Honoring greatness of spirit through service, where ordinary acts are carried out in extraordinary ways.
On a December morning shaped by reflection and shared purpose, Assumption University of Thailand (AU) gathered faculty, staff, and leadership to recognize those whose work has quietly, and sometimes profoundly, strengthened our institution.
The AU Awards of Excellence 2025, held on Wednesday, December 24, took place at the Chapel of St. Louis Marie de Montfort, Suvarnabhumi Campus. Rooted in a long-standing university tradition, the ceremony coincided with Christmas celebrations and a felicitation marking the birthday of the President Emeritus, giving the occasion both institutional and spiritual resonance
Awards That Reflect a University’s Values
Each AU Award for Excellence is named after an illustrious figure in Catholic history, symbolizing a particular dimension of service and achievement. Together, they reflect the university’s belief that excellence is expressed not only through distinction, but through dedication.
The St. Michael Award for Public Service, honoring individuals whose work extends the university’s mission into society, was conferred upon Asst. Prof. Dr. Vasa Buraphadeja and Dr. Sarina Preechalert. Their contributions, spanning digital innovation, artificial intelligence literacy, and financial education, have reached schools, government agencies, and communities across Thailand and the ASEAN region, strengthening public capacity and social well-being.
Excellence in teaching was recognized through the St. Martin de Tours Award for Excellence in Performance, presented to Dr. Kittipong Laosethakul. Known for his immersive, hands-on approach to learning, Dr. Kittipong has guided student innovators through demanding project cycles, mentoring teams that have gone on to earn national awards, startup funding, and industry recognition.
The St. Bernard Award for Special Merit, which honors exceptional managerial skill and service beyond the normal call of duty, was awarded to Mrs. Kaimook Numgaroonaroonroj. Her work at the MSME Business School has strengthened industry engagement, expanded internship pathways, and reinforced AU’s reputation for producing work-ready graduates.
Research excellence was recognized through the St. Thomas Aquinas Award for Research, conferred upon Dr. Muhammad Azhar Khalil. His internationally cited scholarship in sustainable finance and ESG has elevated the university’s global academic profile while enriching classroom learning through research-informed teaching.
Long-standing dedication to the teaching profession was honored through the St. De La Salle Award for Commendable Service, presented to six faculty members who have served AU for more than twenty-five years:
Ms. Pawinee Junganekpol, Ms. Satvinder Kaur Dang, Mr. Mario Medina Ocampo, Jr., Asst. Prof. Dr. Benjawan Srisura, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Piyabute Fuangkhon, and Dr. Pornpop Saengthong.
Their careers reflect a sustained commitment to academic excellence, mentorship, and the holistic development of students.
Equally significant was the conferral of the St. Joseph Award for Dedicated Service, recognizing ten staff members whose more than twenty-five years of service have supported the daily life and operations of the university:
Ms. Maneenet Verarutanamanee, Ms. Naruemol Chaichalothorn, Mr. Viwat Sriwattanavanich, Mr. Surachart Amonwatch, Mr. Krish Chuasuwan, Ms. Chirakit Jaewsiang, Ms. Suthawadee Dechawaranupap, Mr. Noppadol Charoensri, Ms. Nimnuan Wongkaew, and Ms. Sirirat Ruchtarom.
Together, these recognitions underscored the many forms excellence can take—from scholarship and innovation to loyalty, service, and care.
The Program
The ceremony followed a traditional and carefully structured program, beginning with an assemblage at the Chapel of St. Louis Marie de Montfort, Suvarnabhumi Campus. The arrival of the President marked the formal opening of the proceedings, followed by a report from the Vice President for Academic Affairs and the conferral of the AU Awards of Excellence, including the reading of citations and the presentation of awards by the President.
The program also featured a Christmas Festival Celebration with musical performances and symbolic presentations, as well as a felicitation ceremony honoring the birthday of the President Emeritus Rev. Bro. Prathip Martin Komolmas, f.s.g., Ph.D..
The occasion concluded with a luncheon reception at the John XXIII Conference Center, before the celebrations continued, bringing the wider university community together in music, fellowship, and worship.
A Quiet Affirmation of Purpose
In honoring its award recipients, the AU Awards of Excellence 2025 offered more than recognition. They affirmed a shared understanding that universities are sustained not only by achievement, but by people; those who teach, research, serve, and remain committed over time.
Related Link
AU Awards for Excellence 2025
WRITER: THE AU LIBRARY
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