the conferral ceremony of academic laurels and palms 2013
DESCRIPTION
for AU Senior Administrator and LecturersTRANSCRIPT
ACADEMIC LAURELSAND PALMS
ASSUMPtIoN UNIvERSIty of thAILAND
2013
“Those who havesacrificed their lives
and time by heir creative loyalty
and positivecontributions to theinstitution must be
recognized, promotedand rewarded.”
Rev.Bro.Martin Prathip KomolmasPresident Emeritus
“Those who havesacrificed their lives
and time by their creative loyalty
and positivecontributions to theinstitution must be
recognized, promotedand rewarded.”
Rev. Bro. Prathip Martin KomolmasPresident Emeritus of Assumption University
CoNfERRAL CEREMoNy ofACADEMIC LAURELS AND PALMS
foRASSUMPtIoN UNIvERSIty
SENIoR ADMINIStRAtoRS AND LECtURERS
APRIL 26, 2013At thE GRAND SALoN, St. RAPhAEL’S hALL
ASSUMPtIoN UNIvERSIty, SUvARNAbhUMI CAMPUS
Today, Assumption University takes great pleasure in honoring our Senior Lecturers who have rendered services for over 25 years, through “Academic Laurels and Palms.”
There are two expressions mentioning from the name of the award “Academic Laurels and Palms.”
Laurel: “The Laurel” is a Mediterranean tree (Laurus Nobilis) having aromatic, simple leaves, and small blackish berries. A wreath of laurel was conferred as a mark of honor in ancient times upon poets, heroes, and victors in athletic contests. It is, therefore, used to signify or symbolize the honor and glory that is won for great achievements.
Palm: The Order of Academic Palms (Ordre des Palmes Aca-démiques) is an Order of Chivalry of France for academics and cultural and educational figures. It is one of the world’s oldest civil orders. Created by Napoleon in 1808, the award is traditionally given to French educators who have made a major contribution to French national education and those outside France who have made a significant contribution to the expansion of French culture.
In ancient Greece, wreaths were awarded to victors, both in athletic competitions, including the Olympics, and were made of wild olive-tree known as “Kotinos.” In Rome, they were symbols of martial victory, crowning a successful commander during his triumph. Their origin can be traced to Greek Mythology. Their history and evolution continued during the times of the Greek and Roman Empires, and finally to their place in the modern day. “Academic Laurels and Palms,” at AU is an award conferred by the University sig-nifying the honor and glory won for great achievement. This of award of achieve-ment is in the form of a decoration, a medal specially designed for the occasion.
The same philosophical underpinnings as used for the AU Awards for Excellence have been applied, that is, “Those who have sacrificed their lives and time by their creative loy-alty and positive contributions to the instruction of students must be recognized, promoted and rewarded” (Faculty and Staff Development Policies, July 22, 1993).
Three of the greatest gifts for a person are Life, Love, and Time. These are non-material gifts that anyone can give.
The twelve heroes of the day, because of their love for As-sumption University, have spent their lives and time educat-ing students. They have shared generously with those who came into contact with them.
Dear Recipients of the Assump-tion University Academic Palms and Laurels:
Today is indeed one of the most beautiful and meaningful days in the history of Assumption Univer-sity. It is the day on which we rec-ognize and honor each of you for the insurmountable contributions
you have made to the university through your work and tireless ef-forts of service to help us achieve our present stature in the world of tertiary education in the King-dom of Thailand and in the world at large.
I am indeed gratified that the uni-versity has decorated you with the distinctive mark of recogni-tion which in my estimate ranks even higher than comparable awards made elsewhere each year. My enduring hope is that the Academic Palms and Laurels you receive will entrench in you deep satisfaction and relishing hope that your efforts of teach-ing and academic service do not remain obscure, but stand out in the lights of the other glories that the world is blessed with.
My sincere thanks and prayers for your well being will remain as-suredly for each of you.
Rev. bro. Prathip Martin KomolmasPresident Emeritus of Assumption University
Congratulations for the achieve-
ments you have made in the
many years you have served at
Assumption University, either as
administrator or lecturer. The uni-
versity remains indebted to the
contributions made by you as we
endeavor to reach more mile-
stones of achievements.
I sincerely hope that the Aca-
demic Laurels and Palms you
receive will help to augment the
many selfless efforts you all have
put in for the students primarily
and for each other in general.
The good that we do in this life,
is best rewarded, it is said in the
next life. Today, as we recognize,
thank and decorate each of
you, please believe that we do
so in the inalienable conviction
that you all have served to make
our university and its community
unique, day by day.
I thank each and every one of you individually and encourage you to wear your decorations with pride, and to remember that you contributed to Assumption University for the future which will unfold, braver and better through your contributions.
May God bless you all.
Rev. bro. bancha Saenghiran, f.s.g., Ph.D. the Rector Magnificus of Assumption University
In the winter of 1939, responding to a call from
God, the nine-year old Claude Petiteau wrote
down his commitment to join the Montfortian
Brothers of St. Gabriel and to travel overseas to
teach in any of their schools. In 1953 with some
experience as a teacher, he moved to London
where he taught for three years.
Rev. Brother Simeon, at the request of his supe-
riors, arrived in Thailand on January 3, 1957 to
begin his mission as a teacher in various primary
and secondary schools of the Gabrielite Broth-
ers. He also founded a few institutions at sec-
ondary level. Intermittently Rev. Brother Simeon
was educated in the Philippines (1969-1972 and
1987-1989) and in the USA at Santa Clara Uni-
versity, California (1976-1977) respectively. Even
while he attended degree programs as a stu-
dent, Rev. Brother Simeon lectured in Finance
courses in the Philippines and at California.
