Tan, who is also an adopted son and Ambassador-at-Large of this Western Pacific island, received the honorary title from Dr. Harold Allen, UOG president, and Ronald Leach, chairman of the UOG board of regents.
In his commencement address before a capacity crowd at the 4,000-seater UOG Field House, Tan recalled the difficulties his family encountered during the war years. "I started life as poor as a rat. But the hardships I had to survive gave me the first solid bridge in my life… This new feather in my cap is for my parents and all the parents who empower their children," he told some 400 members of the UOG graduating classes of fall 2002 and spring 2003.
Now on his 30th year of doing business in Guam, Dr. Tan said his group of companies does not exist simply to make profits but to provide employment, create a better quality of life for the people and to invest more in education. "This is important because the hope of my generation lies in educating the youth," he stressed.
Nearly 200 guests from the Philippines, which included Dr. Tan’s immediate family, friends and colleagues from the Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, flew in to witness the graduation rites. Also present were the island’s top officials led by Gov. Felix Camacho, Guam’s US Congress Delegate Madeleine Bordallo, members of Guam’s legislature, Thomas Calvo of the UOG Endowment Foundation, Inc., and Archbishop Anthony Aturon.
At a thanksgiving dinner hosted by Tan shortly after the conferment, he was honored through a standing ovation by some 500 guests in recognition of his concern and generosity towards Guam and its people. Camacho thanked Tan for his continuing support to the University of Guam which will receive a $1-million donation to expand and rebuild its Student Center Building. The pledge was made through the UOG Endowment Foundation, Inc. He also cited Tan’s donation of some $400,000 worth of distilled drinking water to Guam’s public schools and charitable institutions after super typhoon Pongsona devastated the island in December 2002.
The doctorate in humane letters is the second honorary doctorate for Tan who, in 2001, was conferred a Doctor in Applied Agriculture degree (honoris causa) by the Central Luzon State University in the Philippines.
In November last year, he was named Guam Ambassador-at-Large and was admitted to the Ancient Order of the Chamorri for his contributions to the island’s economy and generous support during times of calamities.