The University of Santo Tomas UST) alumni in Australia have initiated an alumni association to be called UST Alumni Australia (USTAA).

A UST alumni group has been long time coming. This time with the encouragement  and endorsement of Ambassador Hellen B. de la Vega, Philippine Ambassador to Australia who is an alumna of UST herself, a few Thomasians gathered together and  initiated the formation of  the USTAA to rekindle the Thomasian spirit.

University of Santo Tomas (UST), Manila Philippines was founded in 1611 by Spanish friar, Father Miguel de Benavides.  It is the oldest Catholic and only Pontifical university in the Philippines.  Most of the Philippine heroes including the Philippines’ national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal walked through the halls of knowledge of UST.  Other notable people include: Marcelo H. del Pilar, Emilio Jacinto, Apolinario Mabini, Claro M. Recto, Jose Burgos, Manuel Quezon, Sergio Osmeña, Jose Laurel, Diosadado Macapagal, Nick Joaquin, Leandro Locsin and Juan Napkil.

A zoom meeting was held last 6 October. Twenty four (24) UST alumni from all states zoomed in for the meeting and expressed their willingness to reconnect to their Alma mater. 

The group’s mission statement is: to forge a vibrant, engaging, and inclusive University of Santo Tomas alumni community in Australia that is committed to nurturing and sustaining connections with each other and promote the core Thomasian values of competence, compassion, and commitment. The group will also seek official recognition from the UST’s Office of Alumni Relations. It is hoped that an official launch of the USTAA will be held sometime in December.

Remember and relive the glory days at UST. Join us at UST Alumni Australia/Facebook or register via email at ustalumniaustralia@gmail.com.

Filipin-Oz – 31/10/21