Garbed in their traditional academic black gowns and caps with color-coded hoods signifying their academic fields, the 544-strong LU candidates for graduation, including the lone cum laude honoree, marched into the hall of the Cultural Center of Laguna to mark the university’s 12th Commencement Exercises held on June 11, 2019 with the theme “A Triumphant Journey towards a Lifelong Career.”
Side by side with their proud parents and guardians, the candidates preceded the faculty and staff in the academic procession also joined in by the University officials, members of the Board of Regents, guests, and this year’s Commencement Speaker Dr. Amelia A. Biglete, Director IV, CHED Region IV. The highest honor was afforded to the lone cum laude graduate, Gianne E. Tubig from the College of Education who finished her degree as class valedictorian.
The following breakdown represents the program degrees and the number of students who graduated under each program: Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEEd), 72; Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSEd) Major in Biological Science, 32; Bachelor of Education (BSEd) Major in English, 24; Bachelor of Education (BSEd) Major in Mathematics, 14; Bachelor of Science in Accountancy, 29; Bachelor of Science in Accounting Technology (BSAcT), 11; Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship (BS Entrep), 106; Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management (BSTM), 26; Bachelor of Arts in Communication (BAC), 32; Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT), 104; Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSCS), 32; Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME), 23; Automotive Technology, 2; Pharmacy Services NCII, Barangay Health Services NCII and Health Care Services NCII (Two-Year Bundled Program), 23; and Diploma in Midwifery, 14.
DR. BIGLETE LAUDS CLASS 2019
This year’s keynote speaker Dr. Amelia A. Biglete commended the graduates for their enduring spirit and determination in pursuing their degrees. Having been a recipient herself of several undergraduate, graduate, and post graduate degrees from local and international institutions, Dr. Biglete understands the many deterrents that a student has to triumph over to secure his/her future. She praised the attending parents for their guidance and involvement in their children’s education. In her speech, the pioneering CHED director also treated her audience to a host of random facts about Region IV such as information on population and literacy rate, revealing her deep-rooted interest in statistics, being a Statistics-major in her undergraduate degree.
Meanwhile, the Laguna Governor and University President Ramil L. Hernandez gave a short but inspiring message to the graduating class. Gov. Hernandez honored the graduates for having overcome the many hurdles associated with pursuing a college education. He likewise paid tribute to the parents for their support and sacrifices to provide their children with the best future possible.
Similar wisdom-laden messages were shared by the two University Vice Presidents: Dr. Colegio S. Gascon, Vice President for Academic Affairs; and Atty Antonio P. Relova, Vice President for Administion.
VPAA Dr. Gascon thanked both the parents and students for achieving what others only dream about – a quality college education. He was quick to caution his audience though about losing sight of the true essence of the event. He quoted Albert Einstein who once said, “Try not to become a man of success. Rather, become a man of value”—putting premium on values over success. He reminded the graduants to always uphold the core beliefs and values that LU has instilled in them – the core values for which LU stands.
VPA Atty. Relova, on the other hand, offered words of wisdom to the graduating class through his “Charge to the Graduates” speech.
COED DID IT AGAIN
The College of Education produced the only graduate this year to receive the coveted Latin honors. In the last ten years, COED has yielded a number of top graduates, the most number of whom in a year was recorded in 2016 with four out of five Cum Laude students coming from COED.
Gianne E. Tubig, a Bachelor of Elementary Education student, finished at the top of her class, receiving the lone Cum Laude academic distinction conferred this year. In her valedictory speech, Tubig thanked her parents for their “unconditional love, immeasurable understanding, and relentless support.” She also honored every single parent of Class 2019 for “a job very well done.” In her characteristic low-key expression, she added, “let me be the first to say to you, “CONGRATULATIONS po sa pagpapalaki sa aming mga anak ninyo. Sa lahat ng hirap. Sa lahat ng pagtitiyaga. Sa lahat ng pagmamahal. Kailan man ay di namin mababayaran ang mga sakripisyo nyo sa pagpapalaki sa amin.”
Ms. Tubig later remarked, “ It is not the finish line, but the long running track leading to your destination that matters. It is the process more than the product” referring to the significance of the many experiences that every student has gone through on his way to achieving his goal. She added, “Life is a series of smaller destinations full of unexpected humps and surprising turns along the way” inferring that graduation is a symbolic entrance into the future full of unexpected and sudden turns of events. For her fellow graduates, she has this advice, “When you fall, stand; when you get tired, rest; when you feel empty, replenish your cup; when you are losing hope, regain your purpose. You can opt for anything, but you can never give up. That’s how a lasting and true success is achieved.”
Hon. Rinielle C. Montaña, Laguna University Alumni Association president, inducted the new graduates into the association while Vhia Marie A. Cadawas, president of Class 2019 led the graduates in the Pledge of Loyalty.
Dr. Gualolarina C. Fernandez, the University Guidance Counselor and Chair of Gender and Development, emceed the affair.
(Photos Courtesy of Jun Sapungan, PIO-Laguna)
