Goldie Santiago's Schools

• University of Santo Tomas , Class of 2000 Bachelors in Business Administration and Finance

Goldie Santiago's Publications

• Academic Distinction, Goldie Santiago December, 2010 by Goldie Santiago When a student graduates from university, a Latin phrase, such as cum laude, may appear on the diploma. While frequently used, these terms often remain misunderstood outside of academic circles. Essentially, these Latin phrases all serve as titles of distinction. If someone graduates with academic honors, cum laude signifies that the person surpassed the normal requirements of graduation. Frequently tied to grade point average, academic distinction may also indicate that the graduate has submitted an honors thesis or project for evaluation, or participated in a university honors program. Students graduating toward the top of their class may also receive academic distinction. Standards for academic distinction vary from university to university, but some type of honors system is implemented at most universities in North America, Europe, Australia, and in some Asian countries. Many universities use three levels of distinction, although the requirements may vary depending on the school. 1. Cum laude means “with honor.” These students often complete honors coursework or graduate in the upper echelons of the class, perhaps in the top 20 to 25%. 2. Magna cum laude means “with great honor.” These honors may apply to students towards the top of the class, such as those in the top 10%. 3. Summa cum laude means “with highest honor.” This honor applies to those students graduating at the very top of their class, usually comprising the top one or two percent, or with 4.0 grade point averages.

• James Patterson’s Approach to Writing August, 2011 By Goldie Santiago An avid reader, I particularly enjoy the works of bestselling authors such as Nicholas Sparks and James Patterson. One of the world’s most prolific and well-recognized authors, over 100 million people across the globe have read Patterson’s works, the most famous of which is his breakthrough Along Came a Spider, which introduced Washington, D.C., detective Alex Cross to mystery readers, leading to a major Hollywood movie. On the heels of Spider came dozens of genre-crossing books and series, including the Daniel X and Maximum Ride young-adult series, the Women’s Murder Club series, and several works of historical and romantic fiction. I recently read an interview with Patterson in the online edition of Writer’s Digest. As a business professional, I found it interesting that Patterson had established a successful advertising career prior to beginning his career as a writer. The interview establishes that, just as in his previous career, as an author, Patterson always focuses on product quality. That said, he does not believe that advertising sells books. While marketing campaigns may catch a consumer’s eye, he believes that the only way to succeed is to successfully engage his target audience with product they want to return to again and again. Patterson engages his audience by writing books in a breezy, colloquial style, without all of the parts people normally skip through. While Patterson admits that slow-going prose may work for some writers, he stands firm that not every writer is a Gabriel Garcia Marquez or James Joyce. Another hallmark of Patterson’s approach, which has brought some controversy, is his habit of working with coauthors on his novels. In the Writer’s Digest interview, Patterson explains that he uses cowriters because he has too many stories to tell. Patterson spends a considerable amount of time reworking and editing every manuscript he approves under his name, making his “factory” approach a “hand-tooled” one. Considering the enjoyment readers derive from Patterson’s works, it is hard not to agree with his philosophy. It is better to see several new and interesting titles into print for the public’s enjoyment than to take the same amount of time to craft a single book. About the Author: With a background in business administration, Goldie Santiago’s career over the past decade includes positions as California real estate broker, entrepreneur, and loan officer.

• The University of Santo Tomas by Goldie Santiago October, 2011 Recognized as the oldest university in Asia, the Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas offers a range of educational opportunities to students. Established in 1611, the University of Santo Tomas campus is situated on 21.5 hectares in Manila, Philippines. With a population of more than 41,000 students, the University is considered one of the largest Catholic higher education facilities in the world and the only higher education institution visited by two popes. Notable alumni include four Philippine presidents, six Philippine Supreme Court chief justices, and national hero of the Philippines Jose Rizal. The alumni list also includes prominent scientists, artists, and religious figures. Ecclesiastical Facilities, so-called to distinguish them from the degrees offered in the Secular Faculties and Colleges, include the Faculty of Sacred Theology, the Faculty of Philosophy, and the Faculty of Canon Law. Currently, the wide range of academic programs available at the University of Santo Tomas includes basic education, undergraduate studies, and postgraduate studies. In addition to standard subjects, each undergraduate must take 15 theology units. Students must also participate in a minimum of four physical education courses. The University of Santo Tomas has an extensive system of researchers based at the Thomas Aquinas Research Complex. Fields of study represented at the Complex include science, technology, and education. After more than 400 years in operation, the University continues to expand its breadth of academic offerings. The University plans to develop campuses in General Santos City and Santa Rosa, Laguna. For further information visit UST.edu.ph:http://www.ust.edu.ph/ About the author: An experienced accounts manager based in Santa Clara, California, Goldie Santiago earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Accounting at the University of Santo Tomas.

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