Central Philippine University commits itself to producing exemplary Christian learners for life.

Celebrating the faithfulness of the Lord in the lives of our graduates—Central Philippine University held its 90th Graduation and Commencement Exercises at the Rose Memorial Auditorium on April 22 and 23, 2018.

The event began with the overture, played by the CPU symphonic band with Mr. Ascension O. Bautista conducting. For the words of welcome, CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles commended the graduates for hard work and sacrifice. “I gladly welcome all of you to the commencement exercises of the school year 2017-2018. You have now completed your college education and will now embark on your professional journey. This graduation ceremony is indeed a wonderful event to celebrate your achievement. This is now your reward for committing yourself to completing the task at hand even if it meant a lot of hard work and sacrifice.”

Dr. Robles went on to encourage the graduate to acknowledge the Lord as the source of all purpose and favor. “But let the recognition of your achievement be tempered with the realization that without God, we are nothing. He is the source of all wisdom and strength—a life lived apart from God, no matter how filled with success, is a life wasted. We challenge you to make a difference by your commitment to do what is right. Nothing shapes your life more than the commitment you choose to make. They can develop you or destroy you, but either way, they will define you.”

CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, in his words of welcome, highlighted the importance of faith in God in order to live life to the fullest.

CPU Vice President for Finance and Administration, Dr. Florence P. Bogacia introduced the guest speaker, Ms. Perla Guillergan Londres Waters, a 1967 magna cum laude graduate of the CPU College of Arts and Sciences. She is the founding president of the CPUAAI-Midwest (Chicago) USA Chapter and the current chair of the CPUFFOAA’s Grant-in-Aid and Recognition Endowment program.

In her message, Ms. Waters encouraged the graduates to be courageous and optimistic about their future. “Your tool kit, your education and experience, has prepared you for some things in life, but your heart and spirit will carry you farther than you ever imagine. Commit to the journey, not the outcome. Perfection is almost always impossible to attain. Know you will make mistakes, but don’t get bogged down in analyzing failures. Acknowledge your shortcomings, learn from your mistakes. With diligence, with determination and passion for excellence, with integrity, move on.”

Celebrating a milestone in the lives of our graduates – family, friends and guests together with the graduates make their way outside the Rose Memorial Auditorium.

She also highlighted the importance of loving and taking care of oneself by immersing oneself in the Word of God. “One of my favorite devotional writers, Holly Gerth, dedicated a passage from her book, You’re Made for a God-sized Dream, to her own daughter who was graduating at that time. I would like to read parts of it to you and I hope that you will be inspired. She wrote, ‘Dear dreamers and graduates, before you ever came into being, God called your name. He formed you with love and intricately designed part of who you would become. You truly are made in an amazing and wonderful way.’”

After the message, Dr. Robles gave the conferral of degrees and the investiture of hoods to the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business and Accountancy, College of Education and the Graduate Programs. He was assisted by Miss Ruth G. Fernandez, Registrar and Ms. Emerald Joy E. Perucho, Assistant Registrar.

For the response on behalf if the graduates, Marjorie Rice, BSEd-Mathematics, summa cum laude, expressed her joy and gratitude to her family, the university and, most importantly, to God for the favor and guidance. “Graduates, you should know that your parents are very proud of you today. They have high hopes for you, and they believe in you, and you are making them proud by showing what you can do. Take a look at them now, and you can see them smiling. These commitments and the follow-through that your parents completed is where the bulk of the credit for this graduation belongs. Let us continue to become a channel of blessings and inspiration to the people around us. Let us continue to keep the Central Spirit alive in us and above all, let us continue to live according to the will of God. All of us will carry the badge of honor to beat our limits and go beyond boundaries.”

The prayer for the graduates was then led by Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, Senior Pastor, University Church, followed by the pledge of the alumni into the CPUAAI by Engr. Isagani J. Jalbuena, President, CPUAAI, and the benediction by Rev. Roger T. Quimpo.

