Seven thousand seven hundred ninety-five Thomasian candidates for graduation celebrated the Baccalaureate Mass at the UST Grandstand and Open Field on May 31, 2023. The UST Acting Rector and Vice Rector Rev. Fr. Isaias Antonio D. Tiongco, O.P., JCD., served as the main celebrant and homilist during the Mass, which was concelebrated by the Dominican Fathers.
Noting that this batch began their Thomasian journey at the peak of the pandemic in 2020, when the Enriched Virtual Mode of education was in place, Fr. Tiongco commended the graduating students for being “pioneers of a new era”.
“You have demonstrated that education transcends physical boundaries and that the spirit of Thomasian excellence can thrive in any circumstance,” said Fr. Tiongco, who added that “Despite overwhelming odds, you transformed your homes into classrooms, turned virtual spaces into communities, and maintained your commitment to learning.”
“Your journey attests to the power of hope, the importance of innovation, and the strength of human spirit,” Fr. Tiongco emphasized.
Included in the annual Post-Mass program is the recitation of the Thomasian Pledge of Loyalty and the Blessing and Imposition of the Thomasian Mission Cross, which serves as a reminder to stay true to Thomasian ideals, even after they leave UST.
The Ceremony of Light, which represents the light of education through evangelization, was at the core of the event. The Father Acting Rector’s torch flame is passed on to the torches of the Deans and Regents of the academic units, who in turn pass the light to each of their students’ candles.
The Father Acting Rector and the Father Secretary-General, Rev. Fr. Louie R. Coronel, O.P., EHL., with the administrative and academic officials and Marching Band, led the traditional recessional procession walking out of the Arch, which was the original gateway of the University when it was still in Intramuros. Students, upon completion of their education, exit through the historic Arch of the Centuries and complete their life at UST, which comes full circle since the same students, when they were freshmen, entered the Arch to signify the beginning of their Thomasian life.
The graduating students of the degree-granting units gathered as one batch to commemorate their Thomasian journey prior to the actual solemn investiture ceremonies per academic unit, which were held throughout June 2024 until July 1.
The program ended with the highly anticipated pyromusical presentation, utilizing P-Pop hits from rising groups BINI and SB19.
For this academic year, the University of Santo Tomas produced 11,878 alumni, including graduates of the Basic Education units.