Rev. Brother Simeon’s first assignment to the
newly established Assumption Business Ad-
ministration College was in 1972, where he ar-
rived to teach Accounting and Marketing. In
the subsequent years of his teaching at ABAC,
Rev. Brother Simeon taught courses in General
Management. In 1978 following his return from
the USA, Rev. Brother Simeon was appointed as
the first-ever Chairperson of the newly created
Department of Finance and Banking. Between
the years 1979 and 1987, Rev. Brother Simeon
served as Vice President for Academic Affairs
at ABAC, concurrently teaching courses with
Finance specialization ranging from Corporate
Finance to Financial Management. In 1994 Rev.
REv. bRo. ANUPAttPEtChARA-yUttAChAI
The Great Professor of the Order of St. Gabriel at Assumption University of Thailand
Brother Simeon was appointed to his positions
as Vice President for Financial Affairs and Sen-
ior Lecturer in the Department of Finance and
Banking. He lectures in the Department of Fi-
nance and Banking presently as Senior Lecturer.
Rev. Brother Simeon is a consummate and ded-
icated teacher. Through the many years of his
encountering the youth of the world and here
in Thailand, he has exuded self-discipline in pre-
paring his lectures, his innovative assignments,
projects and training for the students.
More significant however, is the fact that Rev.
Brother Simeon has kept faithful to his religious
vows by balancing his teaching and administra-
tive careers with two golden religious practices.
The first of these is prayer. Rev. Brother Simeon
spends at least two hours every day in prayer
and in contemplation. The second practice is
to wear the Crucifix of Christ on the lapel of his
shirt or coat. “I point out to my students, that the
cross symbolizes my belief in someone, some-
one who never fails me. I therefore love the one,
Jesus who never fails me.”The internalization of
Christ-centered values, and the externalization
of religious credo, to Rev. Brother Simeon, is rep-
resentative of the personal background and
education that he has received. Furthermore,
“it also means asking, what shall we do with our
lives? Our actions in life will be guaranteed of
success, for success is not a destiny, it is a way of
living. It also means being fulfilled in what I have
done. Looking back, my life has a meaning.”
8
I therefore lovethe one,
Jesus who neverfails me.
9
“If you wantsomething done right
you have to do ityourself”
From her point of view, Asst. Prof. Amornlugsana
Thanasinsupaya believes both her intelligence
and diligence could surely drive her on the right
road toward the goal. She is a very honest and
kind-hearted teacher who is willing to take up
responsibilities. The determination in carrying out
the work and her hard-working attitudes also
gave a deep impression to both her colleagues
and students. She graduated in B.Ed. (Math-
ematics) from Chulalongkorn University in 1973.
Later on she completed her M.S. (Applied Statis-
tics) in 1991 from the National Institute of Devel-
opment Administration (NIDA). She is a full-time
lecturer in the Department of Mathematics at
Assumption University since July 2, 1973. She has
served as a teacher for more than 40 years and
has taught several subjects in the field of Statis-
tics and Mathematics for the undergraduate stu-
dents such as Business Statistics I & II, Calculus I &
II and that of Quantitative Analysis for the gradu-
ate students.
Besides her work as a teacher, she had also writ-
ten Business Statistics I as a text book in English.
This book was mainly emphasized on definitions,
examples and challenging exercises being in-
cluded so that it was suitable for the students
who need to practice and acquire more experi-
ences in statistical analysis of data. Her outstand-
ing book was approved by the Ministry of Univer-
sity Affairs (MUA) in 1989, so she was appointed
the academic title to be “Assistant Professor in
Statistics”. Moreover, she really appreciated to
receive the “St. John Baptist De La Salle Award
For Commendable Service in year 2009”as well.
Her favorite quotation is “If you want something done right, you have to do it yourself”. This quo-tation means “Don’t trust other people to do important things for you. You have to do things yourself to control the quality of the results.”
ASSt. PRof. AMoRNLUGSANAthANASINSUPAyA
MARTIN DE TOURS SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT AND ECONOMICS - MATHEMATICSSenior Lecturer, Department of Mathematics, Martin de Tours School of Management and Economics
10
11
Dr. Chavalit Meennuch joined ABAC on June 9,
1975 and over the past 38 years has served with
deep loyalty and staunch belief in this institution
as he worked in the Top Management team to
build what began as Assumption Business Ad-
ministration College (1969) to Assumption Uni-
versity (1990) to its present scope, as Thailand’s
leading Private University and prestigious Inter-
national provider of tertiary level education.
The University’s ascendency in reputation and
status has paralleled Chavalit Meennuch’s evo-
lution as academic and administrator leader in
Thailand. His tertiary level education began at
Ramkhamhaeng University from where he ob-
tained a bachelor degree in Thai Laws. Subse-
quently, receiving Assumption University’s Fac-
ulty Development Scholarships, he achieved a
master degree from Pittsburg State University,
Kansas in 1987 and a doctor of philosophy de-
gree in Public Administration in 1991. His later
academic training consists of post doctoral
studies and executive training at the Universities
of Oxford and Warwick respectively.
From having initially carried the portfolios of
University Personnel manager, Registrar, Direc-
tor of Administrative services, Chavalit Meen-
nuch was promoted as University Vice Presi-
dent for Administrative Affairs in 1992 and has
since then sustained his services to the Univer-
sity as its Council Secretary and institutional
representative to the Royal Thai Commission on
Higher Education’s academic and administra-
tive committees. Additionally he has been ap-
pointed as University Council member in several
of Thai state and Private Universities. Dr. Chav-
alit Meennuch has distinguished himself as a
DR. ChAvALIt MEENNUChADMINISTRATIVE AFFAIRS
Vice Rector for Administrative Affairs
unique Academic and Administrator serving in
a wide range of Assumption University commit-
tees overseeing administrative and academic
processes while at the same time, maintaining
his love of teaching within Assumption University
and in state and private Universities in the fields
of management, public administration and
government studies. He was in 2007 drafted into
national service as senator, a role he played till
2011. His other memorable contributions have
included conference Keynote addresses and
speaker roles in both public and private insti-
tutions for which he has been awarded Royal
decorations, prizes and tokens of appreciation,
encapsulating a life of academic services and
contributions and moving the scope of Thai-
land’s education towards competitive interna-
tional standards. His publications in both Thai
and international academic journals and news-
papers cover topics of loyalty to the Thai Roy-
alty while also addressing the need for change
in Thai administrative civic codes and govern-
ances.