On April 23, 2018, the second part of the Graduation and Commencement Exercises, Dr. Robles in his second words of welcome, congratulated the graduates and their parents for their dedication and perseverance. “As I look at you today in your graduation gowns, I sense a profound joy. I also look at your parents with deep respect and admiration for sending you to college to finish your degree. I admire them even more for aspiring you to obtain a degree from this institution.

Dr. Robles also thanked the parents for trusting CPU with the education of their children. “Yes, I know life may have been rough for you, challenges were numerous along the way, but your parents persisted and rested their faith in you and in CPU so that we will be able to give you the kind of education that will steer you to greater heights.”

Centralians make their way towards the Rose Memorial Auditorium for the Graduation Ceremonies.

After which, CPU Vice President for Student Affairs, Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico introduced guest speaker Mr. Ronald Zack Managing Partner of Zack and Schmitz, PLC. Mr. Zack is a summa cum laude graduate of the Juris Doctor program of the Western State University, College of Law, Fullerton, California. He is a much sought-after speaker on medical and legal concerns.

Opening his message, he commended the strong bond of Centralians around the globe. “Despite the distance they remain close to this day—a testament to CPU’s bonds that exist between its alumni.” Mr. Zack who is married to Centralian, Erlinda Arlos from Concepcion, Iloilo, a 1969 graduate of the College of Nursing, thanked CPU for meeting his wife. “Had it not been for CPU, Erlinda may not have traveled to United States as a nurse and I may not have my best friend and the love of my life.”

Mr. Zack encouraged the graduates to never stop learning. “Your education is just beginning—you must keep on learning.” He shared major principles that will guide one’s plans in life and that, according to him, everyone should keep in mind, “First, everyone is different; second, things change; and lastly, keep the ultimate end in mind—everybody dies.”

He highlights that we should never compare ourselves to others and that we should recognize the unique and special plan God has for each one of us. One should also be adaptable to change and be optimistic about the future. By keeping the ultimate end in mind, Mr. Zack encouraged the graduates to make every moment count and offer it to God knowing that what we do in this lifetime may echo throughout eternity. “I have experienced successes and failures. I value my failures far more than my successes… My point is that I+ve studied many subjects and tried many different careers. Sometimes that’s what it takes to find the path you will eventually follow. Sometimes that’s what it takes to find the path God wants you to follow. And sometimes, that is the path God wants you to follow. And I believe nothing I’ve ever studied and nothing I’ve ever done as an occupation has been wasted. It all has some application to what I am doing now and what I will do in the future.”

After his message, Dr. Robles gave the conferral of degrees and the investiture of hoods the College of Agriculture, Resource and Environmental Sciences, College of Computer Studies, College of Hospitality Management, College of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine, College of Nursing, College of Pharmacy, College of Engineering, College of Theology, College of Law and Graduate Programs. He was assisted by Miss Ruth G. Fernandez, Registrar and Ms. Emerald Joy E. Perucho, Assistant Registrar.

Engr. Isagani J. Jalbuena, President, CPUAAI led the pledge of alumni.

For the response on behalf of the graduates, Jason Lewis U. Chan, BSSE, magna cum laude, congratulated his fellow graduates. “This moment is for all of us, the graduates! I may not know your struggles throughout this journey. People might have different perceptions of your course. Some may look up to it, some may not. I believe that no course is easy and they all prove challenging, but do not be discouraged by what others say. Be proud of the course you have finished! Be proud of the degree you now hold in your hands! I may not know most of you here, but I can truthfully say that I’m moved by all of you graduates at this moment. I’m joyful to see so many of us graduating because I know of the effort we have all put in, the countless tears we have shed, precious memories of studying with our friends, days of laughter and of sadness. All those unforgettable memories have led up to this moment. Be proud, hold your head up high, we made it, we deserve it.”

The prayer for the graduates was then led by Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, Senior Pastor, University Church, followed by the pledge of the alumni by Engr. Isagani J. Jalbuena, President, CPUAAI, and the benediction by Rev. Dr. Bernabe C. Pagara, Dean, College of Theology.