He is a man of outstanding qualifications. Such words aptly define the 2007 Most Distinguished Alumnus Awardee in the field of Science and Technology - Post Doc Prof. Dr. Renato G. Reyes. He is one of the many competitive alumni of the Central Luzon State University (CLSU). True enough, his alma mater lives up to its mission of producing quality graduates every year. And in return, he continuously shares his expertise to CLSU as he now leads the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS). He handles eight departments which are comprised of 128 faculty members with 1825 students.

Moreover, he teaches subjects in microbiology, botany and mycology and supervises research studies related to mushroom science and biotechnology in the university.

Aside from being a Dean, he also serves as an Adjunct Professor at the Institute of Biological Sciences Graduate Studies, University of the Philippines in Los Baņos, Laguna.

With all these noteworthy undertakings, he continues to gain academic acclaim through the years.

Becoming ahead of the pack Dr. Reyes never dreamt of becoming a teacher or an agriculturist. ``It is my father`s dream for me to be an agriculturist. I took agriculture just to fulfill that dream but I eventually enjoyed it,`` he revealed. He graduated cum laude at CLSU with the degree of BS Agriculture, major in Crop Science. Then, he was immediately hired as a faculty member at the Department of Crop Protection, College of Agriculture (CAg). The college became an ideal venue for him to further harness his potentials.

With his intense passion to succeed, he simultaneously finished two MS degrees in 1990 in the field of Crop Protection : Plant Pathology in CLSU and Biology in La Salle University.

He was also granted with scholarships abroad earning him the title Post Doc Prof. Dr. Renato G. Reyes after finishing his Ph D in Forest Science at Tokyo University of Agriculture and two Post Doctoral Fellowships, Japan Society for the Promotion of Science at Tokyo University of Agriculture and InWent Training Fellowship on Modern Industrial Biotechnology at University of Braunschweig, Germany.

When asked how he achieved all these prestigious feats, he shared ``Enjoy what you are doing and you will succeed.``

Making a breakthrough in science

At 43, this young scientist has already made significant contributions to science. His research interests include mushroom science and biotechnology, fungal ecology and taxonomy and fungal plan pathogens. Dr. Reyes` researches have won several recognitions making him one of the most sought-after presenters on local, national and international symposia. He bagged the 2006 Regional Winner-CHED HEI Best Research Program, Best Paper Award in Development Category (Mushroom Pharming of Local and Imported Strains of Medicinal Mushrooms), Best Paper in Crops Category (A Pioneering Cultivation Technology and Nutritive Value of Schizophyllum commune, a newly cultivated culinary and medical mushroom in the Philippines) and Best Oral Paper Award (Morphogenesis of Kudit) among others.

Added to his rooster of credentials is his knowledge to scientific and technical publications including his published books co-authored with Post Doc Prof.Dr. Udo Rau, his host scientist in Tokyo, Japan.

His researches have also gained media recognition as they have been aired on national television programs such as QTV 11`s SAPUL and RXMen, PTV 4`s Mag-Agri Tayo and ABS-CBN`s Kumikitang Kabuhayan. Also, he was featured as a cover story in the April 2007 issue of Agriculture Magazine published by the Manila Bulletin.

Despite his accomplishments, he never stops to discover new things in his area of expertise. For one, his innovative production of Japanese mushroom on rice straw-based material under Philippine conditions could eventually change the minds of Filipinos on the concept of `mushrooms with rings are poisonous`.

Not only a scientist but a leader as well

Aside from being garbed with science proficiency, Dr. Reyes presently leads the CAS which he envisions to put into its highest level of development.

He said, ``I want to develop the college in all aspects --- physical improvement, student centered, faculty development and linkage to the alumni and community at large.``

Dr. Reyes was designated dean this year and upon assuming his post, he was immediately able to put up the Mini-MPG, the Open stage theater, the Function room of the Extension Training Office and the CR in the garden for the students.

But just like any entity, leading the academe is not an easy task. He also faces setbacks in realizing his visions for the college. Yet, he is always quick to find solutions when put into such challenging situations.

He told, ``Kung gusto mong gawin ang isang bagay, laging mayroong paraan.``[If you want to do something, there will always be a way to fulfill it.]

His intent to improve the college is manifested on his on-going projects which include the establishment of CAS museum of Firsts, rehabilitation of the Little Theater and Speech Laboratory, improvement of the facilities of all the laboratory and lecture rooms, museum in the garden, fencing of the CAS annex and conversion of old comfort rooms into classrooms. What matters for the young dean is to always become optimistic in every endeavor that he takes. ``If one is willing to sacrifice and is passionate to achieve his purpose, everything is bound to happen,`` he said.

An alumnus who`s serving his alma mater

With all his impressive accomplishments at hand, there is a more promising life outside CLSU yet he is not lured to try a greener pasture. He is determined to serve the university by sharing his knowledge and skills to the whole studentry. Truly, Dr. Reyes is an exemplary image of an alumnus whose success is already at peak but still within his alma mater`s reach.

Dr. Renato G. Reyes as he supervises the trainee on the isolation of pure culture