Known for his gusty passion for value added ac-
tivities in institutional building, Dr. Chavalit has
served two Assumption University Presidents in
building this institution into its present form and
shape while recognizing that he and his fam-
ily, including his only son who currently teaches
in the Martin Del Rosario School of Architecture
at Assumption University, have received great
benefits and inspiration from this abode of abid-
ing knowledge. While institutional and Gabriel-
ite education will look at Chavalit Meennuch as
one who embodies the white of Buddhistic de-
votion, the blue of true love for the Monarchy
and the red, as deep patriotic love for Thailand.
12
เธอจงระวัง ความคิดของเธอ...เพราะความคิดของเธอจะกลายเป็น
ความประพฤติของเธอเธอจงระวังความประพฤติของเธอ...
เพราะความประพฤติของเธอจะกลายเป็นความเคยชินของเธอ
เธอจงระวังความเคยชินของเธอ...เพราะความเคยชินของเธอจะกลายเป็น
อุปนิสัยของเธอเธอจงระวังอุปนิสัยของเธอ...
เพราะอุปนิสัยของเธอจะกำาหนดชะตาชีวิตของเธอชั่วชีวิต
คำาสอน “หลวงพ่อชา สุภัทโท”
13
Mr. Pansiri Chantokul was born in Ayutthaya,
married to Mrs. Sunee Chantokul (the former
ABAC English Instructor during 1977-1985) and
has a daughter (Mrs. Donyawan Yotviriyapanit
who is an ABAC Instructor in the Department of
Marketing). When he was young, he liked play-
ing sports. Then after finishing high school he
decided to study at Srinakarinwirote University
and got the Bachelor of Education majoring in
Physical Education in 1975. His Master of Educa-
tion majoring in Physical Education is from Chu-
lalongkorn University in 1981. Moreover, he also
earned certificates concerning sports coach
and referee, from the National Sports Associa-
tion, and International Tennis Referee Certifi-
cate from the International Tennis Federation
held in Kualalumpur, Malaysia in 1993.
After obtaining a Bachelor Degree in March,
1975, he started working at ABAC on June
9, 1975 as a Physical Education Instruc-
tor, and he also handled some other jobs
as sports coach, student affairs advisor and
R.O.T.C.superintendent since he finished the
fifth year of the R.O.T.C.course, and got the
ranking of acting sub lieutenant. The P.E. sub-
ject was first offered for B.B.A. program students
in 1976, he was the only P.E. Instructor until 1978.
Since then there were more P.E. Instructors, he
was assigned to be course coordinator. While
Dr. Witchnee Kuptawathin was the Chairperson
of the General Studies Department, he was ap-
pointed the Deputy Chairperson in 1997-1998.
The Football Association and Lawn Tennis As-
sociation of Thailand invited him to be referee
several years and ABAC and his superiors al-
lowed him to do so as social contribution. Some
MR.PANSIRI ChANtoKUL
ARTS - GENERAL EDUCATIONSenior Lecturer, Department of General Education,
Faculty of Arts
important tournaments that he officiated at in-
cluded the Davis Cup group I and II, the Feder-
ation Cup group I and II of Asia Oceania Zone,
the thirteenth SEA Games and the thirteenth
Asian Games and he quit for referee duty in
2001. For more than 37 years of dedicated and
distinguished service to the Assumption Univer-
sity, he received four Royal Orders and Decora-
tions; they were the fifth class of The Crown of
Thailand, the fifth class of the White Elephant,
the fifth class of Direkgunabhorn and the fourth
class of Direkgunabhorn. He also received three
more Assumption University’s Awards; they were
Assumption University’s Golden Ring, Assump-
tion University’s Golden Pin and St. Montfort’s
Award. His impression of working at ABAC is
that he has seen the development of Assump-
tion Business Administration College (ABAC) to
Assumption University (AU), a very well known
university in Thailand and overseas.
“Be Happy with Your Work”is his favorite sen-tence that encourages him to work at Assump-tion University for many years because if we are happy with our work we will do it with fun and happiness. There was his name on the list of the instructors who would retire after the end of the first semester, academic year 2012. During the last summer session, he received a phone from Dr.Krisana Kitcharoen, the Assistant President who asked, “Are you happy with teaching at ABAC?” he said, “Yes, I am very happy with my teaching.”Then he got the chance to be Senior Lecturer and course coordinator up till now.
“Be Happy With Your Work”
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15
16
After graduating from the Faculty of Political
Science, Thammasat University with a Bachelor
Degree in International Relations, Dr. Witch-
nee pursued further education and earned a
Master’s degree in Political Science from Chu-
lalongkorn University, and a Doctoral degree
from Adamson University in Philosophy of Edu-
cation. Moreover, she also earned a certificate
of completion on Advanced Studies in Educa-
tional Science as Specialization on Educational
Management from the Faculty of Psychology
and Educational Science, Katholike Universitei,
Leuven, Belgium.
Before joining ABAC (AU) in 1974, Dr. Witchnee
was invited to deliver lectures to classes as a
guest lecturer on French in several schools in
Bangkok. In addition, she also delivered lec-
tures as a part-time lecturer at ABAC (AU). Due
to long distance travel and inconvenience,
spending her limited time delivering lecturers at
and commuting to ABAC (AU) was not so easy.
