The University of Santo Tomas (UST) will honor 11 distinguished alumni at the 2024 edition of The Outstanding Thomasian Alumni (TOTAL) Awards, set to take place on Sept. 27 at the Dr. Robert C. Sy Grand Ballroom in the Buenaventura Garcia Paredes, O.P. Building in UST Manila.
The biennial awards recognize alumni for their exemplary contributions to society and the Church. Recipients are chosen through a thorough review process conducted by a selection committee made up of past awardees, UST administrators, and UST Alumni Association, Inc. (USTAAI) officers.
This year, the honorees include Alice G. Eduardo for Accountancy, Business, and Management; Sr. Maria Marissa R. Viri, RVM for Health Allied; Associate Justice Amy C. Lazaro-Javier for Law and Judiciary; Nestor D. Cuartero and Joselito B. Zulueta for Media and Entertainment; Catherine S. Teh, M.D. for Medicine; Edgar D. Doctor and Ar. Jose Pedro C. Recio for Music, Arts, Literature, and Design; Hasan Fard for Science and Technology; Grace Tan Caktiong for Service to Humanity; and Pilar I. Romero, LPT, Ph.D. for Service to the Church.
In addition, special awards will be given to individuals and families who demonstrate Thomasian core values in both their professional and personal lives. These include Assistant Secretary Paul Anthony M. Pangilinan as the Young Thomasian Achiever, Engr. Mariano S. Agoncillo, who will be honored posthumously, and the Ling Family (JSLA Architects Family) receiving the Thomasian Family Award.
Since its inception in 1993, the TOTAL Awards have recognized over 295 outstanding alumni and 10 Thomasian families. Among the prestigious past recipients are former President Diosdado Macapagal, National Artist Leandro Locsin, Jollibee founder Tony Tan Caktiong, and National Artist Francisco Sionil Jose.
