University of Santo Tomas-Legazpi
The Premier Dominican University of Bicol
The Premier Dominican University of Bicol
Right before their much-awaited graduation, the 2023 graduating class of the College of Health Sciences (CHS) attended the annual Baccalaureate Mass – a tradition of every educational institution as a rite of blessing to the graduates before they reap their awards for a fruitful academic year.
The said traditional eucharistic celebration was presided by Rev. Fr. Edwin A. Lao, OP, DBA, the university’s ninth Rector and President.
“This event is very symbolic, meaningful, and eventful as we acknowledge the efforts of everyone involved in the formation and education of our graduating students,” said Fr. Edwin in his homily.
The Rector and President cannot help but give compliments to the health sciences graduating class not just for their academic performance but also for their elegance in carrying their clinical uniforms which they are famously known for.
Fr. Lao centered his homily on gratitude which is one of the main core values of the university especially highlighted during its 75th Founding Anniversary. He reminded the CHS class of 2023 to always have a grateful heart wherever they go.
“May you all have a grateful heart that looks for the many things that one has to be thankful for and one that sings to the goodness of the Lord forever,” Fr. Lao added.
Gratitude Speech
Mary Lalaine Lourdes M. Grageda, a graduating Medical Technology Student took the stage after the baccalaureate mass to share her gratefulness to the university.
Lalaine recalled her journey in the university as if it just happened yesterday.
“We have those four exhausting yet rewarding years to remind ourselves of how far we’ve come. We have those four years to remind us that despite being the same clueless teenagers we were, we’ll continue to keep pushing forward anyway,” she opened her gratitude speech.
Their adventurous student life, clinical duties during their internship, the early morning classes, quick meals, examinations, errors during laboratory classes, sacrifices, and breakdowns, until their victories were recalled by Lalaine.
The featured student took her time in thanking every individual who helped her succeed in the university – her beloved parents, valued friends and classmates, college of health sciences faculty, and UST-Legazpi for welcoming her and her fellow students into the shelter of St. Thomas Aquinas, so they could weave their dreams of becoming future health professionals.”
“Our life in the real world begins today. And in our further pursuit of excellence, may we never stop exhibiting the essence of Thomasian core values: to live a life of truth and love out of gratitude,” Lalaine ended her speech.
CHS 2023 Recognition Rites
A recognition ceremony immediately followed after the traditional baccalaureate mass where forty-six Legazpi Thomasians from CHS were awarded for their stellar performances.
The awards include the St. Thomas Aquinas Award for Outstanding Performance, St. Martin de Porres Award for Outstanding Performance in Community Service, St. Raymond de Peñafort Award for Outstanding Teamwork, St. Dominic De Guzman Award for Outstanding Performance in Leadership, and the Best Thesis Award.