NEWS

Fifty years after they first stepped out of the University as fresh graduates, the UST Medical Technology Class of 1976 celebrated its Golden Jubilee Anniversary. More than just a reunion, the milestone became a profound expression of giving back to their alma mater with the batch contributing almost half a million pesos to support the next generation of Thomasians.

Class of 1976 during the Alumni Walk

The festivities began on February 21, 2026, as the golden jubilarians returned to the familiar grounds of the University of Santo Tomas. The day was highlighted with a nostalgic Alumni Walk where classmates retraced the paths they once took as students five decades ago.

The morning opened with a solemn Thanksgiving Mass held at the George S.K. Ty Function Halls of the Buenaventura Garcia Paredes, O.P., Building, presided over by the Faculty of Pharmacy Regent, Rev. Fr. Hilario Q. Siñgian, Jr., O.P. After the touring the University grounds, the alumni gathered for a short intimate merienda hosted by the Faculty of Pharmacy at the Civil Law Lobby of the Main Building. To witness the University's growth and marvel at the evolution of their alma mater, the batch toured UST Hospital's St. John Paul II Building and the Miguel de Benavides Library.

The Class of 1976 in their academic robes for a commemorative graduation rite during Grand Gala Night.

On February 22, 2026, the celebration culminated in a grand gala night that took place at the Marco Polo Ortigas Manila. The alumni donned their purple and gold academic gowns for a commemorative graduation rite. A deeply moving ceremony saw the awarding of the UST Jubilarian Medals by the Office of Alumni Relations, followed by a grand champagne toast to five decades of professional achievement, friendship, and Thomasian pride. In a display of generosity, the batch turned over an initial donation of PHP 100,000 to the University during the gala.

Representatives of the batch turns over an initial Php100,000 for donations during Grand Gala Night.

Ms. Clemente-Ramirez turns over the batch's donation to the Pharmacy Secretary Asst. Prof. Cadiang.

The lasting impact of the jubilee celebration was further affirmed on April 10, 2026, when Ms. Theresa Clemente-Ramirez, representing the batch, returned to the University for a formal turnover of additional donations. Through the collective efforts of the class, Batch 1976 donated PHP 320,000 to the Faculty of Pharmacy to support Medical Technology scholars, extending assistance to future Thomasian medical technologists in their academic journey. The donation was received by Faculty of Pharmacy Secretary, Asst. Prof. Renz Kenneth G. Cadiang, MS.

(L-R) OAR Director Assoc. Prof., Rocamora, UST REFI Director Rev. Fr. Coronel, Ms. Clemente-Ramirez, and OGEP Director Asst. Prof. Lao.

On the same occasion, the batch also turned over PHP 30,000 to OAR which was subsequently endorsed to the UST Research and Endowment Foundation, Inc. (REFI) and the Office for Grants, Endowments, and Partnerships in Higher Education (OGEP) for the Buenaventura Garcia Paredes, O.P. (BGPOP) Research Fund. The fund aims to strengthen research opportunities for Thomasian students, support staff, and non-tenured faculty. Ms. Clemente-Ramirez was welcomed by OAR Director Assoc. Prof. Joreen Rocamora, PhD, UST REFI Director Rev. Fr. Louie Coronel, O.P., EHL, and UST OGEP Director Asst. Prof. Levine Andro Lao, PhL-MA, PhD.

The Golden Jubilee celebration of the UST Medical Technology Class of 1976 became a meaningful expression of alumni commitment to the University. Through their support for scholarships and research, the batch showed that Thomasian values go far beyond graduation, taking shape in acts of generosity that help sustain the University's mission and uplift future generations.