The School of Business and Economics (SBE) received a smart classroom donation from Topline Business Development Corporation, represented by SBE alumnus Eugene Erik C. Lapasaran Lim on October 12, 2023 at the USC Downtown Campus. 

Lim, together with other Carolinian alumni who are part of Topline, shared that it was a privilege to be able to give back to the University. 

“The University of San Carlos gave us so much—our learning, our insights, our wisdom. Giving back is one of our core foundations in Topline. The University of San Carlos helped produce a lot of very good, well-rounded individuals in society. We want to impart that through this partnership between USC and Topline,” he shared.

According to Lim, he was inspired by his college mentors, especially SBE Dean Melanie R. Banzuela, Ph.D. who was his former teacher in finance and, at the same time, practicum adviser. 

He also added that the knowledge and leadership experiences he got from the University during his stint as a student leader in the Society of Young Business Executives (SYBE) are part of his foundation as the president and CEO of Topline. 

Aside from sponsoring a smart classroom, Topline also pledged an additional scholarship grant that will benefit SBE students. 

Coincidentally, Topline celebrated its 10th anniversary in July 2023 while the University of San Carlos marked its 75th anniversary as a university. 

Meanwhile, this latest smart classroom donation will contribute to the ongoing USC R.I.S.E campaign, a university-wide fund-raising initiative that aims to continue the Green and Gold Legacy by investing in research, infrastructure, scholarship, and other endowments.

The University of San Carlos was represented by Fr. President Francisco Antonio T. Estepa, SVD, Ph.D., Vice President for Administration Atty. Joan S. Largo, Ll.M., Dean Banzuela, and SBE Assistant Dean Lauro Cipriano R. Silapan Jr., D.B.A.
Meanwhile, the following Topline executives were also present: Alvin L. Lato (Commercial Fuel Trade Vice President for Operations), Atty. Constance Marie C. Lim (Vice President and Chief Finance Officer), Brigitte Carmel C. Lim (Senior Vice President and Chief Operations Officer), and Andrea M. Vargas (Investor Relations and Corporate Communications Officer).