein, "Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value."

Sources: Dr. Rajan Varughese, Dr. Thara Simon)

Dr. Thomas Philip will take charge as the new principal on April 1, 2010 from the outgoing principal Dr. Varghese John.

Dr. Thomas Philip is an internationally recognized expert on Immunoparasitology. He received his Ph D from University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada. He has done post doctoral fellowship in Molecular Parasitology at University of Guelp, Canada. He also did another post doctoral fellowship at University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada. Dr. Philip passed with first ranker at University of Calicut M Sc Zoology. In addition to his stellar professional career that led to over 17 papers in internationally recognized journals, he is also the choir master and organist of the UCC Choir.

Take a look at his CV here.

We wish Dr. Thomas Philip continued success as the new Principal of UC College.

Dr. A. Benny Cherian the new Bursar, Prof. P. J. Aleyamma, Secretary of Standing Council

Dr. A. Benny Cherian will be the bursar of the college from April 1st onwards. Prof. P. J. Aleyamma, Dean Administration and HOD of Botany will be the new Secretary of the Union Christian College Standing Council.
Learn more about UCC Standing Council

Prof. K. P. Mathew hospitalized

Dr. David Saj spends a semester in USA

Abraham Joseph, UCC Alumnus and Father of Pravin Philip Departed

50 Lakhs for Botany from Science and Technology, India

E- Journal package - Gift from Dr. James Jacob

Dr. Sunny Kuriakose Leaves UCC to Become Principal of B. P. C. College Piravom

Botany alumni Reunion 2009 and dedication of TCJ Garden

Botany alumni reunion was well attended. Rt. Rev. Dr. Zacharias Mar Theophilus Safragan Metropolitan, (B. Sc. Botany 1957 – '59 and member of Union Christian College Standing Council) lead the dedication ceremony of TCJ Botanic Garden. In his key note address, Thirumeni highlighted the significance of Indian concept of worshiping nature, particularly plants. Thirumeni reminded us that the fullness of life is in having memories and dreams. Read the full story

Botanical Garden Photo Tour

More News

Faculty News
Featured Faculty and alumni in the news.

Enhancing the elearning environment of UCC
Prof. V. K. Subhadra of the Dept of Physics and her team are collaborating with the Centre for Environmental Studies of UCC to develop innovative computer based teaching- learning techniques to enhance the e-learning environment of class rooms. more

Dr. M. Anil Kumar attends the National Conference of Indian Academy of Sciences

Mr. Sreejith, Research Fellow of Indian Academy of Sciences, To Collaborate with UCC

Prof. TM Mathew Passes Away

UCC Alumni Forum

Articles

I would very much like to see UCC as a Centre of Excellence in our country in Academics, Morality, and Social Commitment. UCC must have the necessary infrastructure, the ambiance, and the facilities to achieve this.
(Read the full article)

Reminiscences on Prof. T R AnanthaRaman
Prof. AnanthaRaman is remembered for many different things by people who worship him literally. It may be for the "AnanthaRaman Manthra" the frugality and conservation. It may be for the dedication as a teacher. One present teacher called him a "saint" of UCC. JP, an old student of Prof. AnanthaRaman recalls fond memories of his teacher in this must read article. It also has some rare photos and letters.

On Prof. Anantharaman- my father and my teacher by Trikur Ramanarayanan
After reading the moving and compelling article by JP on my father, Prof. Anantharaman, I feel the urge to pen a few lines of my recollection of my father (also my teacher) touching on the ‘Anantharaman mantra’, so eloquently expounded by JP, and his role as a teacher in the class room. I am very grateful to JP for bringing out vividly and truthfully the characteristics of my father. As I join with him in extolling my father, I do so not as a son praising his father, but as a student praising his teacher.

Story of a Father
Caught between serving the nation at time of war and being with the family when the first born was going through a serious health crisis, Major Jacob Philipose had to make a choice. He did. This article appeared in Vanitha in February 1999. In JP's own words, "I was at the bottom of the pit when the incident described here has happened. Some of you may have gone through or may be going through similar or even worse experience in life. If this will give you inspiration to stand your ground when calamities strike, I will say "mission accomplished"." JP is one of the distinguished sons of UC College.(1951-55) Article in Malayalam in pdf format.

Christian Identity In A Secular World
To many people, Christian higher education is associated with academic excellence and service to humankind. One can understand why Christians would think this way, but what is remarkable is that a good number of non-Christians in countries where Christianity is a minority religion also think so. Christian higher education has impacted many lives and indirectly exerted a significant influence in many societies. The men and women who went through Christian higher education may not become Christians, but they often learn Christian values that affect the way they view the world and make important decisions.
Read the full article

More Articles

Special Feature

Standing Behind the Promise:
A Distinguished Alumnus Making it Whole

The name Dr. K.C. Chacko is familiar to most of us. The first thing that comes to our minds when we hear that name is his love for the alma mater, UC College. Dr. Chacko had the privilege of working under the founders of the college and he knows first hand what their vision was for the college. He learned that it is better to give than to talk big and not following up.

One of the long cherished dream of KC (as he is called by his friends) is the International House. KC knows that before a college can become a world class institution, it need to have the logistics to support it. In this global age, visitors need a place to stay comfortably in a place that has state of the art communication systems available. Plus, you need conferencing facilities to communicate with outside world. International House is designed to have all these. Recently, the college GB has approved this project. (See Details here.) The project also has the support of several outside organizations.

Recently (December 2007), KC has donated $10,000.00 towards this project. He hopes that the rest of the alumni will take his lead and donate generously to make this project a reality.

In the past, Dr. Chacko contributed $5000 to the college. The primary purpose of this donation was to help college in funding expenses involved in international linkages and to fund the operation of the alumni office.

Dr. Chacko was very hesitant to publicize this information; I had convinced him that by making this public, we may motivate other alumni to come forward and to do his/her share to the college. One of Dr. Chacko's pet projects is the UCC Directory Project. He hopes to see that come to come to fruition soon. (see below)

Dr. Chacko wants everyone to know that you can now donate money to the college through AANA, the North American Chapter of the UCC Alumni Association that has got full Non Profit Organization Registration from the Internal Revenue Service. So, all donations made through AANA may be tax deductible (but check with your tax advisor to be sure.)

Class photo of Dr. K.C. Chacko

More Information about tax benefits of donating through AANA can be found here.

Academic Website of the College

UC College academic website gives detailed information about the college, academic programs, faculty, administration etc. The address of this website is: www.uccollege.edu.in If you want to know about the courses offered, the departments, faculty, admission materials etc., please visit that website.