USJ Macao Holds Ceremony for the Conferral of Honorary and Higher Degrees 2025
USJ Macao Holds Ceremony for the Conferral of Honorary and Higher Degrees 2025
09
Dec
09/12/2025
USJ Macao hosted its Ceremony for the Conferral of Honorary and Higher Degrees 2025 on Saturday, 6th December 2025, at the Auditório Centenário de Fátima in Ilha Verde Campus.
The University of Saint Joseph (USJ) hosted its Ceremony for the Conferral of Honorary and Higher Degrees 2025 on Saturday, 6th December 2025, at the Auditório Centenário de Fátima in Ilha Verde Campus
The ceremony was officiated by The Most Reverend Stephen Lee Bun Sang, Chancellor of USJ and Bishop of the Macao Diocese, and Reverend Professor Stephen Morgan, Rector of USJ.
Distinguished guests present at the ceremony included representative of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR, Mr. Li Yongle; representative of the Director of the Education and Youth Development Bureau (DSEDJ), Deputy Director Mr. Wong Ka Ki; representative of the Consul General of Portugal in Macao and Hong Kong, Dra. Patrícia Ribeiro; Consul General of Consulate of the Republic of the Philippines in Macao, Madam Edna May G. Lazaro; Consul-General of the Republic of Angola in the Macao Special Administrative Region, Mr Eduardo Velasco Galiano; representative of the Judiciary Police, Mr. Cheong Kin Fong; representative of the Social Welfare Bureau, Acting head of Professional Development and Planning Mr. Leong Ka Fai; Members of the Catholic Foundation; representatives of other local higher education institutions, donors of USJ, and local associations.
This year’s fall graduation celebrated the achievements of 103 students, with 8 doctoral degrees awarded in fields including business administration, education, global studies, history, psychology, religious studies, and science, alongside 95 master’s degrees.
A highlight of the ceremony was the conferral of the Doctor of Divinity Honoris Causa degree to Fr. Peter Stilwell, former Rector of USJ, and the Doctor of Business Administration Honoris Causa degree to Dr. Lucas Lo, member of The Fellow of the Chancellor’s Court of Benefactors of USJ.
The conferral of the honoris causa degree to Fr. Peter Stilwell recognises his significant contributions to USJ and profound impact on Catholic higher education in Macao and Portugal. Fr. Stilwell’s tenure as the third Rector of USJ from 2012 until 2020 was marked by academic reforms, campus development, and enhancement of the university’s reputation under his exemplary leadership. This award also acknowledges his long-standing ecclesiastical contributions in both USJ and Universidade Católica Portuguesa, his unwavering service to the wider Church and society, and his lifelong commitment to fostering fruitful dialogue between Catholics, other Christians, and non-Christians.
The conferral of the honoris causa degree to Dr. Lucas Lo recognises his exemplary philanthropic efforts and ethical business leadership, with a particular emphasis on his profound commitment to education. As a consistent and generous donor of USJ and other institutions across China, Dr. Lo has empowered numerous students through financial support for scholarships and initiatives that advance Catholic higher education and community development. Recognized as a Top Ten Philanthropist, his contributions as founder of the Macau Similan Group extend his ethical business ethos into fostering educational opportunities that drive societal progress.
During his address, Rector Stephen Morgan shared a significant milestone for the University’s future. He announced that the Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China has officially approved an annual recruitment quota of 190 Mainland Chinese students to USJ. This allocation, comprising 160 Master’s and 30 Doctoral places, represents a major achievement for USJ, significantly expanding its capacity to welcome and cultivate outstanding scholars from the Mainland.
Watch the full ceremony:
