With the theme “Living the Mission: Igniting Change in a World of Possibilities,” De La Salle Lipa’s (DLSL) 38th Commencement Exercises conferred degrees to 1,127 graduates while also honoring eight Magna Cum Laude and 48 Cum Laude awardees at the Sentrum, June 16.
The morning rites acclaimed 588 completers, comprising 276 students from the College of Information Technology and Engineering (CITE), 203 from the College of Nursing (CON), and 109 from the College of International Hospitality and Tourism Management (CIHTM). Among them, four earned Magna Cum Laude distinctions and 16 garnered Cum Laude honors.
Meanwhile, the afternoon ceremony recognized 539 individuals, with 313 seniors from the College of Business, Economics, Accountancy and Management (CBEAM) as well as the School of Professional Advancement and Continuing Education (SPACE), 204 from the College of Education, Arts and Sciences (CEAS), and 22 from the College of Law (COL). Four graduates claimed Magna Cum Laude while 32 students received Cum Laude awards from these colleges.
Addressing the graduating batch, META Philippines Country Manager Jerry Bongco reminded that mastery is built through dedicated efforts at overcoming challenges.
“A setback is always a setback or a comeback. […] effortless is a myth; the things that look seamless later in life always require relentless training and glamorous heated efforts early on,” Bongco said.
Taking the stage as the morning batch valedictorian, Bachelor of Science in Entertainment and Multimedia Computing graduate Marc Christopher Ferrer reflected on how hardship makes success rewarding in both games and in life.
“Without obstacles, failures, or difficult levels to overcome, there would be no sense of fulfillment in finally reaching the goal,” Ferrer said.
In his message during the second session, Global Media Arts (GMA) News Online Editor-at-Large Horacio “Howie” Severino urged graduates to examine the ambitions and sacrifices their families had made to support their education as they begin a new chapter.
“Ask […] about the personal dreams they had to postpone […], and the burdens they carried just so you could sit in these chairs today wearing those togas. When you uncover that […], you will better appreciate that […] you are their dream fully realized,” Severino said.
Carla Marie Jebulan, Magna Cum Laude awardee from Bachelor of Science in Legal Management, also recalled how faith guided them through academic struggles and uncertainties.
“Some thought about shifting courses or even giving up entirely. But somehow, […] staying became an act of faith in God’s plans,” Jebulan affirmed.
The two graduation ceremonies closed with a rendition of “Who I Could Be,” an original composition by Bachelor of Science in Computer Science graduate Ma. Jhezeciel Escalante.
