NEWS

CAPTION: Rector's Cup 5 Champion Team Medicine & Surgery

The fifth edition of the Rector's Cup: Thomasian Alumni Golf Tournament drawn in 211 alumni golfers and guests to join the advocacy in funding the university's student-athletes who compete in national and international sports events. The tournament, organized by the Office of Alumni Relations (OAR), was held at the Forest Hills Golf & Country Club in Antipolo, Rizal on February 6, 2023. 

This year's tourney intended the reinvigoration of solidarity and loyalty of the alumni to the university after the two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. Sponsors such as Wilcon Depot, DivinaLaw, DATEM, Inc., and Shinagawa Lasik & Aesthetics also rejoined and guaranteed its commitment to the cause. The full day event saw the dedication of the community that brought in the largest turnout of golfers since the tournament's inception. 

Tournament Chairman Dr. Ian Laurel highlighted the series' distinction from others where different college teams host the competition every year. ?This fosters the engagement and participation of all alumni, making it more exciting, bigger, more vibrant, and more relevant each and every year,? said Dr. Laurel during the post-tournament interview. He also admired the support and leadership of the Rector which inspires them to continue on with the advocacy.  

A fellowship banquet and awarding ceremonies followed the morning of golf and was graced by the presence of UST Vice Rector Rev. Fr. Isaias D. Tiongco, O.P., JCD, and IPEA Director and Regent Rev. Fr. Rodel S. Cansancio, O.P . The ceremony was hosted by Faculty of Engineering Team Captain Engr. Ronaldo Fernando and Dr. Laurel. 

Ten teams which consisted of different colleges and a high school department competed over the coveted perpetual championship trophy created by Arch. Ramon Orlina. The teams of Faculty of Engineering and Faculty of Pharmacy tied at 571 points. However, the Pharmacy team clinched the third runner up title with 9 birdies in Team Event while the Engineering team only birdied 2 placing them at the fourth. The first time podium finisher Faculty of Arts and Letters team unexpectedly sealed its 2nd runner up finish with 568 points. A great upset has met the College of Science as their team committed a couple of errors garnering them 562 points which takes them a few steps back from defending the crown. Meanwhile, the Rector?s Cup 3 champs Faculty of Medicine & Surgery team made a comeback with only 557 points, thus securing the top spot for this year's event.

For the sixth Rector's Cup, the College of Architecture will host the competition headed by Arch. Eduardo Casares as the Tournament Director. Under his helm, he aims to make it bigger in terms of golfer population and funds collected for the beneficiaries. He also intends to tap other forms of media to spread more awareness of the cause.