FEU Alumnus graduated Summa Cum Laude at the California Intercontinental University  

Rene Laceste, a BS Nursing batch 1990 alumnus of FEU, graduated Summa Cum Laude in his Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Healthcare Management and Leadership with a GPA of 3.95 at California Intercontinental University, USA, last July 28, 2019.

Rene is currently the Assistant Chief Clinical Officer of Rockport Healthcare Services (RHS), a leader in post-acute and long-term care in the United States. Previously, he serves as the Vice President for Clinical Operation of RHS where he oversees the different sites of the company including their office here in the Philippines. 

A recipient of 2018 Outstanding Leader in Healthcare Management Award from the American Cultural Organization, Mr. Laceste who is at the helm of the FEU Nursing Alumni Foundation, Inc. - USA, as its President for the year 2018 to 2020, fondly shared to us how his education in FEU played a crucial role in his life. 

  

1.     What is your most memorable place or event in FEU? And what makes it memorable? 

My first-panel interview before getting accepted to the Institute of Nursing was the most memorable one. This interview was the start of my journey as a nursing student in one of the most prestigious universities in the Philippines. 

  

2.     Success: How do you measure it? 

I quantify success based on the active process that I created, achieving positive outcomes, and attaining satisfaction within my ability to become the very best of what I am capable of doing. 

   

3.     Failing or failure: Were you afraid of failing? How do you deal with it? 

I consider failure as the start of your path to success. It’s the painful experience of failure that makes me work harder and proving to myself that I could do better. I always go back and analyze what I have done wrong or have missed, clear the road from impediments and barriers before creating a strategic plan. 

  

4.     How did FEU help you to become the person you are today? 

FEU has given me the foundation to start my professional career guided by principles, vision, and mission. Everything I learned for the betterment of my career from FEU remains in my heart and my mind, and this is what I carry every day as a way of being. 

   

5.     What do you think is your most important/significant contribution to FEU/to Society? 

Being actively involved with FEUNAF, Inc. – USA, and its programs engaging and collaborating with FEU as a whole is a significant contribution. My involvement with patient care as a nurse and now, as a clinical leader making sure we are providing excellent quality care to all our patients. 

  

6.     Bravery: What does it mean to be brave to you? 

Bravery is confronting frightening things but taking the courage and opportunity to learn the process and achieve success. 

  

7.     What advice would you give your fellow Tamaraws? 

I would advise my fellow Tamaraws, waste no time in reaching and fulfilling your dreams. Education is a mighty word, but it will only be valid when we start believing to its true meaning within ourselves. . Give your best in every task you do, no matter how small it is; success will follow eventually.