By Mikee Natinga Norico
CPU celebrates a significant milestone during its 96th Commencement Exercises for the Academic Year 2023-2024, held on June 23 at the University Gymnasium.
Central Philippine University (CPU) recently held a momentous week, culminating in its 96th Commencement Exercises for the Academic Year 2023-2024. The festivities, which took place on June 21 and June 23 at the University Gymnasium, recognized the outstanding accomplishments of Centralian students.
On June 21, CPU hosted a special program to honor its top achievers. The ceremony acknowledged the dedication, excellence, and contributions of students in both academic and non-academic fields. An impressive 584 students received Latin honors, including 1 Summa Cum Laude, 174 Magna Cum Laude, and 409 Cum Laude recipients.
The program also awarded medals, certificates, and cash incentives to students who excelled in various categories, encompassing academics, sports and athletics, student leadership, and loyalty. Special awards were also highlighted in the said program, which are the following: Doña Perpetua Ledesma Juanillo Award, Dr. and Mrs. Nelson A. Pomado Leadership Award, President Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy Award for Distinguished Leadership and Service, Outstanding Students of Iloilo Awards (TOSIA), The Central Echo Award of Excellence in Campus Journalism, Leadership Award for Young Entrepreneurs Society.
The week culminated in a heartwarming commencement ceremony on June 23. The event began with a College Baccalaureate Service at 8:00 AM, followed by the commencement ceremony itself in the afternoon.
CPU President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy delivered an inspiring welcome address, commending the graduates’ perseverance through challenges, particularly during the pandemic. Renowned speaker Rev. Manuel L. De La Fuente further motivated the graduates, emphasizing the importance of pursuing dreams with relentless effort.
The ceremony’s highlight was the conferring of diplomas to over 2,226 graduates, with 584 receiving Latin honors. The commencement speaker, Ms. Anecita “Ann” Catedrilla Seisa, Founder and CEO of Vagtho’s Residential Care Center, shared a powerful message of gratitude, generosity, and perseverance. She highlighted how small acts of kindness during her time at CPU shaped her life journey.
Riley A. Beup, the Summa Cum Laude valedictorian, expressed his deepest gratitude to his support system and emphasized the importance of balancing academic success with personal relationships.
The 96th Commencement Exercises served as a testament to CPU’s commitment to transforming lives through education. As these graduates embark on their new journeys, they carry the values and lessons learned at CPU, a beacon of excellence and resilience for its students and the community.
Congratulations to the CPU Graduates of Batch 2023-2024!