CATHERINE Mondejar of the College of Tourism and Hospitality Management leads the graduating batch of Thomasians this year as valedictorian, after obtaining the highest general weighted average of 1.11.
Mondejar was among the recipients of the Rector’s Academic Award, UST’s highest academic excellence recognition, during the UST Student Awards at the Quadricentennial Pavilion on Friday.
“As Thomasians, we will strive to uphold the Thomasian core value of competence in the constant quest for academic excellence, the value of commitment for showing utmost dedication in whatever we do, and lastly, compassion by extending a helping hand to those in need. [In] embodying these values, [we] can be masters of our own paths,” Mondejar said in her speech.
Other recipients of the Rector’s award were seminarian Julius Ernhest Berame (Faculty of Philosophy), Bro. Jerone Geronimo, O.P. (Faculty of Sacred Theology), Rolter Lorenz Lee (Faculty of Pharmacy), Fermina Vergara (Faculty of Arts and Letters), Maria Kristina Cassandra Heukshorst (Faculty of Engineering), John Paul Combalicer (College of Education), Jacquelyn Marasigan (College of Science), Chrystelle Jean Fajardo (College of Architecture), Wan Ying Chen (College of Commerce and Business Administration), Denise Faith See (Conservatory of Music), Danielle Grace Tan (College of Nursing), Edward Joseph Tañedo (College of Rehabilitation Sciences), Jelleine Joie Evangelista (College of Fine Arts and Design), Janela Love Nartates (Institute of Physical Education and Athletics), Lahaira Amy Reyes (UST-Alfredo M. Velayo College of Accountancy) and Bryan Matthew Reolope (Institute of Information and Computing Sciences).
Recipients of the Pope Leo XIII Community Development Award were Ma. Diana Kariza Maniti (Commerce and Business Administration), Maria Gieniv Valeriano (Nursing), Nicholas Raphael Arcangel (Science), Hannah Mae Medes (Arts and Letters), Therese Anjhona Mhae Gorospe (Education), Christian Jonel Arnau (Pharmacy), and 12 student organizations. This award is given to students for their involvement in community development activities.
The Quezon Leadership Award, given to students who led and organized activities that contributed to the welfare of the students, and have shown exceptional leadership in organizations outside the University, was given to Christian Jonel Arnau (Pharmacy); Roland Roman Lim, Jr. (Engineering); Rafael Luis Lopez, Nicole Cruz, Ralph Gabriel Buella and I-Shan Kuo (Arts and Letters); and Michael Angelo Abad, Robin Renz Salvador and Joel Joseph Arcamo (Commerce and Business Administration).
The Varsitarian received the St. Dominic de Guzman Award along with nine other student organizations. This award is conferred on student organizations for outstanding performance in organizing activities other than community service, that are of significance to the University.
Eleven students were given the St. Albertus Magnus award, an honor given to students for their outstanding research work.
Twenty-eight students and 16 student organizations, including members of the Varsitarian’s editorial board, were given the Benavides Outstanding Achievement Award. This award is given to students whose performances in regional, national, or international competitions, conferences, or congresses signify the University’s commitment to excellence.
UST Red Cross Youth Council-Pharmacy Unit (Pharmacy), UST-ECO Tigers (Engineering), UST Golden Corps of Cadets and UST Volunteers for UNICEF all received the Tradition of Excellence Award, an honor given to organizations that have won awards for five consecutive years.
Rector Fr. Herminio Dagohoy, O.P., Vice Rector Fr. Richard Ang, O.P., Secretary General Fr. Jesus Miranda, Jr., O.P., Vice Rector for Finance Fr. Rolando Castro, O.P., Maribel Nonato, vice rector for research and innovation, and Cheryl Peralta, vice rector for academic affairs, were present in the awarding ceremony.
