Br. Martin Sellner FSC celebrated his 60th year as a De La Salle Brother last November 8, 2015. Attended by the De La Salle Brothers and other guests from DLSZ, De La Salle University, DLS-College of St. Benilde, and DLS-Araneta University, the festivity started at the Our Lady of the Star Chapel with a Holy Mass celebrated by Fr. Robert John Abada OFM (DLSZ 1998), Br. Martin’s former student.
During his thanksgiving speech, Br. Martin regaled the audience with touching yet funny stories of his growing up years in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, his journey to becoming a De La Salle Brother, and how he came to ignite his passion for chemistry. His religious life for six decades is a living testament to the Lasallian mission of teaching minds, touching hearts, and transforming lives.
A dinner reception followed at the Sports Pavilion where the guests were treated to wonderful music rendered by the DLSZ High School Chorale under the masterful supervision of Ms. Marites Panaligan, the DLSZ Strings under the baton of Mr. Leopoldo Sumera, and the DLSZ Symphony Orchestra under the tutelage of Mr. Linwell Lalic and Ms. Nena Chavez. As a surprise to the celebrant, a 3 x 3 ft acrylic-on-wood portrait of Br. Martin, made by Rolly delos Santos, was also unveiled.
Early Years in the Philippines
In September 1985, Br. Martin Sellner FSC – upon the invitation of Br. Andrew Gonzales FSC – went to Manila to join the Department of Chemistry in De La Salle University. For 15 years, Br. Martin did not only teach undergraduate chemistry in DLSU but also in De La Salle Santiago Zobel. He was a Science teacher in DLSZ from school year 1994 to 1999. He found working with Filipino students very satisfying.
He returned to the United States in 2000 for health reasons.
Visit to DLSZ after 12 Years
On June 18, 2012, Br. Martin flew back to Manila and visited DLSZ. A refurbished campus and a number of familiar faces greeted him on his return. Though he is not young as he used to be, Br. Martin still carries a dynamic and charismatic vibe.
A simple welcome back program occurred that gave him the chance to reconnect with his old colleagues.
Second Visit to DLSZ, a year after
On June 2013, Br. Martin Sellner FSC was once again assigned in De La Salle Santiago Zobel School not as a Chemistry teacher but as a consultant for grade school and high school Science laboratories.
Every morning that he comes to DLSZ, Br. Martin greets students and Lasallian Partners in front of St. La Salle Building. He is not hard to identify since he always wears his white robe.
To date, he is DLSZ’s Lasallian Institutional Animator and concurrent De La Salle Araneta University’s consultant for Science laboratories.
