University of Santo Tomas-Legazpi
The Premier Dominican University of Bicol
The Premier Dominican University of Bicol
As part of the year-round celebration of its 75th Founding Anniversary, the University of Santo Tomas-Legazpi (UST-Legazpi) welcomed all of its Alumni to the General Alumni Homecoming 2023 on May 13 at the UST-Legazpi Dome.
A Thanksgiving Mass was offered to start the event, with the university’s Rector and President, Rev. Fr. Ernesto M. Arceo, OP, STL, PhD, as the main celebrant.
In his opening remarks, Fr. Arceo welcomed all alumni who are in attendance to the gathering.
“The dome is beaming with joy as our alumni return to UST-Legazpi and celebrate our 75th Founding Anniversary,” said the Rector and President. “On behalf of the university, your second parent whom you call alma matter, we would like to express our joy and appreciation on your coming back. We are happy with you being around,” he added.
Fr. Ernie led the trip down the memory lane and recalled how the university started and how it got to where it is today with citations on the university’s major achievements in the past years, including how the institution got its name as UST-Legazpi from Aquinas University of Legazpi – then Legazpi Colleges. Fr. Arceo also boasted the university’s roll of recent topnotchers, PAASCU and PACUCOA accreditations, and even the recent ISO 9001:2015 certification.
Later on, raffle prizes were drawn and alumni attendees won cash prizes, appliances, and even gadgets as top prizes. The university also launched the first “Kwentuhan sa Hapagkainan” where recognized alumni shared their stories and most memorable experiences they had during their stay in the university. This year’s guests were Atty. Ma. Elena A. Millano an alumna who stayed in the university from her high school to law studies and is currently the Legal Officer of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) Bicol; and Engr. Rosy Azupardo-Cantara who began her stay in the university in high school and stayed until she obtained three graduate programs before she became a faculty member of the Graduate School.
On the other hand, Engr. Dennis A. Aranaz, President of the General Alumni Association (GAA) delivered his President’s Speech with an emphasis on his vision for the alumni association before the year ends.
“After more than three years of separation and isolation, the Legazpi Thomasian Community is reunited and it feels so good!” he started.
Engr. Aranaz cited how delighted he was to witness his fellow alumni shaking hands, hugging, laughing, and dancing.
“Truly, it is incredible to see how far we’ve come since our days as students here, and it’s heartwarming to know that we remain connected through the shared experiences we had during our time at this school. It’s that enduring bond that we must continue to nurture and strengthen in the years to come,” Engr. Dennis continued.
He also encouraged his fellow alumni to reflect on the impact of UST-Legazpi in shaping their lives. He believes that the university contributed to who they are, and had given them the tools and knowledge they needed to pursue their dreams and achieve their goals.
In gratitude, the GAA President is taking the responsibility to give back to their alma matter through mentoring, volunteering, and providing financial support. The General Alumni Association is eyeing to conduct a gift-giving activity for senior citizens, medical missions, and to prepare as early as they can for the upcoming Grand Alumni Homecoming 2024. Also in the pipeline is the realization of the Alumni Hall.
“So, let’s continue to celebrate the enduring school tradition, and let’s do our part to ensure that it remains strong and vibrant for generations to come,” Engr. Aranaz ended his report.