Written by Carl Tristan Gile
Photo courtesy of Asst. Prof. Raymundo Melegrito
Asst. Prof. Raymundo Melegrito, former chair of the Department of Mechanical Engineering from 1985 to 2000, concluded his 41 years of service at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) upon his retirement last August 2020.
Engr. Melegrito started working at the UST Faculty of Engineering in 1979, one year after he graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in the university.
According to him, teaching was not his first career choice as he aimed to find a job before in the industry. However, he came to love the profession when he was offered a teaching position in UST.
When asked about what he likes most in teaching, he said “Everything from mentoring my students, having a good relationship with my co-faculty members, and challenging myself to do better every year in teaching subjects.”
In his 41 years of teaching experience, he treats his first and last job in the faculty as the highlights of his stay in the university. It is when he first worked as a laboratory supervisor from 1980 to 1982, and when he became the chairman of the Department of Mechanical Engineering from 1985 to 2000.
Throughout his career, he mentioned that seeing his students excelling with their chosen careers made him proud as a professor.
“My proudest moment is when I see my students who were under me succeed in their chosen careers and handle high positions in their respective jobs,” he expressed in an interview with Thomasian Engineer.
Upon retirement, Engr. Melegrito has been spending his time bonding with his granddaughter and serving in the community of Couples for Christ (CFC) with his wife.
He mentioned that his family, former colleagues, good health, and contentment are what matters most to him in life.
As a professor who has experienced a long career in teaching, he advised the young professors to always persevere in their jobs and be patient with their students. He also reminded them to always be updated with the changes in technology especially on the subjects they teach.
“Teaching might not be very rewarding in terms of monetary considerations since the industry offers more but it is rewarding in terms of having a part of molding your students to become good professionals,” he added.
Engr. Melegrito also served as the vice-president of the Mechanical Engineering Network (MEN), internal auditor of the UST Faculty Union (USTFU), incident commander under the Crisis Management Committee, and adviser of UST Eco-Tigers – the UST representative in the annual Shell-Eco Marathon Asia.
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