USA renames law library as ‘ University of San Agustin – Atty. Henry T. Villegas Law Library’
TO HONOR the contribution of its alumnus to academic excellence and to i nspire l aw students to pursue their studies despite the odds, the University of San Agustin (USA) renamed its law library as the “University of San Agustin – Atty. Henry T. Villegas Law Library” during the symbolic unveiling of the marker on May 21, 2022, at the 2nd Floor of the Fray Luis de Leon Hall.
Atty. Henry T. Villegas rose from humble beginnings to where he is today after struggling hard to finish his BA Liberal Arts in 1971, summa cum laude, and Bachelor of Laws in 1975, cum laude, at the University of San Agustin.
To extol his toil and triumphs, his son, Atty. Jan Freeman Villegas, as the donor, and his wife, Prosecutor Charisse Kay Villegas, will help transform the USA College of Law Library into a more conducive space for law students by improving the facilities and packing it up with resources that are at par with that of the best law schools in the country.
Atty. Jan hopes that law students will be inspired by his father’s achievements and contributions to the legal practice and help them to achieve their goals, as well as help bring positive change and development to the society and serve those who need their expertise the most.
The naming right is the University’s way of memorializing the alumni and its benefactors for extraordinary contributions to their alma mater. It is also a sustainable means which focuses on the naming of infrastructures and spaces in recognition of achievement or a generous donation.
The donation is meant to create an ongoing funding source to help ensure the College of Law’s future by updating its library facilities and provide newer means of learning, maintaining its recognition in 2001 as one of the Law Libraries around the country that keeps on the standards as a rich source for those who practice in the legal field.
University President Fr. Frederick Comendador, OSA, disclosed that within a period of one year, the Atty. Henry T. Villegas Law Library will be transformed into a more conducive and studentfriendly facility, catering to the needs of those who wish to pursue law in the university, which has been performing very well in the Bar examinations and is known for producing top caliber lawyers in this part of the country.
This altruistic action by Atty. Villegas is one of the many notable contributions he and the other alumni have shown the University as there are various ways an Augustinian professional can impact the institution by showing appreciation for the education and formation provided to him or her in the past like by giving others the chance to have a similar experience founded on unitas, caritas, veritas [ truth, unity, charity], and by staying connected with the Augustinian community. It is this invisible thread that binds every member of the community to participate in the development and sustainability of their alma mater no matter how many years have passed.
Believing that the Augustinian alumni go beyond being proof of the institution’s values and brand, they represent the purpose of continuing with the educational opportunities by maintaining meaningful relationships and creating more possibilities to future graduates of the university.
In attendance during the symbolic unveiling of the mark are Atty. Henry T.
Villegas’s wife Shirley C. Villegas, whose support and gratitude for his influence as a lawyer encouraged his children to pay tribute for the good deeds he has done for them.
Their children Dra. Thara Kristelle C. Villegas, Atty. Kenn Henri C. Villegas, and Atty. Sherluck Jun. C. Villegas were also present in the simple rites aside from Atty. Jan, who was joined by his wife, Prosecutor Charisse Kay Villegas, and daughters Julia Villegas and Jeorgia Villegas.
Atty. Henry’s journey to where he is now was no easy feat, but because of his perseverance and desire to become a lawyer, his hard work paid off. This, his son Atty. Jan, wishes to impart with the future Augustinian lawyers./