Atty. Lesley Jeanne Yu Cordero at 28 holds the distinction of being the youngest recipient of the Most Outstanding USC Alumni Award in the history of the University of San Carlos – since 1953 when the University of San Carlos Alumni Association honored former President Sergio Osmeña Sr. and Miguel Cuenco with this prestigious award.
Last August 23, during the Carolinian Awards Night 2008, Atty. Lesley has proven that you do not have to be 40 years old to be awarded the Most Outstanding USC Alumna. She said, “no one is ever too young to do things that will make a difference in the lives of people. Age should never be a hindrance to be able to contribute something positive to make our country better.” With this award, she has joined the elite roster of John Gokongwei Jr., Atty. Augusto W. Go, Cong. Pablo Garcia, Ramon S. Fernandez, Alexander S. Gaisano, Judge Gabriel T. Ingles, Brig. Gen. Roy V. Kyamko, and Dr. Pek Eng Tan Lim to name a few who had been conferred this award.
This former USC Supreme Student Council President graduated magna cum laude with a degree of Bachelor of Philosophy from the University of San Carlos in 2001. She later finished her Juris Doctor of Laws degree from the Ateneo de Manila University School of Law in 2005. Atty. Lesley Cordero was the political communications director of Laurence J. Brahm, a political economist, international crisis mediator, an American lawyer and author based in China. During the 2007 Senatorial Elections, she was dubbed as the youngest election lawyer who headed the legal team of Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri. After passing the bar examinations in 2006, she served as a legislative officer in the Office of the Senate Majority Leader Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan. Now, Atty. Lesley has paved the way for other young Carolinian Alumni to strive hard to excel in their fields, strengthen the Carolinian identity and aspire for this coveted award.
Completing the prestigious list of the 2008 Most Outstanding USC Alumni Awardees are Engr. Jeane D. Sanchez, in the field of Human Resource Development; Mrs. Lilian Sta. Ana-Yared Overs, in the field of Community Development; Mr. Philip T. Tan, in the field of Civic Leadership and Peoples Development; Judge Francis A. Seville, in the field of Exemplary Professional Achievement; Marie Ernestine D. Fajatin, Ph. D., in the field of Pioneering Educational Methodologist; Brig. Gen. Joel Joseph A. Cabides, in the field of Military Service; Justice Edgardo L. Delos Santos, in the field of Judicial Service; and Dr. Montana Saniel (Post-Humous Award) in the field of Alumni Affairs.