By Cyrus A. Natividad
1,596 students graduated last July 24, 2022.
The 94th Commencement Exercises of the University Colleges was held on July 24, 2022 with the first batch of Graduates at 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM for the second batch, at the Rose Memorial Auditorium. This was the first in-person graduation of the University Colleges after two years of having a virtual graduation. There were 1,596 students that marched for their graduation.
The program started with the Entrance of Colors and processional of the Graduating Students, the Board of Trustees and Corporation Members, Officers of the Administration, Deans and other participants. The CPU Symphonic Band performed the overture virtually.
Associate Pastor for Christian Education, Rev. Ruth Lunasco led the invocation which was followed by the National Anthem led by Ms. Crista S. Huyong, Cultural Affairs Director.
Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, CPU President and Dr. Elmer Q. Pedregosa, Chairman –Board of Trustees delivered their words of greetings and encouragement. Dr. Florence P. Bogacia, Vice President for Finance and Administration introduced the Commencement Speaker who is Hon. Salex E. Alibogha, Commissioner, Legal Education Board, Republic of the Philippines.
Atty. Salex E. Alibogha shared his life testimony in his Commencement Address. He testified how God helped him inspite of their situation in which his father was a janitor while his mother was a vendor. All of them graduated with respective degrees because of determination and faith in God.
CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, assisted by Mrs. Emerald Joy E. Perucho, Assistant Registrar, conferred the degrees upon the graduates.
The First Batch of Conferees were the CARES with its Dean, Jaime C. Cabarles, PhD., Arts and Sciences, with Dean Stella G. Fernandez, PhD and Business and Accountancy with Dean Lorna T. Grande, PhD.
The 2nd Batch of Graduates who were conferred their degrees in the afternoon included the College of Computer Studies, with Dean Ma. Christina A. Quijano, M.S.C.S.; College of Education with Dean Merly L. Junsay, PhD.; College of Hospitality Management with Dean Ma. Medalla P. Baliao, M.M.H.M.; College of Nursing with Officer-in-Charge Melba M. Sale, M.A.N.; College of Engineering, with Dean Dany C. Molina, M.S.M.E.; Pharmacy, with Acting Dean Vincent Anthony V. Militante, R.Ph.; College of Medicine, with Dean Henry D. Gonzales, M.D.; College of Theology Dean Bernabe C. Pagara, Th.D. and School of Graduate Studies, with Dean Rowena M. Libo-on, D. Mgt.
In the morning, Pearl Joy L . Suficiencia, BS Accountancy, Summa Cum Laude gave the response in behalf of the graduates. In the afternoon, it was given by Wenn I. Ricaforte, BSED-S, Summa Cum Laude.
Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian led a Prayer for the Graduates. The graduates took their pledge of the Alumni with CPUAAI President Dr. Florentino P. Alerta II. Ms. Huyong led the singing of the “Alma Mater Song”, followed by the Benediction by Rev. Sian. CPU ROTC Cadets in their Fatigue Uniform then carried on the Exit of Colors with a recessional of the Graduates, VIP’s and Officers of the Administration.
Prof. Kaye Arden Q. Gallo, Faculty DLMCH and Miss Carmelle Frances M. Romero, Administrative Officer, Office of the President, were the hosts of the program in the morning and afternoon.
On July 23, 2022, on Saturday, the Baccalaureate Service was held at the Rose Memorial Auditorium. It was attended by all the graduating students. The speaker was Rev. Dr. Nestor D. Bunda, a Global Servant of the International Ministries. He challenged the graduates to give their best in everything that they do. A life testimony was also given by Charlotte Gadian, Magna Cum Laude, BA Communications and also an Excel Chorale Leadership Awardee.