By Keziah G. Huelar
Graduates, parents, university faculty and staff celebrated the momentous occasion at the CPU Big Field.
Celebrating God’s faithfulness in the lives of our graduates – the Central Philippine University held its 91st Commencement Exercises at the CPU Big Field on April 28, 2019.
The invocation was led by Rev. Samuel R. Escobin, Associate Pastor, University Church. It was then followed by the Singing of the National Anthem with Ms. Crista S. Huyong conducting.
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles encouraged the graduates to pursue a path of faith and excellence.
For the words of welcome CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles congratulated the graduates, their parents, and the university faculty for their hard work and perseverance. “I welcome all of you to this year’s 2nd semester commencement exercises. Graduate students, we celebrate your graduation today. We recognize the hard work and commitment [you exerted] to excel in your chosen fields. You will soon crossover to the professional world and will be facing another chapter of your life.”
Dr. Robles goes on to remind the graduates to carry the CPU banner and proudly testify their faith in Christ as they enter the professional world. “It is our prayer that you seek excellence in your careers – that you will not sacrifice your character and your Christian values when faced between choosing what is right and what is easy. Remember, it is God you should seek to honor. Remember also that wherever you go and whatever you do, you carry with you the name of Central Philippine University. The name carries with it an honored legacy of faith and Christian education we should all protect and maintain.”
Commencement Speaker, Dr. Betty C. McCann, President, Silliman University received a plaque of appreciation from CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles and CPU Board of Trustees Chairman, Atty. Von Lovel D. Bedona.
After the welcome remarks, Dr. Florence P. Bogacia, CPU Vice President for Finance and Administration introduced guest speaker, Dr. Betty C. McCann, President, Silliman University.
In her commencement address, Dr. McCann encourage the graduates to reflect on their upcoming professional journey. “Each one of you, I’m sure, has a story to tell about the time you studied here. Some stories which have more joys than anxieties, others bittersweet. Whatever story you spin, the fact is you have hurdled formal education successfully. The question however to reflect on is: where do you go from here? What now? Dr. Seuss, a famous author of children’s books that resonate so well with adults had one of those books entitled “oh the places you’ll go. The opening line of that book says – Congratulations! Today is your day, you’re off to great places, you’re off and away, one thing is for sure you will now move on from learning within the confines of the classroom towards a borderless learning community.”
It was then followed by the conferral of degrees by Dr. Robles assisted by Miss Charissa June G. Deocampo, Acting Registrar and Miss Emerald Joy E. Perucho, Asst. Registrar.
One by one, the graduates received their diplomas, starting with the College of Agriculture, the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business and Accountancy, the College of Computer Studies, the College of Education, the College of Hospitality Management, the College of Medical Laboratory Science, the College of Medicine, the College of Nursing, the College of Pharmacy, the College of Engineering, the College of Theology, the College of Law and the School of Graduate Studies.
The response in behalf of the graduates was given by Elmer C. Ermitaño, Summa Cum Laude, Bachelor of Science in Chemistry.
After which a prayer of dedication was given by Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, Senior Pastor, University Church. It was then followed by the pledge of alumni led by Engr. Isagani J. Jalbuena, President, CPU Alumni Association Inc. and the singing of the Alma Mater Song led by Ms. Huyong.