On May 4, 2017 (Thursday), the University of Santo Tomas honored thirty-eight (38) faculty retirees in simple ceremonies at the Blessed Buenaventura G. Paredes, O.P. Building. Organized by the Office of the Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs, the annual event pays tribute to faculty members who have reached the mandatory retirement age of 65 and those who opted for early retirement after having served the University for at least 20 years.
The dawning of a new chapter
In her opening remarks, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs Clarita D. Carillo, PhD noted that the event’s name–Testimonial for Retirees–must not be looked at as an end, similar to how the word “retirement” is commonly thought of. Instead, retirement is an opportunity for the honorees to replace their old tires and start a new chapter in their lives. “Retirement is also a commencement,” said Carillo, who enumerated big names in history who contributed immensely to society even though they were already advanced in age.
Carillo noted that while in the past, the event was held in the evening, the occasion was made a morning affair in order to symbolically recognize the start of a new phase in the lives of the honorees.
In a world obsessed with youth
For his part, UST Rector Fr. Herminio V. Dagohoy, O.P. called on the retirees, whom he quipped seemed to have found the mythical fountain of youth, to remember that while modern society is obsessed with youth, words like “legacy, impact, stability, and longevity are not associated with youth. Instead, they are attributed to those who are advanced in age.” Dagohoy emphasized that despite noticeable signs of aging, those who are advanced in age have battles that they have won, have overcome setbacks, and have cried tears that cleansed their vision of the future.
The Rector closed his remarks by praying for the retirees, whom he thanked profusely for their years of service to the University.
Sailing on
Responding on behalf of the retirees, former Faculty of Engineering dean Alberto A. Laurito, who served the University for 43.5 years, called the day a day of “mixed emotions” for his “batch mates,” as they “graduate from serving the University.” “I believe we feel gratitude, sadness, some level of denial, concern, and hope now that we are leaving UST, whom we have served for so long…Let us, however, have faith in what lies ahead.”
Laurito recognized that the University is in the midst of a great transition and will continue to face new challenges in the coming years, brought about by local and international movements in education. “Stay true to who we are and face the challenges head-on.”
The thirty-eight faculty retirees are (classified according to their affiliation):
College of Education
Asst. Prof. Madeline B. Dionora
Prof. Jose Dakila N. Espiritu, PhD
Assoc. Prof. Rhodelia H. Mendoza, PhD
Asst. Prof. Cristina C. Sagum
Faculty of Engineering
Prof. Alberto A. Laurito
Prof. Nancy Eleria, PhD
Assoc. Prof. Marifa S. Torralba, PhD
College of Fine Arts and Design
Asst. Prof. Danilo P. Santiago
Asst. Prof. Gil O. Santos
Junior High School
Mr. Wilfredo Ornedo
Ms. Nerissa Peñamora
Ms. Noemi S. Visorde
Miguel de Benavides Library
Ms. Estrella S. Majuelo
Faculty of Medicine and Surgery
Prof. Buena Fe A. Apepe, MD
Prof. Romulo A. Buzon, Jr., MD
Prof. Rosalia M. Buzon, MD
Assoc. Prof. Antonio M. Cruz, MD
Assoc. Prof. Manuela T. de Jesus, MD
Prof. Emelita A. Gan, MD
Assoc. Prof. Ramon S. Javier, MD
Assoc. Prof. Mario T. Milo, MD
Prof. Narciso S. Navarro, Jr., MD
Assoc. Prof. William L. Olalia, MD
Assoc. Prof. Marcelino V. Ostrea, Jr., MD
Prof. Patria P. Punsalan, MD
Assoc. Prof. Bee Giok T. Sales, MD
Prof. Judith M. Sison, MD
Assoc. Prof. Celina S. Tady, MD
Assoc. Prof. Benito L. Uy, MD
College of Nursing
Prof. Crestita B. Tan, PhD
Faculty of Pharmacy
Prof. Aristea V. Bayquen, PhD
Assoc. Prof. Ma. Asuncion Crispina S. Cobar
Asst. Prof. Milagros Salvador
Institute of Religion
Assoc. Prof. Carmen R. Alviar, PhD
Asst. Prof. Digna S. Sese
College of Science
Prof. Lucila O. Bance, PhD
Asst. Prof. Gil Cauyan
Assoc. Prof. Emerita Simeon, PhD