Impressed by ABAC (AU)’ s administrators, col-
leagues and students, she eventually decided
DR.WItChNEEKUPtAWAthIN
OFFICE OF THAI ART AND CULTURESenior Lecturer, Office of Thai Art and Culture
to be a full time lecturer almost four decades
ago. At that time, she was assigned as lecturer
in Business, Society and Government course. In
1991 – 2003 she was appointed as Chairperson
of General Studies Department and later on,
from 2003 - 2012 as “Director for the Office of
Thai Arts and Culture”. Together with the joint
cooperation of Thai Tourism Authority of Thai-
land, she was the Director for the Tour Guide
Training Programme and also collaborated
with the well-known Organizations, “Ruamjit
Nomklao Foundation for Youth “under royal
patronage. Besides that she also spent her time
writing textbooks, books and poetry. Many peo-
ple came to her asking for advices and sugges-
tions in Thai cultural experiences and Thai lan-
guage.
Every time she was assigned any work which was not in her particular field of expertise and specific skills, Brother Martin would encourage her with an encouraging statement as “All right, I believe you can do it.” This was an inspira-tional knocking on her heart!
“All right,I believe
you can do it”
17
Dr. Samusa Nakasingh, after her B.A. from
Chulalongkorn University, then spent 14 years
in studying, working, and traveling in the U.S.
and returned home with a Ph.D in Higher Ed.
Admin., from the University of Missouri, USA. in
1979. Since then, she’s been working at ABAC
from 1979 until present. Starting out with teach-
ing, became the Director of the General Stud-
ies (1980-1992); Post Religious Studies at the
Phillipines; a Lecturer at the Grad School of
Religious Studies and Tourism, setting up the In-
ternational Center ( 1994-1997), directing the
Center until retirement year (1998-2003) and
has been an Advisor at the Center until present.
This is the reason why “Dr. Sam”, as most stu-
dents call her, said that she is so grateful to the
Brothers and Administrators at ABAC who have
given her the opportunity to be of service to
others and thank God especially for the great
gift of His Love that she could share. And, this is
why she has been working in ABAC all of her life
in Thailand.
“I’ve been very blessed in being able to do
what I love at ABAC, i.e. welcoming guests or
newly arrived international students at the air-
port, helping them to settle in as they become
adjusted to the Land of Smiles. To be able to
share all that Assumption University has to of-
fer and to share the rich culture of Thailand has
DR. SAMUSA NAKASINGh
STUDENT AFFAIRSCENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENT
Senior Lecturer, Center for International Student
“Working hardconquers
all things”
been a privilege that I cherish. So often interna-
tional students will return with their wives and
children to visit what was once their “second
home”and introduce me to their families. What
joyful events these reunions have become! So,
by now I am not only an “Auntie” of those for-
mer students also their “Great Granny!”. She is
grateful to the Brothers and Administrators at
ABAC who have given her the opportunity to be
of service to others and thank God especially for
the great gift of His Love that she could share.
And, this is why she has been working in ABAC all
of my life in Thailand.”
“Certainly, growing up I believed in the notion “Honesty is the Best Policy.”And still, years later, I believe in it today. While working, I have been preaching the Brothers of St. Gabriel’s motto: “LABOR OMNIA VINCIT”: WORKING HARD CON-QUERS ALL THINGS, which is also ABAC’s motto to all the International Freshmen. This is what I love and have been practicing in what I have been preaching. Therefore, I will have to gratefully put all the effort, with heart and soul, into whatever I do, and for the place, the nation or person(s) we do love. And towards the evening of my life, I also apply in my daily living style: “Buddha’s Natural Law of Impermanence”, so I’ll become stronger to accept others and things as they are in order to attain a peaceful world.”
18
19
20
Between class periods at Assumption University,
students and teachers rushing from one class
to another is not an unusual sight. Among them
is an elegant-looking lady who has been do-
ing this for more than 33 years, Ajarn Suwanna
Benjadol who describes her life as “simple and
steady.”
Her educational background started at Rajinee
School, where she spent the next 15 years as a
straight-A student. Realizing that she was des-
tined to be an educator, Ajarn Suwanna had
her tertiary education at Faculty of Education,
Chulalongkorn University in 1969. “I chose Fac-
ulty of Education because I wanted to become
a teacher. That’s all, ”she said. After graduat-
ing, she started her sojourn to Houston, Texas,
USA. In the fall of 1974, she was enrolled in Uni-
versity of Houston in Master of Education in Cur-
riculum and Instruction Program. She received
her Master’s Degree in the spring of 1976. Hou-
ston is also the place where she found her other
half, Khun Fong Benjadol. The young lovers got
married and spent another 3 years running their
business there. The city became their second
home. “The fact that my first born was named
‘Oiler’ after the city’s Football team (Houston
MRS. SUWANNA bENjADoLINSTITUTE FOR ENGLISH LANGUAGE EDUCATIONSenior Lecturer, Institute for English Language Education
Oilers) shows how much I am bonded to the
city, ”she talked about her son who, like his
younger brother “Oat”, graduated from As-
sumption University.
While everything seemed to be settled, destiny
found the person it belonged to. Ajarn Suwanna
had to fulfill her duty of a grateful daughter to
her mother. The Banjadol family returned to Thai-
land, and Ajarn Suwanna started her destined
career as a fulltime lecturer at the Department
of English, Assumption Business Administration
College in June 1980. Since then, Ajarn Suwan-
na has been a part of AU family in educating
classes of aspiring students and solidifying AU’s
reputation in the Thai academic arena. Her
devotion to AU was greatly recognized. Thirty-
three years have passed. Ajarn Suwanna is still
the young and energetic lecturer for the now
Institute for English Language Education (IELE)
at Assumption University. She is still doing what
she has been doing- educating the young. “I
am blessed to have found what I’m meant for.
