A BIOCHEMISTRY senior was named valedictorian of the Class of 2025 after attaining the highest general weighted average (GWA) of 1.081 among graduating students this year.
Francis Kenneth Araya of the Faculty of Pharmacy received the Rector’s Award for Academic Excellence — given to seniors with the highest GWA within their academic unit — during the UST Student Awards Day on May 23 at the Quadricentennial Pavilion.
Araya, who was president of the UST Biochemistry Society, said the recognition came unexpectedly as he was juggling both his academic and student-leader responsibilities.
“Hindi ko siya ine-expect kasi ang goal ko talaga before was within our faculty lang kasi cinonsider ko rin na nag-o-org ako,” he told the Varsitarian. “Hati talaga ‘yong time ko with studying and balancing org work. Ngayong na-achieve ko siya, sobrang unexpected.”
“Even though hindi ko first choice ‘yong course, sobrang na-enjoy ko siya,” he added.
In his response on behalf of the student awardees, Araya urged Thomasians to celebrate not just their achievements but the journey they took to get there.
“The medals and certificates we received today may glimmer with recognition, but what truly shines are the stories behind them, the setbacks we endured, the sacrifices we made, and the courage we summoned when things didn’t go as planned,” he said.
“Let’s continue to be relentless in our pursuits, kind in our actions, and of course, humble in our growth. May we remember that greatness is not born from ease, but from effort.”
UST conferred the Rector’s Academic Award on 16 other graduating students:
- Bro. Jonas Mediavilla, O.P. – 1.121 (Faculty of Sacred Theology)
- Bro. Ian Melendres, O.P. – 1.273 (Faculty of Philosophy)
- Maxine Baculo – 94.25 (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery)
- Kazzandra Baysa – 1.109 (Faculty of Arts and Letters)
- Ray Alunen – 1.164 (Faculty of Engineering)
- Maria Condat – 1.121 (College of Education)
- Zeus Cruz – 1.085 (College of Science)
- Jeshana De Guzman – 1.347 (College of Architecture)
- Marie Anisco – 1.152 (College of Commerce and Business Administration)
- Vaeda Figuerres – 1.159 (Conservatory of Music)
- Alexis Mangaoang – 1.239 (College of Nursing)
- Angelica Mendinueto – 1.214 (College of Rehabilitation Sciences)
- Athena Albiento – 1.147 (College of Fine Arts and Design)
- Adrian Reyes – 1.213 (Institute of Physical Education and Athletics)
- Wyner Co – 1.329 (UST-Alfredo M. Velayo College of Accountancy)
- Francine Ganigan – 1.083 (College of Tourism and Hospitality Management)
In his opening remarks, UST Rector Fr. Richard Ang, O.P., reminded the awardees that their recognition came with the responsibility “to continue striving to inspire others.”
“Use your gifts with integrity and in accordance with God’s plan. The road ahead may test you in new ways, but I encourage all of you to face them with the same courage that brought you here.”
UST recognized 26 student leaders with the Quezon Leadership Award, including the Varsitarian editor in chief Logan Zapanta and Circle (Arts and Culture) editor Karis Tsang, who is also president of the UST Journalism Society.
The Pope Leo XIII Community Development Award was given to Meckia Villanueva of the Central Student Council and Christian Beneditto of the Faculty of Pharmacy Student Council for their participation in community development programs. Seven student organizations also received the honor in the group category.
A total of 58 students were granted the Benavides Outstanding Achievement Award, which recognizes Thomasians for their exemplary performance in local or international academic or scientific fields.
Meanwhile, the Pope John Paul II Outstanding Achievement Award was given to 49 students and nine UST varsity teams for their achievements in the field of sports and arts in the local and international scenes.
The UST men’s beach volleyball team was conferred the Pope John Paul II Tradition of Excellence in Sports Event, a special award given to an “institutionally recognized sports event team that has consistently received a championship award for at least five consecutive years.”
Five UST student organizations were honored with the St. Dominic de Guzman Award for Outstanding Teamwork, celebrating their outstanding performance in organizing activities that are significant to the University.
UST also recognized 157 Thomasians who excelled in research with the St. Albertus Magnus Award.
Arts and Letters and Commerce alumna Isabelita Paredes Mercado, president and chief executive officer of IPM Holdings Inc., keynoted the 2025 UST Student Awards Day.
“Let your excellence serve others. Your talents are gifts; use them not just to get ahead, but to lift others. Stand firm in your values, there are times you will be tested,” Mercado told student awardees.
The Student Awards Day is an annual recognition ceremony that celebrates the excellence of Thomasians in various fields. It also marks the start of the “graduation season” at the University.
Class of 2025 graduates will attend their Baccalaureate Mass on May 30 at the UST Open Field, while solemn investiture ceremonies will be held from May 31 to July 1. with reports from Amador Denzel M. Teston.
