The University of the East condoles with the family of the late Prof. Luz Soriano Sta. Ana, a former Director of UE’s Department of Physical Education who passed away last Thursday, September 19, 2024, 2024, at age 89.

Born on January 21, 1934, in Pasay City, Director Sta. Ana earned her Bachelor in Secondary Education degree from the UE College of Education in 1957 through an athletic scholarship. She had been a dean’s lister before focusing on sports, and was a member of the University’s then gymnastics, volleyball and softball teams. She also played table tennis, badminton and basketball, despite these sports having no women’s teams at the time.

She took and passed the licensure exam for teachers in 1958, later on earning her Master of Arts in Physical Education at the National College of Physical Education

After graduating from UE, Dir. Sta. Ana taught Physical Education and English at the Naval Reservation Junior College (now Columban College) in Olongapo City. In 1961, fate brought her back to her Alma Mater, where she taught PE at UE Manila.

In 1994, she was promoted to be the UE PE Department’s Assistant Director. She would hold the position until 1996, when she assumed the Director position upon the passing of former PE Director Benjamin Castillo. She held UE’s PE directorship for 10 years until her retirement in 2007. She had been in service to UE for a total of 45 years.

During her stint as UE PE Director, she became the President of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines in 2006, during the league’s 69th Season, during which, UE was the host. Despite her UAAP presidency, she continued her tasks as PE Director, including the welfare of various UE athletes and faculty members, as well as monitoring UE’s performance and efficiency in both UAAP and non-UAAP events.

Dir. Sta. Ana was married to the late Dr. Victor Sta. Ana, a UE College of Dentistry alumnus and a member of the UE Baseball Team back in the day. Their four children are all UE graduates.

A wake was held in Dir. Sta. Ana’s honor at the De La Paz Funeral Homes in Marikina City until the funeral ceremony in her memory on September 23, 2024.

Requiescat in pace, Dir. Sta. Ana, and thank you so much for your Warrior service, dedication and loyalty…