Life doesn’t have to be complicated. Be true
to yourself and never stop loving what you do,
and you’ll be happy,” is her motto.
“Be true to yourself and never stop loving whatyou do and you’ll
be happy.”
21
Having joined Assumption University on August
15, 1981, Mr. Kamol Kitsawad has put in 32 years
as University Registrar, member of the Assump-
tion University top management team, commit-
tee member on several university core and sup-
portive activities, and as entrepreneur in special
business units for the institution. From his prior
experience as teacher and Administrator with
St. Gabriel’s College and the Catholic Teach-
ers Association of Thailand, combined with his
academic specializations at Undergraduate,
Master, Doctoral degree levels in Education,
Certificate in Educational Administration from
the Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium and
Strategic Financial Management in Universities,
UNESCO respectively. Mr. Kamol Kitsawad has
been recognized in the past, with an Award
for Outstanding Academic Support by the As-
sociation of Private Higher Education Institu-
tions in Thailand (APHEIT) in 1995, the St. Bernard
Award for Special Merit, 1999, and St. Montfort’s
Award, 2009, by Assumption University. Mr. Kit-
sawad has also received Four Royal Orders and
Decorations for academicians in Thailand.
MR. KAMoL KItSAWADOFFICE OF THE UNIVERSITY REGISTRAR
The University Registrar / Director, Office of the University Registrar
“Challenges in life are bestmanaged through humility,
confidence, entrepreneurship and optimism”
Mr. Kamol Kitsawad has proved consistently to
be a caring and careful administrator of the
University’s registration services and other func-
tions as assigned by the university. In his tenure
as Registrar, he has seen student enrollments
grow from 4,000 in 1981 to over 20,000 at the
present time. Correlated with the expansion in
student numbers has been the growth of the
Office of the Registrar to about 50 full time staff
currently. Based on Mr. Kitsawad’s and his staff’s
aggressive marketing overseas, the Assumption
University International student representation
has swollen to over 3,000 in 2013 and the uni-
versity has been awarded the Thai Prime Min-
ister’s Award for the Highest Revenue realized
through the exporting of Educational Services,
in 2002 and 2009 respectively. Throughout his
service years at Assumption University, Mr. Ka-
mol Kitsawad has added value to the lives of
his colleagues, students and other stakeholders
with filial dedication and sense of purpose.
Mr. Kamol Kitsawad’s personal motto is: Chal-
lenges in life are best managed through humili-
ty, confidence, entrepreneurship and optimism.
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23
Dr. Laura M. Brahmakasikara is a native of the
Philippines but living in Thailand because she is
married to a Thai. Her husband, already retired,
used to work with the Airports Authority of Thai-
land. They have two children, both grown-ups.
Her daughter, the eldest, is working at the Min-
istry of Foreign Affairs as a lawyer and her son
is working at Rightman Company as an interior
decorator and designer.
She first came to Thailand in November 1979
and only after a week was given a job at Ma-
hidol University as a Research Assistant. She
subsequently moved to Assumption University in
June 1981 where she started her teaching pro-
fession as an English teacher.
She received her Bachelor’s degree from the
University of the Philippines, her Master’s degree
from Chulalongkorn University and her doctoral
degree from Assumption University.
In 1997, a year after the completion of her Mas-
ter’s degree, she was given a position in the
Department of English as the Chairperson. Prior
to this, she was an Assistant Chairperson in the
same department. She held the Chairperson-
ship for eight years. It was during this span of
years while serving Assumption University as the
Chairperson of the English Department she was
given the St. Bernard’s Award (3rd class) on De-
cember 24, 2001 for her performance beyond
the normal calls of duty. In 2004, she was given
DR. LAURA M.bRAhMAKASIKARA
ACADEMIC AFFAIRS - OFFICE OF THE V.P. FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRSSenior Lecturer, Office of the Vice Rector for Academic Affairs
scholarship by Assumption University to pursue
her doctorate in educational leadership. Al-
though she is not very active in teaching at pre-
sent and only teaching part-time at the Gradu-
ate School of e-learning, she still yearns to be
a full-time teacher. Presently, although not fully
engaged in teaching, she has the privilege of
being a part of the Office of the Vice President
for Academic Affairs.
She believes teaching is an incredibly honor-
able profession and she is glad to be a part of it.
“In judging our progress as individuals, we tend
to concentrate on external factors such as
one’s social position, influence and popularity,
wealth and standard of education – but internal
factors may be even more crucial in assessing
one’s development as a human being: hones-
ty, sincerity, simplicity, humility, purity, generos-
ity, absence of vanity, readiness to serve your
fellow men – qualities within the reach of every
soul – are the foundation on one’s spiritual life.
Never forget that a saint is a sinner that keeps
trying – Nelson Mandela”.
“In short, let’s reflect on what God said to Samuel in 1 Samuel 16:7: But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the Lord sees not as man sees; man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”
24
“Do not look on his appearanceor the height of his staturebecause I have rejected him
for the Lord sees not as man sees man looks on the outward
appearance, but the Lord lookson the heart.”
25
26
Mrs. Enriqueta D. Bovornpanomsak hails from
the Philippines. She joined Assumption Busi-
ness Administration College (ABAC) in 1981, a
few months after arriving in Thailand to join her
would-be husband. She holds a Bachelor of
Arts degree major in Mathematics (Cum laude)
and a Master of Arts in Teaching Mathematics
degree both from Manuel L. Quezon University
in Manila. She also has some years of college
teaching experiences from the same university
and high school teaching of Mathematics at
several schools, particularly at the University of
the Philippines Integrated School, before com-
ing to Thailand. Mrs. Enriqueta is married to Mr.
Prasit Bouornpanomsak, a retired engineer.
They are blessed with a son, an only child.
To her, teaching Mathematics is a real joy. But
aside from teaching, she also enjoyed making
herself busy helping others. An achievement
she really enjoyed is the founding of the “In-
ternational Fund For Charities Organization”,
an organization she initiated and served as
president. This organization comprised mostly
of foreign ABAC lecturers and staff. For several
years, (this organization) was able to raise funds
through charity fairs held at Huamark campus.
From these funds they donated school needs
as well as personal effects to many poor school
children in some rural areas in Thailand. From the
border of Thailand and Myanmar at Rachaburi
and Kanchanaburi, to the eastern province of
Chachaengsao, the organization (in ABAC’s
name) gave donations to seven rural schools.
Donations were also given to the children at a
refugee camp in Mae Hong Son and to some
poor children in a small Christian church in Sa-
kon Nakhon.
MRS. ENRIqUEtA D. bovoRNPANoMSAK
MARTIN DE TOURS SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT AND ECONOMICS - MATHEMATICSSenior Lecturer, Department of Mathematics, Martin de Tours School of Management and Economics
But the most significant achievement she con-
siders while in ABAC is not academic, rather it is
spiritual. A few years after she started teaching
in this university, with the guidance of some col-
leagues, she became a born-again Christian.
To her, it is the best thing that ever happened
in her life, and she feels it as ironic that it hap-
pened in a Buddhist – dominated country.
“Sometimes when we encounter injustice or un-
fairness, nonsensible reasoning, distorted facts,
or being misunderstood, we tend to defend
others or ourselves. But nobody would listen to
us because we don’t have the influence or the
power to which people look up to. While we
become victims others consider us as villains”.
“People judge us as bad, wrongdoers, or dumb. But God sees the truth but waits. In due time, in God’s time, the truth is exposed or revealed that we are avenged for what others did to us. Although sometimes the truth comes out a bit too late, at least people would know who we really are. Sweet revenge? Could be. But what is important is we have shown to those people and to the world the real us who cares for jus-tice and truth, and that justice and truth always prevail and prove our worth”.
“God sees the truth
but waits”
27
It is with great pride that Dr. Cherdpong Sibunruang looks upon his 28
years of academic career in Assumption University. Over these years
he has assumed various responsibilities such as Chairperson, Associate
Dean and Dean of the Martin De Tours School of Management and
Economics and it has been a very fulfilling experience. He has always
had a passion for academia and he is indeed thankful to Assumption
University for giving him such an opportunity.
Dr. Cherdpong Sibunruang’s educational background has been varied.
After completing his bachelor degree in Economics from Thammasat
University, he pursued his MSc. in Economics and MBA (Finance focus)
in the United States. He earned his Doctorate of Management (DM),
specialization in Education Management from De La Salle University,
Manila. He has also attended several Certified Executive Development
Programs conducted by University of Houston, Stanford University and
Ministry of University Affairs (Thailand). These experiences have been
invaluable in helping him successfully manage the biggest School to-
wards achieving the mission of developing highly qualified, ethical and
socially conscious business graduates/leaders. He is also very fortunate
that he has a very dedicated team to work with and together they have
been able to continuously introduce innovations and improvements in
the curriculum and teaching and learning areas.
One of his favorite quotes is by Albert Einstein “Imagination is more im-
portant than knowledge”. He truly believes that the purpose of educa-
tion is not only to impart knowledge but to provide opportunities and
a conducive environment for students to develop their imagination.
Thereby the students not only acquire the right skill set but also a quest
for lifelong learning. An organization’s greatest resource is its people. He
therefore strongly supports essential investment in faculty development,
in order to achieve the desired education outcomes and improve the
School’s research profile. Under his deanship, he aspires to further ad-
vance the standard and reputation of the School and he is confident
that with the cooperation of each and every member of the School
they would be able to achieve their goals.
DR. ChERDPoNG SIbUNRUANG
MARTIN DE TOURS SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT AND ECONOMICSDean, Martin de Tours School of Management and Economics
“Imaginationis more
important than knowledge”
28
“Imaginationis more
important than knowledge”
29
30
These institutions - Sacred Heart Novitiate and
La Salle Scholasticate in India, St. Louis Universi-
ty, University of the Philippines in the Philippines;
Portland State University, Oregon State Univer-
sity and University of Oregon in U.S.A., gave
me knowledge, skills and enriched life experi-
ences. They inculcated, taught and trained me
to lead my life and to be whatever I am now.
I am thankful and grateful to these worthy and
memorable institutions.
These institutions – Assumption College Thon-
buri, Assumption College, Assumption College
Ubonrajathani and Assumption University gave
me opportunities to work, to learn, to find and
follow embedded life interest, to create value
and satisfy life fulfillment, among others. What-
ever I am, whatever I own, whatever I will be
and will own, I am immensely indebted to these
beneficent and wonderful institutions. Hence-
forth, it’s time to thank, to repay with greater ef-
forts, devotion and dedication throughout the
remaining life.
“You are welcome to ABAC!”a touching and
much treasured message kept alive in me. The
President Emeritus, Rev. Bro. Martin Komolmas
accepted me to be one member in AU with
his own handwriting. “Go and study more to
become specialized”, a big support, living en-
couragement and powerful inspiration for my
pursuit of higher education from the President
Emeritus and the current Rector, Rev. Bro. Ban-
cha Saenghiran. In retrospect on my few years
of early teaching, it was text teaching, rote
learning – focusing on knowledge, principles
and memory. Luckily and happily, it is now re-
placed by a newer life approach which is “stu-
dents’ learning is better than teachers’ teach-
ing”. Make students exert greater efforts to
learn. Thus, “to teach is to learn; and to learn is
to teach.”Subject matters are just materials and
tools to train, form and shape students to be dy-
DR. thoNGDEE KIjbooNChooGRADUATE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS - M.B.A. (Business Administration)
Senior Lecturer, M.B.A. Program, Graduate School of Business
namics, analytical and creative individuals. Stu-
dents are supposed to come up with eclectic
models from what they have learned. Thanks
to flexibility and academic freedom in the GSB,
supportive as well as its favorable manage-
ment style, one is allowed to follow his own best
way of teaching. Teaching, then, becomes
meaningful and challenging; it turns persons to
be independent, dare to be, problem solvers,
innovative and creative minds. Time flies but
ABACness – love, care and generosity never
fades; it still remains and also magnifies. The
Academic Laurels and Palms Reward turns the
evening of my working life to the morning of my
working life. Thanks!
