UST Science recognizes outstanding alumni in TOAST Awards Night 2024
By: Agatha Rei Gomez
The UST College of Science recognized the accomplishments of college alumni during The Outstanding Alumni of Science Tribute (TOAST) Awards Night 2024, held March 23 at the Robert C. Sy Grand Ballroom of the Buenaventura Garcia Paredes, O.P. (BGPOP) Building.
College of Science Regent Rev. Fr. Louie R. Coronel, O.P., EHL welcomed the awardees and guests in his opening remarks, “...We are very grateful to you, for the alumni achievers of our college, who have made significant contributions to their fields, pioneering research, developing innovative technologies in advancing our understanding of the world…”
Thirteen individuals were awarded for their contributions to different industries and community services.
The TOAST Award for Humanitarian Services was given to Egidio P. Elio, MD, FPUA (BS General Science 1977).
Additionally, Dr. Elio and his family, Dr. Thelma Marie Elio (BS General Science Accelerated 1981), Dr. Adrian Christopher Elio (BS Biology 2013), Dr. Patrick Bernard Elio (BS Biology 2014), and Dr. Charlene Lorraine Elio (BS Biology 2017), were awarded the Thomasian Science Family Award.
Awards for Industry Practice were given to Shiela Marie G. Hocson, PhD, RGC, RPsy (BS Psychology 1994) and Donnabel Kuizon-Cruz (BS Chemistry 2000).
Medical Profession awards were given to Emmerson Gale Vista, MD, FPDS (BS Biology 2003) and Amado Ona Tandoc III, MD, FPSP (BS Biology Accelerated 1999).
Hon. Francisco Perez Altarejos, MD, FPOA (BS General Science 1986) and Elizabeth Amelia V. Tianco, MD, LIB, FPDS (BS Chemistry 1976) were recognized for Government and Public Service.
Recognition for the category of Scientific Research was given to Prof. Edralin A. Lucas, PhD (BS Chemistry 1986) and Acad. Prof. Emeritus Maribel G. Nonato, PhD (BS Chemistry 1978).
Prof. Carmen G. Kanapi, PhD (BS Zoology 1959), was awarded the TOAST Awards for Science Education.
For Business, Entrepreneurship, and Industry Practice, awards were given to Joel Claro A. Perlado, MSc, FASP (BS Mathematics major in Actuarial Science 1992) and Joel Santos Cruz (BS Psychology 1989).
The Young Thomasian Scientist Award was given to Karl Ubial, MD (BS Psychology 2015).
In an interview with Atty. Dr. Tianco, TOAST Awardee for Government and Public Service, she shared what the recognition meant to her, “...It’s a big honor to be recognized by your alma mater, I am fortunate that [there are people] who knew what I was doing…”
“...I would like to be [the representative of those who were not recognized] because nobody knew what they were doing…,” Atty. Dr. Tianco added.
She also gave a message to current College of Science students, telling them that they should focus on “what they want to be or what to do with their lives,” partnered with prayer, as it will help them “get that focus in whatever they will do.”
“...The truth is [...] you can actually change. It’s not as though if you graduated [from your degree program], you would eventually follow that path you took. It is not going to be really a problem if you shift; [where] you shift, or the place where you shift, is the place where you eventually will be good at,” she added.
Atty. Dr. Tianco is a Magna Cum Laude graduate of BS Chemistry Batch 1976 and also a former Editor-in-Chief of the College of Science Journal.
The TOAST Awards started in 2017 and is the “highest honor bestowed” by the Galing Science Alumni Association, in concurrence with the College of Science Dean, to bonafide members of the association in recognition of their service and contributions.
Members of the association were also present at the event — Casto M. Ignacio, RPsy, CSAP, CSIOP (President), Michelle Rose Cornes, MA (Assistant Secretary), Charitess Carandang-Barlis (Treasurer), Rodrigo Dizon de Mesa, MD, MPA, PhD (Assistant Treasurer and Auditor), and Jovenal Francisco (Board Member).
The awards night concluded with a closing message and ceremonial toast led by Prof. Rey Donne S. Papa, PhD, together with the awardees. The event is also officially the last of the Science Week 2024 celebration.
