NEWS

First set of Thomasian Alumni Card partners during the awarding of Certificate of Appreciation.

The UST Office of Alumni Relations held its annual appreciation event last December 6, 2024, at the Dr. Robert C. Sy Grand Ballroom, Thomasian Alumni Center, Buenaventura Garcia Paredes, O.P. Building, University of Santo Tomas - Manila.

During the Appreciation Night 2024, OAR cited 95 Thomasian Alumni Card partners, 14 UST department units, three student organizations, seven publication contributors, eight sponsors, and one industry partner.  Among the alumni card partners include: Astoria Hotels, Belmont Hotel Boracay, Dr. Tooth Smile Dental Clinics, Enchanted Kingdom, George Optical, Highlands Coffee, Hilton Hotels, Makati Medical Care Access Araneta City, Metro Dental Philippines, Paras Garments Alter Station, Red Planet Hotels, Reddoorz Philippines, Shinagawa Diagnostic & Preventive Care, The Farm at San Benito, The Manila Hotel, Tinapayan Festival Bakeshoppe, Vision Express, and Waltermart Supermarket.

Also recognized were the sponsors of the sixth Rector's Cup: Thomasian Alumni Golf Tournament, which contributed to raising over Php 3 million for the benefit of Thomasian student-athletes. The sponsors include Wilcon Depot, DivinaLaw, Skynet Travel Corp., Philippine Airlines, Boysen Philippines, City Service Corporation, JYL Athletica, and AKB General Merchandise.

Mr. Potenciano Clarito Chavez during this response message.

Tinapayan Festival Bakeshoppe Operations Manager Potenciano Clarito Chavez, an alumnus of the University, delivered his response message on behalf of the alumni card partners during the event.

"As we reflect on the remarkable achievements of our beloved institution and its alumni, we are reminded that the strength of any great university lies not only in its academic excellence but also in the bonds it forms-bonds that extend beyond the classroom and into the real world," said Mr. Chavez. He pointed out that the collaborations of the partners with the University impact students, alumni, and the communities in which they all operate, thus driving economic growth, technological progress, and societal well-being.

"I extend our sincere gratitude and mutual appreciation for your continued trust to our partnership, and for the opportunity to be part of such vibrant and impactful network," he added.

The alumni associations and groups cited during the awarding.

For this year's Appreciation Night, OAR also recognized six alumni associations and chapters who have initiated remarkable programs and activities in line with the mission and vision of the University.

The UST Alumni Association Hong Kong Chapter (USTAAHK) was awarded The Torch of Innovation for having the most innovative projects involving Filipino immigrants and overseas workers in Hong Kong.

The Heart of Purpose award was given to the UST Senior High School Alumni Association for their meaningful project called "Isang Patak: Isang Buhay Blood Donation Drive". The association partnered with the Philippine Red Cross - Caloocan City Chapter to reach more communities as beneficiaries.

The UST Atelier Alumni Association Inc. received The Evergreen Award for their most sustainable project, the Vision series. Introduced in 2021, Vision is a chain of quality art exhibits featuring the works of prominent Thomasian visual artists. It has launched five installments titled "Vision: Interpolation," "Vision: Insight," "Vision: Propel," "Vision: Compendio," and "Vision: Paradigm."

Two alumni associations were honored with The Ripple Effect award for their most impactful projects for the University or their chosen beneficiaries.

Tomasinong SOCCSKSARGEN, the alumni chapter in General Santos City, was recognized for their invaluable efforts throughout the years in helping the University for the establishment of the UST GenSan.

The Mega Service series of APOPI Alumni Association was commended for the same award. The group has launched three Mega Service installments, offering medical, dental, and eye check-ups, reading glasses distribution, feeding program, and gift-giving.

Interest-based alumni group, Thomasian Alumni Leaders Association (TALA), received The Golden Hand award for having the most number of charitable projects. TALA has consistently launched donation drives during calamities, reaching communities affected by typhoons.

Five companies were also recognized for The Giving Tree award for their generosity and contributions to different University events. These companies were Wilcon Depot, DivinaLaw, Wingfinity - Torre Central UST, Tinapayan Festival Bakeshoppe, and Manila Café.

Yumul during her acceptance speech on behalf of the awardees.

USTAAHK President Jan Yumul gave her acceptance speech on behalf of all the awardees.

"What a celebration it was to finally be seen - recognized, not just here, but overseas - and yet to also be put in this position that carries great responsibility to serve, incorporating the core Thomasian values: competence, commitment, compassion, and - as part of my tall order as president - community engagers in every single thing that we do," Yumul said. "These values have been crucial tools in building the integrity, credibility, and trustworthiness of not just our association but of the Thomasian brand." 

The alumni group in Hong Kong was launched in January 2024 and has continued to spearhead events and engagements for its 60+ members, such as free Cantonese classes, donation drives, hospital visit projects, wine-tasting nights, equal opportunities dialogues, sports festivals with other Philippine university alumni associations, and the localization of the Thomasian Alumni Card privilege program in Hong Kong. Yumul promised a more active and community-building-focused alumni chapter, hopefully expanding to Macao in the future.

Asst. Prof. Rocamora during her speech.

OAR Director Asst. Prof. Joreen T. Rocamora, PhD, expressed her gratitude for the commitment and dedication of all the University's partners, sponsors, and awardees. She lauded the efforts of helping the office create impactful programs designed to address the evolving needs of the alumni community. She invited everyone to explore potential collaborations with OAR and build more opportunities for the alumni and industry partners for 2025.