The commemoration of St. Joseph’s College 70th Anniversary has taken former student and businessman, Komisi Chan Mow, down memory lane.

Speaking in an interview with the Samoa Observer, the head of Chan Mow Company Ltd. said he is proud of the college's history and what the school has managed to achieve.

“Seventy years since I remember the time when we were in school," he said. "The facilities were bad and unsafe. The students these days are very lucky, they are now educated behind fancy windows and well-constructed buildings."

“And having the knowledge that I am one of the founding members of the Saint Joseph’s College is just one of the proudest things for me.”

Looking back at his years in school, Mr. Chan Mow said a lot has changed with the education system and the college’s facilities.

“I also remember when we first started the St. Joseph’s at Lotopa in 1960, there were a very few teachers as well as students,” he said.

“It was not enough to start a school but we did not give up.”

After graduating from Marist Primary School in Mulivai in the early 50s, Mr. Chan Mow and his classmates played a key role in the development of the college.

Still applicable at the college today is the motto of the school for teamwork, he added.

He recalled that the school was traditionally very good at rugby and boxing.

Mr. Chan Mow is the father of 10 children and is a grandfather. 

“Back then, the Saint brothers (Felela) were always the best teachers, they taught us about what we should learn in terms of education as well as the behaviour.

“Today, not many felela are educating the students which is something the school should look at. A lot of successful people all began their journey in those worn out classrooms back then at St Joseph.”

Among them was Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Dr. Sa'ilele Malielegaoi, was also among the founding members of the school.