Cagayan State University (CSU) Lal-lo bestowed upon its 333 graduates this year their degrees during the 46th Academic Convocation for the Conferment of Degrees and Titles at the campus gymnasium on Wednesday, July 3.
Among the 333 graduates, 18 marched as Cum Laude leading this year’s batch. Eleven came from the Bachelor of Secondary Education, three from the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, three from the Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management, and one from the Bachelor of Elementary Education.
The Latin honorees are also eligible for Automatic Civil Service Professional Eligibility under Presidential Decree No. 907, granted by the Civil Service Commission through representative Jurist Anthony B. Canguilan.
Joining the Latin honor awardees, 41 graduates were also on the honor roll, of which 19 received Academic Distinction and 22 earned With Merit.
OIC President Engr. Arthur G. Ibañez presided the ceremony as witnessed by other university officials, campus officials, college deans, and faculty and staff, and parents of the graduating class.
Journey at CSU
Clarisse Mae Battad, the class valedictorian and a Cum Laude of Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Science, implored her fellow graduates in her address to embrace the future with courage and continued reflection.
"My fellow graduates, we are our own moon. We have our struggles, but what matters is how we go about them and emerge victorious," Battad said, emphasizing the importance of self-reliance and resilience.
Battad used the metaphor of the moon's phases to represent their academic journey. She highlighted the initial anxieties and potential of the new moon phase, followed by the growth and perseverance symbolized by the first quarter. The full moon represented their hard work and achievements, while the last quarter served as a reminder to reflect and prepare for the uncertainties ahead.
"Continue to shine even when shadows loom... and let us carry the emblem of our beloved Cagayan State University," she concluded in her speech.
CSU, you have acquired these skills and competencies," he added.
Equipping Graduates for the Future
In his charge to the graduates, OIC President Ibañez acknowledged the challenges the graduates overcame throughout their academic journey.
"Each of you have demonstrated perseverance, dedication, and a thirst for knowledge. That has brought you to this momentous occasion. You have proven yourselves to be capable, resilient, and ready to take on the world in your journey to the next chapter of your lives," Ibanez said.
He addressed the need for graduates to adapt and thrive in the modern workplace, with the increasing complexity of problems faced in various industries. "But as graduates of
"This campus [CSU Lal-lo] has produced many regional directors, an assistant secretary, and a university president. This campus produced many vice presidents of universities," he said.
A Legacy of Excellence
The president also reminded the graduates of the university's Future legacy of producing prominent graduates who have made contributions to society.
Moreover, the graduates were encouraged to carry forward the university's core values of 'Competence, Social Responsibility, and Unifying Presence' as they become ambassadors of CSU in their chosen fields. #