By Cynthia Shank and Tatiana Onofre
A lanyard may seem like just a strip of fabric that holds an ID, but at Silliman University (SU), it’s much more than that. For Sillimanians, it’s a badge of identity, a token of pride, and a symbol of belonging— one that represents their academic journeys, personal growth, and the communities they’ve found along the way.
AJ Lluisma, a senior Psychology student, knows firsthand how much thought goes into designing one. As a member of the SU Psychology Society’s merchandise team, she recalls how she got involved in the process.
Designing the lanyard wasn’t just about aesthetics— it had to reflect what it means to be a psychology student.
“We had to fit so much into such a small space, so we focused on key elements,” AJ explains. Navy blue was chosen to match the Psychology Society’s logo, while a gradient of light blue and purple added depth. Printed along its length are the four goals of psychology: Describe, Explain, Predict, and Control. It serves as a subtle yet powerful reminder of psychology’s purpose.
Beyond the design, AJ sees a psychological connection to why students value their lanyards.
“Our material things are extensions of ourselves. That’s why we feel attached to them,” she says. “A Psych lanyard isn’t just fabric; it makes us feel like we belong, that we’re part of something bigger.”
For John Russell Mendez, a second-year Physical Therapy student, his lanyard represents years of memories.
“I’ve been at Silliman since early childhood, so for me, the lanyard isn’t just an ID holder. It’s a symbol of home,” he shares. “It has witnessed my growth, from wandering the big campus as a kid to navigating life as a college student.”
More than that, it serves as a reminder of Silliman’s values.
“Carrying the words Via, Veritas, Vita (The Way, The Truth, The Life) has shaped me. It reminds me of my competence, character, and faith.”
He also noticed how lanyard culture has evolved. “Before, students mostly wore the basic red Silliman lanyard. Now, it’s become common to wear them outside of school, even on weekends. It’s like carrying a piece of Silliman with you.”
Mendez pointed out that for Physical Therapy students, the lanyard carries extra significance— it symbolizes their dedication to healing and rehabilitation. “No matter how hard the course gets, wearing it reminds me why I’m here and what I’m working toward,” he elaborates.
John Alfie Rendon, a second-year Bachelor of Secondary Education student, sees his lanyard as a personal statement. “For me, my lanyard isn’t just my name tag card — it’s a badge of pride,” he shares.
Over the years, lanyards have evolved into more than just school essentials. “Now, students personalize their lanyards, using them to highlight their identities and affiliations with clubs and activities. Some attach keychains or pins that reflect their interests, making lanyards a form of self-expression,” Rendon explains.
Greleen Perez, a third-year Computer Science student, agrees.
“It’s not just an accessory— it represents my struggles, achievements, and the friendships I’ve made along the way,” she says. “Silliman lanyards show which department you belong to, but also reflect your personal journey.”
To her, even the smallest details— like a lanyard’s colors and design— carry deeper meaning. “Every time I wear mine, I feel proud to be part of this community,” continued Perez.
But lanyard culture isn’t limited to departments— student publications have also embraced this tradition, crafting designs that represent their identity.
For Portal 2025, this year’s lanyard reflects the theme “Our Chapter: Turning the Next Page Together.” The red-dominated design features acacia branches, iconic campus symbols, and SU’s official flower, a variegated gumamela (hibiscus), capturing the nostalgia and milestones of every graduate.
Similarly, the Weekly Sillimanian (tWS), the university’s official student publication, wears its identity with pride. TWS’ lanyard features a sleek black base with dynamic, marble-like streaks of red, blue, purple, orange, yellow, brown, white, and maroon— colors symbolizing the diversity of stories the publication covers.
Boldly printed along its length is “Towards a Progressive Campus Press” — a statement reflecting tWS’ mission to push for a more informed and empowered student body.
More than just an accessory, tWS’ lanyard signifies the responsibility that comes with being part of the campus press. It represents a commitment to truth, accountability, and storytelling— core values that have shaped generations of student journalists. Wearing it serves as a reminder of the power of the press and the duty to amplify every voice.
Lanyards at Silliman University have evolved from simple ID holders to powerful symbols of identity, discipline, and community. Each department and organization with a personalized lanyard now boasts its own designs, and students wear them with pride— on and off campus.
At Silliman, a lanyard isn’t just something you wear— it’s a thread that connects you to a shared journey, a legacy, and a home.
