USJ-R confers honoris causa on Amparito Llamas Lhuillier

In 1947, the Order of the Augustinian Recollects founded the Colegio de San Jose Recoletos in Cebu. After 37 years it attained university status offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs in various disciplines from the business, education, liberal arts and science and technology.

Through the years the university has produced graduates who have succeeded in various fields of endeavor. Majority of them are successful because they are productive citizens who continuously contribute to a global and rapidly changing society. More importantly is that University of San Juan-Recoletos (USJ-R) promotes character, integrity, respect for oneself and others, decency and responsible behavior in our society. This heritage and legacy continues today.

The USJ-R likewise gives honorary distinction of varied levels, the most appreciated one being that of honorary doctor (doctor honoris causa) to individuals who contributed notably to his or her field of expertise, higher education or a specific institution.

Recently, USJ-R conferred the degree Doctor of Humanities (honoris causa) to philanthropist Amparito Llamas Lhuillier. She holds the distinction of being the first lady to receive such honor.

The program held at the Center for Performing Arts, USJ-R Campus began with the reading of citation by Fr. Edwin Macmac, VP for academics, director for external

affairs office. This was followed by the presentation of citation by Fr. Lauro Larlar, Prior Provincial.

The highlight of the event was the conferment of the Degree of Doctor of Humanities by University president Fr. Enrico Peter Silab. Next came the Hooding and Capping rite done by Dr. Teoddie Dumamag, dean, graduate school of arts and sciences. He was assisted by Michel Lhuillier and proud sons Charles and Michael.

Fr. Silab together with Demetrio Quirante, university registrar presented the gold medallion and diploma after which the awardee was presented to the Josenians, Inc.

She joins the list of other Honoris Causa awardees such as former Ambassador Francisco Benedicto, Doctor of Humanities, 1987, former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Marcelo Fernan, Doctor of Humane Letters, 1989; Jose Cardinal Sanchez, Doctor of Humane Letters, 1997; businessmen Norberto Quisumbing, Jr. Doctor of Humanities, 2005; and Roberto Aboitiz, Doctor of Science in Business Management, 2010.

After the ceremony, family, friends and the academe trooped to the Casino Español de Cebu for a thanksgiving dinner. Amparito’s scholars enthusiastically performed for the invitees.

Amparito Llamas Lhuillier studied at St. Scholastica’s College in Manila and then pursued her studies at St. Paul’s College. After graduation she became a teacher at the San Lorenzo Pre-School in Makati. She also taught reading at the Assumption Convent, Spanish language at the International School and did private tutorials.

Her passion for education was rekindled when she set up the Amparito Llamas Lhuillier Educational foundation (ALLEF) with the help of Dr. Milagros Espina, then dean of Arts and Sciences at the University of San Jose Recoletos.

Through the years, ALLEF has given tuition subsidy to over 1,000 deserving scholars specifically to those with academic and theatrical skills. Added to these are 140 high school students given annual scholarships from among the children of employees of M. Lhuillier Inc.

Amparito Lhuillier’s humanitarian and charitable deeds include annual pledge of donations to the Verbum Dei Foundation that assist vocations for priesthood; the feeding and medical missions of the St. Joseph Foundation, the St. Martin de Porres School, the worldwide children’s charity called Operation Smile and Barrio Kamagong in Lahug for civic concerns.

Amparito Lhuillier’s energy is inexhaustible enabling her to achieve her goals and charitable projects. She is doubly blessed with a caring and always supportive husband Michel. Her children Charles, who is based in Manila; Michael and Monique in America; and Yvette in Paris all respect and adore her. She is a loving grandmother to 10 adorable grandchildren.