UST is a repository of Philippine history and culture. Originally planned to be a school to train young men for the priesthood, it evolved into a center of higher learning. First called Colegio de Nuestra Señora del Santissimo Rosario, it was later renamed Colegio de Santo Tomas in honor of St. Thomas Aquinas, foremost Dominican theologian. Pope Innocent X raised UST to university level on November 10, 1645. In 1680, Spain’s rulers placed UST under royal patronage and in 1765, King Charles of Spain bestowed on UST the title of "Royal University." Pope Leo XIII bestowed the title "Pontifical University" on September 17, 1902 and Pope Pius XII gave UST the title "The Catholic University of the Philippines" on April 27, 1947.

UST will be celebrating its quadricentennial in 2011. Many of USTs faculty and alumni have helped shaped the intellectual, social, economic, and cultural life of the country. Dr. Jose P Rizal, Fr. Jose Burgos, Emilio Jacinto, Apolinario Mabini, Marcelo H. del Pilar, Rafael Palma, Fernando Ma. Guerrero, etc., are some of UST’s famous alumni who, through their ideas and labors, built the Filipino nation. Claro M. Recto, Manuel L. Quezon, Sergio S. Osmeña, Jose P. Laurel, and Diosdado P. Macapagal carried on the task of nation building bequeathed to them by their illustrious predecessors. Countless others have ennobled UST by their many services and accomplishments in the field of government, medicine, law, education, science, and the arts.

Building a strong Christian community in the Philippines and serving the people, country, and God through its role as a leader and center of learning is the UST’s vision.

We congratulate the University of Santo Tomas headed by its Rector, Rev. Fr. Tamerlane R. Lana, OP, Officials, Faculty, Deans, Personnel, Students, and Alumni on the observance of their 395th Anniversary.