On January 13, 2024, four alumni received the Order of the Golden Rose in recognition of their contributions and support to Saint Mary’s University (SMU).

The conferral took place during the Gala Night of the SMU High School Grade School Alumni Grand Homecoming held at the Tonus Gymnasium, SMU Main Campus.

Dr. John Octavious S. Palina, SMU President, led the conferral ceremony and praised the outstanding contributions of the four nominees namely: Leticia Lucena Gehringer, Saint Mary’s College High School Batch 1973; The Saint Mary’s College High School Batch 1973; Anacoreta-Pineda San Miguel, Saint Mary’s College High School Batch 1956 (represented by Mr. Samuel B. Damayon, Dean of SMU Student Affairs and Services); and The Saint Mary’s College High School Batch 1972.

The conferral was graced by the SMU Administrators led by Dr. Palina, Dr. John G. Tayaban, VP for Administration, Dr. Moises Alexander T. Asuncion, VP for Academic Affairs, Mrs. Venica S. Acosta, VP for Finance and University Treasurer, Rev. Fr. Philip A. Yu Jr., CICM, VP for Mission and Identity, and Mr. Peter-Tom Addauan Callang, Head of the SMU Alumni Affairs Office.

The Order of the Golden Rose is a community of alumni and friends of SMU who are witnesses to Christian Charity symbolized by the Golden Rose and exemplified by the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of Jesus, and the University’s Patroness. Since its inception in 2018, 25 groups of individuals have been conferred this honor of becoming members.#

Photos by: FotoMedia and Queen Nessellyn D. Galicia