In grateful recognition of his contributions in the areas of teaching, research and community service, the University of Santo Tomas granted the title “Professor Emeritus” to Fortunato B. Sevilla III, PhD, in a solemn investiture rite held on September 3, 2015 (Thursday), at the Medicine Auditorium.
The highest honor
In describing the title, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs Clarita de Leon-Carillo, PhD said that the title “Emeritus” has been attached to the term “professor” to “give due recognition to very eminent members of the academe who may have reached retirement but who are deemed worthy to continue bearing the lifetime distinction.” In UST, the title is bestowed upon a faculty member of Professorial rank and who is “undeniably held in very high esteem by students, peers and colleagues.” Honorees, who should have received national and international recognitions for excellence in teaching, research and community service, as well as those who have demonstrated unwavering loyalty to UST’s ideals, are recommended by the college dean and faculty council and are then screened by the Academic Senate and the Council of Regents.
Outstanding Thomasian scientist
College of Science Dean John Donnie Ramos, PhD, cited Sevilla’s “unparalleled academic excellence, passion for scholarly research, selfless and dedicated community service, exemplary professional leadership, being ‘Alagad ng Wikang Filipino,’ and unquestionable commitment to the University of Santo Tomas.” In the former’s Address of Petition, Ramos paid tribute to one of his predecessors and enumerated Sevilla’s achievements as he requested the conferment of the title “Professor Emeritus” on Sevilla.
Genuinely loved and respected
In his concession, UST Rector Fr. Herminio V. Dagohoy, O.P. praised Sevilla as a force to be reckoned with in chemistry and as a professor who is at the same time well-loved and respected by peers and students alike. He underscored how Sevilla tirelessly molded budding scientists who are now big names in the field through his years of dedication.
Blessed with the chance to teach more students
In his well-received acceptance speech, Sevilla expressed that the 46 years of his life were spent teaching the young, and this brought him immense joy and fulfillment. He stressed the importance of teachers as role models of knowledge, excellence and values to the learners and that teachers cannot be replaced by computers. He expressed excitement, for he said that the title “Professor Emeritus” will allow him to continue mentoring students and co-authoring researches with them.
Sevilla said he was glad to be given the chance to play an active role in proving “Galing Science” and “Galing USTe.”
Full regalia
Sevilla was honored with a solemn investiture and was given a certificate, a ring bearing the UST seal, a gold medallion bearing the seals of the University and the College of Science and the likeness of St. Thomas Aquinas, and an academic hood and cap.
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