UST confers 'Honorary Professor' title upon H.E. Lech Walesa

The University of Santo Tomas will confer the title Honorary Professor upon H.E. Lech Walesa, former president of the Republic of Poland, a charismatic leader, a Nobel Peace Prize awardee and a man with a strong faith in God. The ceremony will be held on Tuesday, November 27, 2012 at ten o’clock in the morning at the UST Medicine Auditorium.   

 

The University bestows the title ‘Honorary Professor’ upon a distinguished individual who has achieved extensive international eminence and distinction recognized as exceptional . Rev. Fr. Herminio V. Dagohoy, O.P, UST rector, will confer the title and grant the Honorary Professor medal upon Mr. Walesa while Fr. Winston F. Cabading, O.P., secretary general, will read the Citation. After the conferment rites, Mr. Walesa will deliver a lecture that will center on faith and leadership. Aside from the members of the Thomasian community, also expected to attend are members of the church hierarchy, members of the diplomatic corps, and leaders of academic institutions.  

 

Mr. Walesa became the leader of the nation – wide social movement of “ Solidarnosc” ( Solidarity) which ultimately was responsible for the bringing down the Communist Regime in Poland. As a staunch advocate of non- violent human rights activism against a communist regime, Mr. Walesa received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1983. He served as President of the Republic of Poland from 1990 to 1995 leading his country’s transformation from a communist to a democratic republic. He has regarded the Catholic faith as a source of strength and inspiration; the courage and moral vision of a hero of the Polish independence. 

 

He has been granted honorary degrees from notable universities, including Harvard University, the University of Paris, the Catholic University of Louvain among others; and the recipient of several decorations such as the Medal of Freedom ( Philadelphia, USA,) the Grand Cross of the Order of Bath ( Great Britain ) and the Order of Pius I, First Class ( Holy See) among others. 

 

Mr. Walesa has remained active in his work for Poland, both in the domestic and international stage. In 1995, he established the Lech Walesa Institute.  Press release and photo from University of Santo Tomas