Samuel Raphael P. Medenilla

THE SELECTION of a new rector has always been one of the most awaited events throughout the University’s history. However, beyond the pomp and gaiety of welcoming UST’s chief executive is a long and carefully organized process of nominating candidates, which has evolved along with the University’s 397 years of existence.

The process depends on the institutions that were added or removed during the course of history.

According to Fr. Fidel Villarroel, O.P. the University archivist, the process of selecting a new rector during the early years of the University occurred during the elective chapters meetings composed by the different superiors of the Dominican houses in the Philippines. These meetings are convened every two years. On the other hand, provincial chapters are convened every four years in order to discuss internal matters among the Dominicans including the selection of the members of the elective chapters.