Contemporary leadership: UST recognizes outstanding Thomasian alumni
The four- century old university, The Royal Pontifical Catholic University of Santo Tomas ( UST), has produced graduates who have become catalysts, innovators and leaders of our nation. Heroes, presidents, statesmen, doctors, educators, writers, poets, artists, engineers, businessmen, journalists, priests, public servants and many others, these are proud Thomasians who have helped shape the course of our country’s history and society.
Exceptional performance and admirable endeavors often remain unheralded because they are done not for recognition, but because of one’s strong sense of personhood and responsibility to others. The university, as an institution, acknowledges that her graduates foster change in our thriving country. For this reason, UST, through the Office of Alumni Relations ( OAR) and the UST Alumni Association, Inc., biennially conducts The Outstanding Thomasian Alumni ( TOTAL) Awards.
The TOTAL Awards recognize chosen Thomasian alumni who have given invaluable contributions to society and the Church, exemplifying his/ her alma mater’s core values in his/ her field of expertise. The award honors contemporary leadership, competence in pioneering human endeavors, commitment to one’s profession and compassion for others—the Thomasian way. The outstanding Thomasians were awarded last November 18 at the Dr. Robert Sy Grandballroom of the Buenaventra G. Paredes, O. P. Building in the UST campus.
The highest honor
The TOTAL Award is the highest honor bestowed by the university upon Thomasian alumni. A TOTAL awardee must: be an alumnus or alumna of UST; has outstanding achievements and exceptional contributions to his or her industry or specialization; has earned peer recognition in his or her field of expertise; has exemplary moral and Christian conduct, has loyalty to the university; and has significant contributions to UST’s achievement of its mission and vision.
This year, 28 alumni coming from various fields of expertise, namely accountancy, architecture, business, entrepreneurship, health, engineering, education, humanities, public service, law, media and the Church, were bestowed with the prestigious title. These outstanding Thomasians have exemplified the three core values that are demanded from Thomasians, wherever they maybe in this world: Compassion, Commitment and Competence. Here are this year’s awardees. 28 TOTAL Awardees • J. Carlitos G. Cruz ( BSC Accountancy, 1981) • Arch. Carmelo T. Casas ( BS Architecture, 1976) • A rc h . Edgar V. Reformado (BS Architecture, 1957) • Enrico L. Torres ( BSC Business Administration, 1988; PhD Commerce, 1998) • Elena Mari Ginia R. Domingo ( Grade School, 1977; High School, 1981; BSC Economics, 1985) • Engr. Carmela R. Centeno ( BS Chemical Engineering, 1992) • Dr. Allan B. De Guzman ( BSE Computer Education, 1993; MA Education, 1996; PhD Education, 1999) • Engr. Rolando R. Evangelista ( BS Mechanical Engineering, 1980) • Dr. Carlito E. Balita ( BS Nursing, 1991) • Hon. Aurelio M. Umali ( AB Political Science, 1986) • Dr. Salvador L. Abiera (BS Physical Therapy; MD, 1983) •Dr. Raul V. Destura (BS Microbiology, 1992) • Dr. Reynaldo L. Lee- Llacer ( MD, 1958) • Dr. Juan P. Sanchez, Jr. ( BS General Medicine, 1976; MD, 1980) • Cristina C. Hendrix ( BS Nursing, 1991) • Amelia B. Rosales ( BS Nursing, 1966) • Dr. Apolonio L. Lasala ( MD, 1970) • Leonor A. Tsai ( BS Nursing, 1967) • Dr. Michael M. Coroza ( AB Philosophy, 1990) • Antonio S. Adriano ( BFA Interior Design, 1972) • Justice Teresita V. Diaz- Baldos ( AB English, 1966; LLB, 1970) • Lawyer Rosario T. Setias- Reyes ( AB Political Science, 1969; LLB, 1973) • Cesar Y. Apolinario (AB Communication Arts, 1998) • Lucien C. Dy Tioco (AB Journalism, 1985) • Fr. Leo Nilo C. Mangussad ( BM, 1984) • Prof. Gerardo C. Janairo ( MS Chemistry, 1982) •Archbishop Bernard ito C. Auza ( LPh, 1981; LSTh, 1986; MA Education, 1986 • Michael Alexander C. Ocampo (AB Communication Arts, 1987) There were also two special awards, the Young Thomasian Achiever Award and the Outstanding Thomasian Family. The same criteria apply for the Young Thomasian Achiever, who should not be more than 35 years old. On the other hand, for the Outstanding Thomasian Family, all members must have earned their respective baccalaureate and/ or graduate degrees from UST. Young Thomasian Achievers • Engr. Albert Joseph C. Emas ( BS Mechanical Engineering, 2005) • Rubilen D. Amit ( BS Accountancy, 2002) Outstanding Thomasian Family • Lasala Family
Exemplary Thomasians
Awardees are nominated either by their respective deans, principals or regents; any administrator, faculty member, support staff or student; any recognized UST alumni association; any recognized Thomasian alumni chapter or groups; any former recipient of the TOTAL Award; any Thomasian alumnus or alumna; any accredited professional organization and its affiliates; or any reputable institution.
“An exemplary Thomas ian demonstrates to the society, the Church and his/ her industry the belief in the worth and dignity of men and women that make up the organization,” shares 2016 TOTAL screening committee chair Henry Tenedero.
The nominees went through an extensive selection process, which determined the candidates for final review by the USTAAI Board Trustees and for approval by the Rector.
“True excellence in leadership is exemplified by noting that all the nominees not only mastered the ‘ how-to-do- it’ skills alone, but were able to manifest the ‘ how- to- be’ character of a true Thomasian leader,” Tenedero says.
“The message of the TOTAL Awardees to the entire Thomasian community: ‘ Dare to envision life and community as a whole, view work as an excellent opportunity to express everything with great passion and possess the courage to lead the front on the issues, principles, vision and mission.’ I invite Thomasian alumni to take part in the 2018 TOTAL Awards and be the shining examples of leaders who know how to listen with their hearts in mind worthy of emulation of every Thomasian,” he concludes.