NWU Upholds the 90th Commencement Exercises for Class of 2022
To walk upon the red carpet equipped with the pride of having accomplished yet another milestone is made known. Hard work has paved its way through the accumulated stress, sacrifices, and self-doubt within the years of being a college student. The day awaits with full anticipation despite the trials faced by many; they have finally graduated with degrees and diplomas under their grasp, ready for what the future beholds. The 90th Commencement Exercises on July 29, 2022, was held at the Centennial Arena, where a total of 821 students, all from different programs, have officially graduated. A baccalaureate mass and the hooding ceremony were both accommodated before the main event.
Dr. Chita A. Gonzales, Vice President for Academic Affairs, gave her opening remarks with a warm welcome to those that attended the event. She praised the parents for being outstanding sport to their children and also applauded the graduates for surviving the depths of this pandemic, and transitioning into a technological realm. She believes that opportunities arise despite the challenges bestowed upon them. “There is no limit to your capacity [for] greatness, there is no obstacle you cannot overcome, and there is no barrier you cannot break. Hold close [to] the values that your grandparents, parents, pastors, and mentors instilled in you. Have the courage and conviction to follow your moral compass,” she stated.
Prof. Cynthia C. Medrano, Acting University Registrar, introduced the deserving graduates who are entitled to the academic honorees and loyalty awardees. Twenty-five (25) recipients acquired academic honors, three (3) as Magna Cum Laude, and the remaining 22 were Cum Laude. Whereas only two (2) individuals were given a loyalty award. Henceforth, Atty. Ferdinand S. Nicolas, University President, took the opportunity to provide an in-depth introductory speech regarding the honorable guest speaker for the commencement exercise.
A Registered Nutritionist-Dietitian (RND) and MBM Nutripreneur, Ariestelo A. Asilo, provided an exquisite inspirational speech emphasizing the fact that nothing beats life experiences since we gain solely from them. To be born into a not-so-fortunate family and to be a black sheep in society, Ariestelo stated that he altered the flow of his story simply by dreaming big. He mentioned that throughout our lifetime we have two seasons. Where, if at this point we may be struggling, maybe the next season will serve as a purpose for an individual to realize and grasp – to develop and keep moving forward. “Dream big as it becomes a habit and that habit becomes character until it becomes your destiny,” he stated. Mr. Asilo also added that at times, we witness people who rejoice once they see us trip and fall. But through consistent perseverance and prayers, those negative feelings will never define our entity.
Dr. Chita A. Gonzales then proceeded to the petition for the conferment of degrees and titles. Twenty-seven (27) recipients are from the Vedasto J. Samonte School of Graduate Studies; 23 from the College of Law; 68 from the College of Engineering, Architecture & Technology; 92 from the College of Allied Health Sciences; 27 from the College of Arts and Sciences; 236 from the College of Business Education; 30 from the College of Teacher Education; 104 from the College of Criminal Justice Education and lastly; and 214 from the College of Maritime Education.
The cream of the crop, Mark Dio F. Palcon, Magna Cum Laude, left a lasting impression upon delivering his words of gratitude. It was the comeback that he perceived as the essence of destiny, love, and purpose. He acknowledged his fellow graduates of the silent battles they had all have fought through alone, with dreams as the driving force against the odds of this pandemic. The affection and sacrifices of parents were praised, seemingly so that they go far and beyond just to provide for their families. This comeback serves as a remembrance that these graduates are the products of resiliency and are fully prepared to go back and give back what they can contribute to the society and to embody themselves as CHAMPS of NWU. “Bakit nga ba tayo bumabalik? Destiny, love, and purpose. It is our destiny to return and chase our dreams. It is love that brought us here. It is purpose that will give meaning to everything. Remember that the goodness that we show to others, that we show to our community, that we show to the rest of the world, eventually comes back to us,” he concluded.
