Filipino Graduates from UPenn as Double Summa Cum Laude

A recent Filipino student earned the highest honors of double summa cum laude as he graduated from the University of Pennsylvania. Jacob Johann Wee, 21, took up double degrees: Bachelor of Science in Economics from the Wharton School of Business and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the College of Arts and Sciences of the University of Pennsylvania.

The University of Pennsylvania holds an extensive list of distinguished alumni including Elon Musk and Warren Buffet. Notable Filipinos like Manny V. Pangilinan and Mar Roxas are also among UPenn’s graduates.

Jacob is the eldest grandchild of the prominent Wee Clan, which also houses some big names. His paternal grandparents are Philippine Ambassador to Indonesia Lee Hiong Wee and Pearl Buck International awardee Rosalind L. Wee, who are also the heads of the country’s most profitable seaweed industry.

His maternal grandfather is President Emeritus of the Association of Volunteer Fire Chiefs and Fire Fighters of the Philippines George Go Pen Siong.

Jacob associates his academic excellence to “my parents, uncles, aunts, especially, Lolo and Lola, who taught me the importance of hard work. They work very hard in their respective careers and all their examples are a guide for me to follow.”

Much like his father, John Wee, Jacob also graduated with honors from Xavier School in Greenhills before getting into UPenn.

“Most people study Economics and Psychology because they’re interested in Behavioral Economics. I studied Economics to get a better understanding of business, and I studied Psychology because I think part of business (and life) is understanding how other people and even yourself think. Our biases, personalities, and ultimately, psychology affect how the entire world is run – from everyday relationships to the government,” Jacob explained as to why he took double degrees in Economics and Psychology.

After graduating, he is now set to go through Restaurant Brands International’s 18-month leadership program where he’ll be exposed to various corporate departments.

“I want to start making and focusing on my contribution to the world,” Jacob declared.

Source: PhilStar