THE UST College of Science Alumni Association recognized its notable graduates in the Thomasian Outstanding Alumni Scientists Tribute (Toast) Awards last March 2 at the Buenaventura Garcia Paredes, O.P. building.
Dr. Joel Chavez, the association’s president, said the awards, given during its 92nd grand alumni homecoming, were for Science alumni who had exhibited Thomasian values of excellence, compassion and competency.
“With these alumni coming back and sharing their experience and talent, it broadens now what the students’ outlook should be when they enter the professional [field],” Chavez told the Varsitarian.
College of Education Regent Fr. Winston Cabading, O.P. and former prior of Santo Domingo convent Fr. Roland Mactal, O.P. received awards for their service to the Church.
Former faculty member and Miss Earth 2017 Karen Ibasco was awarded for her environmental advocacies.
Actress Charlene Mae Bonnin-Muhlach bagged the Toast award for the performing arts while Dr. Maria Lourdes Marquez was awarded for her exemplary performance in mass media.
Neogin Evangelista and Rudy Chua claimed the awards for the business, management and entrepreneurship category.
Awards for professional practice in medicine were given to Dr. Ma. Minerva Calimag, former president of the Philippine Medical Association and to Dr. Francis Decangchon, an aesthetic and cosmetic surgeon.
Department of Health officials Dr. Eduardo Janairo, Elmer Punzalan and Maria Francia Laxamana were recognized for their services to the government and the public.
Thomasian chemist Errol Angeles received an award for his professional practice in chemistry, as well as his contributions to the production and manufacturing of livestock feed in the country.
The recognition for professional practice in actuarial science was awarded to Maria Asuncion Martin, chief finance officer and treasurer of the Philam Life Assurance Corp.
Anna Katrina Aspuria, United Nations ambassador for sustainable development goals, and Dr. Joframel Paz, who helped indigent patients with mental illnesses, were given awards for their services to humanity.
Author of medical textbooks and University of Illinois clinical medicine professor Dr. Edgar Lerma was awarded for his efforts in science and medical education.
Microbiology scholar Marivic Martin received an award for her scientific research on sociomicrobiology.
The Young Thomasian Scientist award was given to Dr. Nikki Heherson Dagamac, an academician supervising Asean students, and Dr. Pacifico Eric Calderon for his scholarly work and advocacies in medical ethics.
The Toast Award is bestowed to outstanding alumni by the College of Science and its alumni association in recognition of their significant and exemplary contribution to the science community, the nation and the Church.
College of Science Dean John Donnie Ramos and Regent Fr. Louie Coronel, O.P. graced the event.
The first set of awards was given in 2017 to 10 alumni. A. V. Ortega
