Media Release
Mangaluru, Mar 25: The department of postgraduate studies and research in Chemistry organized a felicitation programme to Monica Leyona Mendonca, the tenth rank holder in the BSc examination at Mangaluru University Level. Presently, she is a student of first year MSc Analytical Chemistry at St Aloysius College (Autonomous).
Dr Ronald Nazareth, the head of department of chemistry welcomed the gathering. In his welcome address he acknowledged achievement of promising young chemist Monica Leona Mendonca who through her persevering effort has won personal distinction as well as accolades to the Institutions she belongs. He said Her truly deserving achievement reminds us of Napoleon’s words, 'Victory belongs to the most persevering'.
Arroonha Alex D’Souza, classmate of Monica shared some of the college memories. He spoke about how they managed to excel in academics and extracurricular activities as well. He mentioned about Monica's determination and hard work in life. Dr Divya Shetty programe coordinator read out the citation.
Monica Leyona Mendoncawas born on August 13, 2001 at Gangolli Kundapur to Mohan Joseph Mendonca and Loycee Treeza Mendonca, having had her school education at Garden Angel High School, Curchorem, Goa, PUC and Degree education at Milagres College Kallianpur. She stood first in SSLC exam and also her effort in Science Olympiad earned a silver medal in National level in the year 2015-16. Securing a 10th Rank at the university level in B Sc. examination conducted by Mangalore University is one more feather to her crown. With this achievement she made all proud and proved that there are no secrets to success, it’s the result of preparation, hard work and learning from failure. She has inspired hope, ignited the imagination and love for learning. As a student of MSc first year Analytical Chemistry of St Aloysius College, she has already shown her commitment in her studies right from the first day of joining.
Principal Fr Praveen Martis SJ, in his presidential address, congratulated Monica for her commitments, achievements and making her Alma Mater and parents proud. He emphasised on the research goals a student need to have when they are in their higher studies. He also appreciated Kavya Salian for being chosen to do her research in Indian Institute of Science Bangalore.
Chief guest, Dr Vincent Alva, the principal of Milagres College Kallianpur, expressed his joy for honouring his former student of Milagres College, Kallianpur. He enthralled the august gathering by his lively keynote address on chemistry of life.
Director of administrative block Dr Charles Furtado, director of Aruppe Block Dr Denis Fernandes, registrar Dr AlwynDSa, Mohan Joseph Mendonsa, LoisytressaMendonca proud parents of Monica were present for the programme.
Preema Pais assistant professor department of PG chemistry compered the programme. Jyothi Vaz proposed the vote of thanks.
The formal programme was followed by motivational talk by emeritus professor of Biochemistry professor Cletus D'Souza. Dr Cletus D’Souza is an alumnus of St Aloysius College and completed his BSc in 1971. He is currently adjunct professor, department of post graduate studies and research inbiochemistry, St. Aloysius College, Mangaluru.
He ignited the young minds on the topic ‘Chemists have solutions’. Hetold that only if there exists curiosity in our minds we will be able to question the existence of certain things in life.He also mentioned that failure is not an end but the beginning to all new beginnings. He enlightenment the students with his words of knowledge and inspired to always think outside the box.
About the department
The department of postgraduate studies and research in chemistry of St Aloysius College is one of the most vibrant departments in academics and extracurricular activities as well. The department offers two programmes namely MSc analytical chemistry and MSc chemistry. MSc analytical chemistry (started on 2007) has an excellent academic and placement record with proud alumni all over India and abroad. MSc chemistry (started in 2012) has established itself as another feather in the cap of the college. The department is sanctioned with FIST grants for project work and research. It offers a research programme leading to PhD in chemistry. It has been approved as research centre affiliated to Mangalore University. The strength of the department is enhanced by the advanced instrumentation centre comprising the sophisticated instruments like PXRD, BET analyser, TGA, FTIR, GC, photocatalytic reactor, corrosion analyser etc.