“When you experience abundance, remember the days of famine; when you enjoy riches, think of poverty and misery.”This guiding principle is tantamount to an automatic wealth stabilizer. It is a powerful mechanism to make one forever prosperous. Through frugality, reasonable and moderate spending as well as careful invest-ments, ones’ wealth will certainly grow and multiply. Thus, they will become even a million-aire in their own ways”.
“When youexperience
abundance, rememberthe days of famine
when you enjoyriches, think
of poverty andmisery.”
31
Mr. Mohammad Alshammary received his MBA
(Management) from the Marshall University,
West Virginia, USA july-1979 and ws admitted in
the PhD program Duke University, North Caro-
lina.
In his early days of work between 1964-1975 Mr.
Mohammad Alshammary got promoted as As-
sistant Accounting Auditor, and then Auditor in
the Electricity Organization in Baghdad, Iraq,
which is in charge of generating, transmitting,
and distributing electricity in the whole country.
From 1983 until 1984, he was the administrative
manager for Alsaleh Heavy Equipment Com-
pany in Kuwait. Then, from 1986 till now he has
been serving ABAC as lecturer for the under-
graduate level in the Accounting Department.
In addition, he taught at the graduate level
from 1996 – 1998.
Since he joined ABAC in 1986 till now, he has
had many reasons to be in Thailand for almost
26 years, but definitely not because of the sal-
ary neither the position. It was the easy, friendly,
smily receiption you see where ever you go in
ABAC, the democratic way the brothers run this
institution; free to say and suggest, and also to
object if the things is wrong, without fear or pre-
caution.
MR. MohAMMAD A.AShooR AL-ShAMMARy
MARTIN DE TOURS SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT AND ECONOMICS - ACCOUNTINGSenior Lecturer, Department of Accounting, Martin de Tours School of Management and Economics
“If you have the power to oppresshumans remember the power
of God over you”
On top of that is the friendly relations he had
with Brother Martin, and all heads of account-
ing department. Since he had joined ABAC he
has never heard the words “cannot” or “impos-
sible to-do” from Brother Martin big heart, his
capacity to listen, understand, and solve prob-
lems has been crucial for him to stay all these
years in Thailand. He impressed Mr. Mohammad
Alshammary the most with this short story.
“The Iraqi ambassador called to let me know
that he will be in ABAC to seek scholarship for
his son who just finished his engineering degree
in Baghdad (Iraq then was under embargo by
United Nations). The next day the surprise came
from Brother Martin that not only the ambas-
sador son was granted full scholarship, but all
the Embassy’s officers’ sons as well. Since then I
knew Brother Martin’s mission goes beyond run-
ning this institution but also to deliver the idea
that we are all humans without any considera-
tion to the religion or faith, and education is one
of many means to improve relations among dif-
ferent nations”.
Finally for the People who had power remem-ber this “If you have the power to oppress hu-mans remember the power of God over you”.
32
33
Mrs. Him Yock Sawadsaringkarn graduated with a mas-
ter degree in Applied Languages from Toulouse-le-Mi-
rail, France. In 1986, she joined ABAC as a lecturer in
the English Department, Faculty of Humanities, working
under Ajarn Dr. Sompit Porsutyaruk and Ajarn Tuang Tu-
angthon. Both of them have had a great influence on
her career, inspiring her to follow them in their work eth-
ics of hard word, devotion, and dedication to the task
at hand. As such she has always striven to maintain
high standards of professionalism, with the well-being
and development of her students in mind.
She has experienced many beautiful moments
throughout her two decades of teaching at ABAC,
not least among them are when she sees her students
beam with pride on their graduation day, or when dis-
cussions and conversations in or outside classes are op-
portunities to show mutual care and respect for one
another, like during the flood in 2011, when one student
enquired about her well-being and offered to give her
assistance if necessary. These are memories she will al-
ways cherish.
She sincerely thanks the university for these great mo-ments.
MRS. hIM-yoCKSAWADSARINGKARN
INSTITUTE FOR ENGLISH LANGUAGE EDUCATIONSenior Lecturer, Institute for English Language Education
34
“I experiencedmany beautiful moments
throughout my twodecades of teaching
at ABAC”
35
Mrs. Malinee Chanvipas was born in Bangkok on 16 June 1941. Even
though she is 72 years old now, she always feels that she is 27 because
every day she is surrounded by students, and they infect her with their
youth and vitality. In 1956 she finished her Thai high school. Then she went
to Taiwan to continue her study and got a bachelor degree from Taiwan
Normal University. After she finished her study in Taiwan, she came back to
Thailand to take on a teaching job and ever since teaching has become
her profession.
Due to her character and disposition, she knows apart from being a teach-
er, other kind of jobs would not be suitable for her, especially the world of
business which is full of traps, since she was very calm, direct and honest,
and certainly not a calculating person. To her, only an environment like
school is where we would not have to swindle. The only focus for her, like
other teachers is to educate the young ones by sharing their knowledge
and life experiences with them, like how a gardener takes care of a gar-
den. Guidance, life and caring are to be given to the students who are
the very hope of our future.
