The Master General of the Order of Preachers, Very Rev. Fr. Gerard Francisco P. Timoner III, OP, SThL-MA led the Eucharistic Celebration as the University of Santo Tomas–Legazpi opened its 2024 University Month Celebration.

Fr. Timoner, in his homily, emphasized the importance of giving thanks. He said, “I think, the University is blessed because it is a community that is gathered, that is convoked together by the Eucharistic Lord. Truth. Love. Gratitude. And we gather around the table of thanksgiving, the table of the Eucharist, to give praise and thanks to God for the manifold blessings he has given us. One of these blessings is the gift of Dominican Presence and Preaching here in the Bicol region, through the University of Santo Tomas-Legazpi, which celebrates its 75th foundation anniversary from its beginnings as Legazpi College.”

Former Rectors and Presidents of UST-Legazpi as well as former Priors of the St. Raymond of Peñafort Convent gathered at the Daragang Magayon Hall as the University recognized their great contributions in maintaining the excellence of the institution from the beginning to the present.

The event was graced by the presence of the Master of the Order of Preachers, Very Rev. Fr. Gerard Francisco P. Timoner III, OP, SThL-MA, accompanied by the Dominican Fathers and Sisters. Also in attendance were the Bishop of the Diocese of Legazpi, Most Rev. Joel Z. Baylon, DD and other prominent stakeholders of the University.

Present to receive their awards were Rev. Fr. Ernesto M. Arceo, OP, STL, PhD, the eighth Rector and President of the University of Santo Tomas–Legazpi and the current Prior of St. Raymond of Peñafort Convent, Rev. Fr. Virgilio Aderiano A. Ojoy, OP, SThD, the sixth Rector and President of the University and a former Prior of the St. Raymond of Peñafort Convent, Rev. Fr. Ramonclaro G. Mendez, OP, PhD, the seventh Rector and President of the University, and Rev. Fr. Senen R. Ecleo, OP, MATheo, former Prior of the St. Raymond of Peñafort Convent.

Home to Legazpi Thomasian Visual Artists, the College of Engineering, Architecture, and Fine Arts (CEAFA) showcased its annual art display through the Fra Angelico Exhibit bearing this year’s theme: “Curtain Call”, a tribute to the culmination of the University’s 75th Founding Anniversary.

Rev. Fr. Edwin A. Lao, OP, MM, DBA, Rector and President, led the ribbon-cutting ceremony together with Prof. Susana C. Cabredo, EdD, Vice-President for Academic Affairs; Asst. Prof. Engr. Javier R. Vicera, MBA, Dean of the College of Engineering, Architecture, and Fine Arts; with CEAFA’s faculty, students, and University administrators.

The St. John Macias Trade Fair was a success amidst heavy rains during its opening day at the St. Vincent Ferrer Parking Lot. 

The Trade Fair featured various products from food to apparel made available by students from the Senior High School and the Tertiary.

Tote bags that were handcrafted by the members of the University’s partner community, Purok 6B of Rawis, Legazpi City, were proudly introduced at the trade fair by the Center for Community Involvement Director, Ms. Hazel M. Bermundo.

Assoc. Prof. Celeste T. Yanzon, LlB, DBA, the Dean of the College of Business, Management, and Accountancy together with Prof. Susana C. Cabredo, EdD, Vice-President for Academic Affairs, led the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Meanwhile, Rev. Fr. Roberto S. Castellano Jr, OP, LPT, RGC, Vice-President for Religious Affairs, spearheaded the blessing of the trade fair stalls.

The jampacked UST-Legazpi Dome was filled with the loudest cheers as Legazpi Thomasians showed their support to their representatives in showcasing their singing prowess and dance moves at the Patiribayan 2024. 

The College of Health Sciences secured domination after winning both vocal solo and modern dance while the College of Business, Management, and Accountancy landed as champion in the Battle of the Bands event.

To show appreciation to its employees, the University of Santo Tomas-Legazpi held its annual Employees’ Awards Night last February 2, 2024, at the Daragang Magayon Hall.

This is a testament to UST-Legazpi’s commitment to recognizing its dedicated workforce’s outstanding contributions to the University’s continuous improvement. Employees who rendered 5 years, 10 years, 15 years, 25 years and 35 years in service received their awards.

Anselmo O. Geralde, Audio-Visual Technician of the Physical Plant and Facilities Management Office (PPFMO) and Dr. Arlene Aguilar Faculty of College of Arts, Sciences, and Education (CASE) were the retirees honored during the 2024 Employees’ Awards Night.

Finally, members of the Academic Community honored contributors and collaborators during the 2024 Gratitude Night. 

On the culmination of its 75th Founding Anniversary, UST-Legazpi dedicated a night to express gratitude and appreciation to the esteemed members of the academic community, and valued contributors and collaborators who have been instrumental in the performance of its academic functions; and for the University to shine brightly over the years.

Held last March 8, 2024 at the Daragang Magayon Hall, Rev. Fr. Edwin A. Lao, OP, MM, DBA, UST-Legazpi’s Rector and President handed plaques, certificates, and tokens to academic departments, individuals, and organizations that have contributed to the University’s enduring Thomasian tradition, legacy of excellence, and undying service to the community. Among the honorees were academic departments that have produced topnotchers and those that have accredited programs; regulatory and other government agencies that have supported the University’s operations; and donors to the UST-Legazpi Development Fund. 

Source: UST Legazpi