Saint Mary’s University (SMU) conferred The Order of the Golden Rose to its six new members on April 28, 2022,at the Patio Alois of the Main Campus.

Dr. Ma. Cristeta M. Aduca, principal of the SMU Grade School (GS), nominated the following awardees: SMU High School Grade School Alumni Association, Inc. GS Alumni Batch 1965 / High School Batch 1969; SMU GS PTA Academic Year (AY) 2019-2020; and the family of Marcos and Leonida Nuestro.

In addition, Mrs. Aireen O. Santos, principal of the SMU Junior High School and Science High School (JHSSHS) nominated Dr. Rita Ghesquiere – Bouckaert Foundation; SMU JHSSHS Parents and Teachers’ Association (PTA) AY 2017-2018; and SMU JHSSHS PTA AY 2018-2019, 2019-2020, 2020-2021 and 2021-2022.

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.

Dr. John Octavious S. Palina, president of SMU, acknowledged the awardees for their financial and non-financial support to the University.

“Your donations will be of great help in realizing the institutions objectives along academic, research and physical development. The content of the next batch of the Order of the Golden Rose awardees, is another milestone for Saint Mary’s University. Your generosity reflects the core values that Marians are known for. Thank you for sharing the common commitment to contribute to the advancement of Saint Mary’s University,” Palina said.

He also stressed that, once a Marian, always a missionary which justifies the awarding of The Order of the Golden Rose.

Palina also shared an inspiring quote from an anonymous author, “What really matters in life is not what we bought but what we built; not what we got, but what we shared; not our success, but our significance. Live a life that matters. Live a life of generosity, compassion and love.” #