While the University of Santo Tomas distinguishes being Asia's oldest existing University, its age is coupled with its preeminence in Philippine education. Not only does it boast of several firsts in the different realms of education, but it also has administrators and faculty members who are holding leadership positions in the Philippines' policy-making bodies (e.g., Commission on Higher Education) and professional organizations, helping influence policies for the betterment of the society in general.
The Thomasian identity is rooted in the Catholic faith. This section presents the Catholic faith and inspiration that the University of Santo Tomas leans on—the Virgin Mary, the saints and martyrs, the Pope, the clergy, as well as the modern-day Christians who try every day to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ.
Research is a critical area in the triumvirate functions that the University has, the two others being instruction and community development.UST has articulated its commitment to research, which is "the pursuit of truth and the generation, advancement, and transmission of knowledge in the arts and the sciences, both sacred and civil." There are five research flagships: Science and Technology Health & Allied Sciences Social Sciences and Education Arts and Humanities and Sacred Sciences. Among the areas of research in the University are Natural Products research, Chemical Sensors and Biosensors, Materials Science, Energy research, Pure and Applied Microbiology, Biodiversity, Environmental Science, Food Science and Engineering, Urban Environment and Climate Change Preparedness, Education, Arts, Culture, and Humanities, Gerontology, Migration Studies, Youth Studies, and Corporate Social Responsibility.UST was designated by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to host a Zonal Research Center (ZRC) for the National Capital Region in April 2010 for one year. In December 2011, UST was named as one of the member institutions of the Philippine Higher Education Research Network (PHERNET).
The University pulsates with youthful life. UST students number anywhere between 42,000 to 44,000 students, where some 12,000 are freshmen. Seen on campus are different manifestations of academic life from students whose backs are stooped while making sketches of University landmarks for their course requirements, to those whose eyes are glued on the pages of their books and e-books, reading intently for class, and the students who tirelessly rehearse dance steps for their physical education practical exams. Others are either on their way to or from class, walking with friends or just by themselves, traversing the two-way streets named after the University's illustrious alumni.
However, not everything on campus is solely about the Thomasians' academic development because its goal is to provide them with holistic formation. Students are also immersed in community development activities on campus, such as the annual Pistang Tomas Community Trade Fair, usually held at the Quadricentennial Square in December. Food and other indigenous products of the partner communities and organizations are put on sale. This is a venue for students to help the partner communities and interact with their members, but this becomes an avenue for inculcating the values of social responsibility. Eventually, these students will make conscious efforts to transform society.
"There is more fun in UST!" Fun activities also take place in España. Freshmen curiously visit the student organization booths lined up at the Plaza Mayor and look into groups that will match their interests, skills, and needs through 'Recruitment 101' that takes place every first month of the academic year. Before the academic year ends, graduating students flock to the Benavides Plaza to participate in the annual Job Fair, where more than a hundred companies join. Graduating students eagerly check out company booths for company orientation schedules and go over glossy company flyers, brochures being distributed, and excited over potential employers.
Aside from fun activities are religious and historical events. In August, freshmen take the traditional "Freshmen Welcome Walk" by passing through the Arch of the Centuries as a symbol of 'becoming Thomasians' because the same Arch was the doorway of the University when it was still in Intramuros. This is called the "Rite of Passage." This culminates in the traditional concelebrated Mass, where the Rector himself presides and takes the opportunity to welcome the new set of UST students personally.
In December, the UST Grandstand and the Open Field become the site of 'Paskuhan.' It starts with the Panunuluyan–the search of Joseph and Mary for the inn where Jesus was to be born. This is followed by the concelebrated Christmas Mass, which usually coincides with the beginning of the Misa de Gallo. A program featuring mainstream live bands ensue, and the celebration ends with the much-anticipated fireworks display.
In May, graduating students gather at the Grandstand for the Baccalaureate Mass. After the Eucharistic celebration is post-Mass activities that include the blessing and imposition of the Thomasian Mission Cross, the Thomasian Pledge of Loyalty's recitation, and the Ceremony of the Light, this is followed by the fireworks display and the send-off rites where the Rector and the Secretary-General lead the candidates for graduation in passing through the Arch of the Centuries. This time, the students symbolically "leave the University" by walking through the Arch facing España Blvd. This is a symbolic act of their "readiness to face the challenges of professional life and fulfill the mission of serving the Church, the nation and the family as future Thomasian professionals."
The landscaped open spaces known as Benavides Garden which starts from the Benavides Monument and ends at the Arch of the Centuries, the Plaza Mayor fronting the Main Building, the Quadricentennial Square found between the Main Building and the Benavides Library – all are teeming with students exhibiting mixed emotions of happiness and anxiety, but are generally excited about prospects of a new day in class or off-campus, confident that today's inputs reached after hours of group practice or study will merit a positive outcome.
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