The 91性息港 conferred distinctions on its student achievers at the annual Student Awards Day held on May 24, 2024, at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion Arena.
UST Acting Rector Rev. Fr. Isaias D. Tiongco, O.P., JCD., commended the awardees, saying 鈥淎midst constantly evolving and unprecedented challenges that our social environment faces, the significance of their achievements transcends accolades and applause. It is a testament to their ability to adapt, to innovate and lead with empathy and integrity. Their journey at the 91性息港 has equipped them with more than just academic knowledge, it has instilled in them the virtues of hard work, self-discipline, perseverance, and a profound sense of responsibility towards their community and society.鈥�
Serving as the guest speaker was Ms. Alice G. Eduardo, the founder of the Sta. Elena Construction and Development Corporation, who is an alumna of the College of Commerce and Business Administration in 1986. Blazing a path forward in an industry traditionally dominated by men, the known philanthropist was recently named PeopleAsia鈥檚 Lifetime Achievement Awardee in 2023.
Eduardo shared the five keys to her success 鈥淔irstly, build yourself. Success is not about skill and talent, but hard work, discipline, patience, and relentless pursuit of your dreams. It鈥檚 about waking up with a determination to be better than you were yesterday. It鈥檚 about pushing boundaries, embracing challenges, and learning from failures.鈥�
鈥淏uild your courage. Along the way you will face setbacks, but with enough courage, you will overcome them. Third, build your relationships. To succeed in life, build good relationships in your personal and professional life. Being open, positive, honest, sincere helps establish trust and rapport. Always stay humble and grateful.鈥�
鈥淣ext, build your faith. Faith provides comfort in challenging times, resilience in the face of adversity, and support through fellow members of our Catholic Church.鈥�
鈥淟astly, build for others. Success only means something when it is shared. After you have made something of yourself, contribute to the community. Find causes that mean something to you. Help now that you can. Be generous!鈥�
The construction magnate also emphasized the importance of recognizing the valuable support system that has helped the achievers along their way, such as parents, mentors, and friends. 鈥淭heir belief in you has been instrumental in your success and today we celebrate their contributions as well.鈥�
鈥淎s you bask in your well-deserved honor, keep in mind: This is just the beginning. The road ahead is filled with opportunities and challenges waiting to be conquered. Stay curious, stay hungry for knowledge, and never lose sight of your passion. You are the future leaders, innovators, nation-builders, changemakers of tomorrow. Trust in your abilities and always dream big. Congratulations to all the awardees and may your journey be as bright and inspiring as you are. God bless us all!鈥� concluded the philanthropist.
The top academic achievers from the 18 tertiary and post-baccalaureate academic units received the Rector鈥檚 Academic Award, conferred by the Father Acting Rector Rev. Fr. Isaias D. Tiongco, O.P., JCD., assisted by the Registrar Mr. Cesar Velasco.
The valedictorian for the Class of 2024, who achieved the highest general weighted average of 1.050, was Averille S. Sacapa帽o from the Institute of Physical Education and Athletics.
The Aklan-born tennis athlete delivered the response on behalf of the student awardees. Reflecting on the sacrifices necessary for success through the metaphor of pruning plants, Sacapa帽o shared, 鈥淲e had to trim the things we wanted to prioritize the things we needed to truly cultivate a life that is healthier, more fulfilling, and flourishing, so I want to acknowledge all our efforts, because each one of us has exemplified, dedication, intellect, and commitment.鈥�
鈥淭he knowledge and skills we acquired here are not only tools for personal success, but also instruments for positive change. And of course, we must recognize that our successes are not solely due to our own efforts, they reflect the support and guidance of our professors, coaches, friends, and family. Thank you po because this success is not ours alone, but yours and the University鈥檚,鈥� acknowledged Sacapa帽o.
Nine exemplary officers of recognized organizations received the Quezon Leadership Award for their service, while the Pope Leo XIII Community Development Award was given to two individual students and four organizations for their outstanding involvement in community development.
Eight individuals and 17 groups received the Benavides Outstanding Achievement Award, which is given to students who have academic or scientific accomplishments of national or international significance.
Thirty-four students and ten groups received the Pope John Paul II Outstanding Achievement Award for six organizations that held activities of significance to the entire University.
Thirty-two individuals and 30 groups received the St. Albertus Magnus Award for excelling in research. Among them was Marri Jmelou Roldan from the Graduate School, who published six research papers.
Rector鈥檚 Awardees from the remaining academic units listed in unit establishment order include Br. Gian Linardo Mari T. Estrella from the Faculty of Sacred Theology (1.127), Br. Wesley Kim D. Soguilon from the Faculty of Philosophy (1.118), Kharam B. Molbog from the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery (95.602), Kyle Andrei C. Cabatit from the Faculty of Pharmacy (1.055), Kyla Jane P. Purcil from the Faculty of Arts and Letters (1.083), and JF Nichols G. Cortez from the Faculty of Engineering (1.151).
Shane C. Mia from the College of Education (1.064), Vinz Ymmanuelle C. Tatad from the College of Science (1.070), Paul Cesar S. Catama from the College of Architecture (1.314), Andrea Mae Nicole S. Ariola from the College of Commerce and Business Administration (1.184), Deiniel H. Sanchez from the Conservatory of Music (1.079), Angelo B. Urfano from the College of Nursing (1.243), and Tricia Pascual from the College of Rehabilitation Sciences (1.143) were the top students of their respective academic units.
Also achieving the highest GWA in their academic units were Rita Corazon Ma. B. Layug from the College of Fine Arts and Design (1.103), Alexia Nichole R. Guadalupe from the UST-AMV College of Accountancy (1.241), Maridel Ann P. Capistrano and Patricia Nicole S. Sacay from the College of Tourism and Hospitality Management (1.052), and Athena Bianca R. Patricio from the College of Information and Computing Sciences (1.062)
Finally, winning the St. Thomas Aquinas Award was Deiniel H. Sanchez from the Conservatory of Music, for being a Rector鈥檚 Awardee who also achieved two or more personal awards within the duration of his program. Fr. Tiongco and Student Awards Committee Chair and Secretary-General Rev. Fr. Louie R. Coronel, O.P., EHL, conferred this prestigious award.
