The University of St. La Salle conferred the prestigious Fides Award upon Br. Daniel Fenton during the 2023 Graduation Rites for the Graduate School and the College of Medicine at the St. La Salle Coliseum in Bacolod City, Sunday, June 25.
The Board of Trustees, led by Chairman Edgar Chua, and USLS President and Chancellor Br. Joaquin Severino Martinez, recognized Fenton’s unwavering faith, commitment to the Church, religious education, and pursuit of peace and justice through his dedicated work at the Bahay Pag-asa Youth Center (BPYC) in Bacolod City.
Fenton, a California native, completed his high school education in Troy, Fullerton, and pursued higher education at California State University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Science in Environmental Studies, a press release from USLS said.
He joined the De La Salle Christian Brothers’ Novitiate in 1985, making perpetual vows on May 15, 1992.
Throughout his service as a De La Salle Brother in various cities and countries, Fenton demonstrated unwavering commitment and a genuine desire to positively impact the lives of others, the press release said.
Notably, from 2004 to 2013, he organized and led volunteer trips to BPYC, providing hope and inspiration to both residents and volunteers.
From 2014 to 2023, as the Brother Animator of BPYC, Fenton oversaw administration, finances, and government grants while ensuring the residents’ spiritual and religious well-being.
In his commencement speech Fenton thanked USLS for the recognition and urged the graduates to consider a covenant with God, emphasizing the importance of helping those in need.
He encouraged them to engage in pro bono work, become advocates for the marginalized, and work towards making healthcare accessible to all.
“If you do this, I have it on good authority that God will teach you the really important stuff—the stuff that sustains you through your extraordinary lives of professional achievement and generous service to those God holds most dear—and, in the end, you will discover who you really are. So, go do it,” Fenton said.
120 GRADUATES
USLS commemorated the graduation of 120 students from its Graduate School and College of Medicine during the 2023 Graduation Rites Sunday.
The Graduate School witnessed 17 students earning Doctorate Degrees, while 42 students achieved Masters Degrees. The College of Medicine presented 61 graduates.
The Graduation Rites recognized Richmond Roy S. Vicente for receiving the Best Thesis Award and Alexis J. Abella for the Best Dissertation.
The Highest Academic Honor Student of the Graduate School Grace Marie T. David, and the Valedictorian of the College of Medicine Trixie P. Dueño, delivered messages of gratitude and inspiration on behalf of the graduating class.
Vicar General Msgr. Ronaldo S. Quijano bestowed his blessing upon the graduates, while Assistant Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Ricver Ureta facilitated the administration of the Pledge of a Lasallian Professional.
As the graduates officially joined the USLS Alumni family, Jackie Lou V. Azucena, USLS Alumni Association president, formally inducted them and guided them in reciting the Pledge of Loyalty.*