She loves teaching. Spending time with students is one of her favorites,
especially with ABAC students. The students at ABAC, from what she has
observed, share a common quality of being hardworking and attentive
to their studies. For example, whenever she returns the result of their exam
papers, they always check over and over to look at the mistakes they
have made and come back to her right away with questions they have
which to her is the spirit of not being afraid of making mistakes, as well as
the willingness to learn from their mistakes, a very valuable trait asset one
should possess in order to become a well-rounded person.
During all these years in the field of education, she has come across many
meaningful quotations. However, among which what has impressed her
the most is the Chinese sign hung at the main entrance of Taiwan Normal
University. The sign says “LiangshiXingguo”, which means that the prosper-
ity of a nation relies on a true teacher. And it is this sign she has adopted
as her motto. She believes that if we see ourselves as true and authentic
teachers or educators, we should all undertake the responsibility behind
the message of this Chinese sign “LiangshiXingguo”.
MRS. MALINEEChANvIPAS
FACULTY OF ARTS - B.A. (BUSINESS CHINESE)Senior Lecturer, Department of Business Chinese
36
“Prosperity of a nation relies
on a true teacher”
37
Mr. Win Hlaing is married and has one child. He pursued his Bachelor in Engineer-
ing (Civil) and later on received a postgraduate professional certificate in Hydrol-
ogy and Hydraulics Engineering. He has been an civil engineer with experiences
in Hydrology, Concrete (Laboratory and filed testing) and Dam construction, su-
pervision and quality control.
From 1962 to 1964, Mr. Win Hlaing studied in Intermediate Science Part A and B
at Rangoon University. The following four years he studied in Civil Engineering at
Rangoon Institute of Technology and received the Bachelor of Civil Engineering
in 1968. In 1973 he completed his postgraduate studies in Hydrology and Hydrau-
lics engineering at Delft University, Netherlands under UNDP fellowship program.
In 1968, Mr. Win Hlaing worked for the Joint Irrigation Department in Burma. After
that, from 1968 till 1986, he served as Assistant Engineer (Civil) for the Irrigation Plan-
ning and Design Division. He was also an engineer counterpart to UN consultants
for various feasibility studies for multipurpose dam projects, a counterpart engineer
to Sanyu Consulting engineers, Nippon Koei Consulting engineers, Japan, Zelko-
prom Export, consulting engineer in the Former Soviet Union, and Senior engineer
to Lahmeyer International Consulting Engineers ( West Germany ) in construction,
supervision and quality control for KINDA Dam multipurpose project financed by
the World Bank.
In 1987 he joined Assumption University as an instructor in the General Education
Department, Faculty of Arts and served this university until 2012. He also worked as
Senior Lecturer and Deputy Chairperson during the twenty-five and a-half years
time. During that period, he taught English, Mathematics, Environmental Science
and Engineering Graphic Drawing subjects in both Huamark and Suvanabhumi
campuses. In addition, he contributed in training teachers at St. Grabriel High
School in development of teaching Science subjects in English programs. Besides
that, he also taught special classes for students in Environmental Science and
worked as an academic committee member in the General Education Depart-
ment for Exams, grades and quality control. In December 2007, he received an
award from the Royal Princess for serving Assumption University for 20 years.
To his mind, the performance of a manager is measured by how well he can organize a large number of people and how effectively he can get the highest performance from each of the individuals and blend them into a co-ordinated performances.
MR. WIN hLAINGFACULTY OF ARTS - GENERAL EDUCATION
Senior Lecturer, Deptartment of General Education
38
“We’re NOT primarily put on this earth to see
through one another, but to see one
another through”
39
“It’s a person’sinner core
that counts”
40
MS. KhIN MAE KyAWINSTITUTE FOR ENGLISH LANGUAGE EDUCATIONSenior Lecturer, Institute for English Language Education
Ms. Khin Mae Kyaw’s life as an academician began at Rangoon Arts &
Science University. Later on she was transferred to Mandalay Arts & Sci-
ence University, and then to Rangoon Institute of Technology and Ran-
goon Institute of Medicine. However in 1987, as she was contemplat-
ing on expanding her teaching experience outside of Burma, her best
friend, who at that time was working at ABAC suggested working at this
well-known college. January 15th of 2013 marked the 25th year of her
teaching life at Assumption University. She uses the word “Life” instead of
“Service” because her life revolves around her students. She makes them
realize that there are times when the failures, guilts and sorrows lead us
to despair. However, we need not give in. We can rise, walk again and
“Choose Life”, as she believes that the past is our background for today
and today is our foundation for the future.
She has chosen this profession because she believes that teachers play
an important role in moulding the lives of the youths who one day, in turn,
will be shaping and developing their nation(s) to stand proud in this com-
petitive but sharing Society of Our Global Village. Thousands of her stu-
dents are already out there, and many of them have become successful
citizens in their own countries and elsewhere regardless of whatever pro-
fession or career they may have chosen. She agrees with a famous enter-
tainer who once said, ”Success has nothing to do with what you gain in
life or accomplish for yourself. It’s what you do for others”.
Her precious, most beautiful and memorable moments at ABAC are when
she sees the happy, proud smiling faces of her students on their Gradu-
ation Day, especially when they come and say, “Thank you, Archarn”.
She feels rewarded and contented knowing that her dedication to her
profession has come to fruition. Her most treasured moment has been the
occasion when she received an award from Her Royal Highness Princess
Soamsavali. Moreover, her greatest reward of all is being appreciated by
the IELE which has given her opportunities to improve herself.
“Without Assumption University there will be no IELE, and without the IELE and my students I will not be where I am today”.
41
T’ is not morals alone that demand success,we shall do more, achieve greatness
ACADEMIC LAURELSAND PALMS
ASSUMPtIoN UNIvERSIty of thAILAND
2013