University of Sto. Tomas to install new rector June 10

MANILA, Philippines - When the school year starts on June 10, the University of Santo Tomas in Manila will formally install (in "traditional" rites) its 95th rector, Fr. Rolando dela Rosa. The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said representatives from both the Catholic Church and the government will attend the event, noting Dela Rosa had served in both areas. It will be the second stint for Dela Rosa as UST rector. Dela Rosa, 54, first served as UST rector from 1990 to 1998. He also served as Commission on Higher Education (CHED) chairman in 2004. Highlighting the installation rites will be a Misa de Apertura, the traditional opening mass. De la Rosa was born on June 27, 1953, in Legazpi City. He completed his basic education at the Aquinas University in Rawis, Legazpi City. He studied AB Philosophy and graduated Magna cum Laude from the Dominican House of Studies. He graduated Magna cum Laude from the UST with a degree in Bachelor of Sacred Theology in 1980. He was ordained into the Dominican Order in April 3, 1982. During his first term as UST rector, he became president of the Association of Catholic Universities of the Philippines and the International Association of Universities of St. Thomas. In 1995 he established and headed the Network of Dominican schools, colleges and universities in the Philippines, more popularly known as DOMNET, which now has a total membership of over 100 schools. He chaired the Organizing Committee of the International Youth Forum for the World Youth Day in January 1995 hosted by the UST. In 2004, President Arroyo appointed him to head the CHED. When he returned to the academe, he went back to serve UST in various capacities: as Assistant to the Rector for Research and Development and later, as Vice Rector for Finance. - GMANews.TV