Adamson sends-off new batch of graduates in 81st Commencement Exercises
Date Posted: July 4, 2019 at 04:09 PM
A new batch of Adamsonian professionals bid goodbye to their alma mater as the Adamson University held its 81st Commencement Exercises at the Plenary Hall of the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) last June 28.
The rites were traditionally divided into two sessions: the morning session featured graduates from the Graduate School, College of Architecture, College of Education and Liberal Arts, College of Nursing, College of Pharmacy and College of Science while the afternoon session had the College of Law, College of Business Administration and College of Engineering.
Build excellence
“You are a fortunate class,” morning session guest speaker Edilberto De Jesus, PhD said, telling the graduates how privileged they are for finishing their studies.
“If you had been the typical students who enrolled together in Grade 1, three-fourths of the seats around you would be empty. Out of 100 pupils who begin Grade 1, less than 25 manage to earn a college diploma. You belong to a fortunate, privileged group,” he continued.
Everyone was all ears on what Dr. De Jesus continued to discuss as it was about life after college
The former President of the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) and Far Eastern University (FEU) reminded the graduates that a degree is not enough and that adaptability is essential noting that companies have raised qualifications in hiring new employees.
He also mentioned that although the unemployment rate is at its decade low, cases of underemployment have become prevalent in the present workplaces.
Using the Parable of the Three Servants, Dr. De Jesus encouraged the graduates to build from what they learned from the university just like one of the servants from the biblical text did.
“Over the course of your lifetime, you may need to change jobs as many as 10 times. This will require the ability to adjust to new people, to adapt to new situations, to learn new things,” he argued.
He also reminded the graduates to be true to Adamson’s ideals and values, namely to remember that all are equal in the eyes of God and that it is already up to the next generation to continue and overcome the struggle that has plagued the country for decades.
Afternoon guest speaker Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Fortunato Dela Pena echoed Dr. De Jesus’ words as he encouraged the graduates to remember what is truly important in choosing a career path.
“It is okay to change jobs, don’t force yourself to a job where you are not happy,” the University of the Philippines (UP) Engineering alum said.
He also noted the role of excellence on the performance of any work.
“You can never succeed without hardwork. It is a requirement,” he said, alluding to the Vincentian motto of Veritas in Caritate.
Sec. Dela Pena argued that the motto embodies what the graduates need to remember, especially the education were molded with inside Adamson.
The remarks backed-up the words from the homilies of Fr. Agustin Advincula, CM and Fr. William Azul Encelan, CM who presided the Baccalaureate Mass for each session.
Fr. Advincula and Fr. Encelan reminded the graduates to stay true to the values of Adamson University – like IDs, they should always wear their identities as Vincentian-Adamsonians.
“You have to”
“With great regret and pain, I must confess that we have fallen short of our dream for you, our children and grandchildren,” Dr. De Jesus said, pointing out the failure to establish an outspoken, democratic nation and government.
“We cannot claim that we have effectively prepared the ground for leaders who will not steal from us, who will not violate our rights, who will not mock our faith, who will not scandalize and corrupt our children,” he continued.
He then proceeded to tell the graduates that the struggles he has mentioned will also be the their struggles even if their main focus remains on their own careers.
“Even if your concern focuses on your individual career, you do realize that larger, public issues will shape your future prospects. You may have to take a stand on these issues, as your parents did before you. You will be called upon, in the spirit of the Adamson prayer: too be just and true when the values of leaders contradict your own,” he said as he delivered the conclusion of his remarks.
Meanwhile, Sec. Dela Pena, in his speech, made one simple question which he deemed would leave mark on the graduates.
“When you bring up a family, it’s not what you say but what you do that your children will remember. It is what you do,” he said.
Sec. Dela Pena also encouraged the graduates to accept challenges and additional work and be prepared to leave their comfort zone as these them invaluable experience.
He also incited them to always be sensitive to emotion of others and stressed the value of perseverance amid failures.
To end his speech, Sec. Dela Pena reminded the graduates to do something for the country.
Grad Rites
The highlight of the event featured the conferment of the degrees Adamson President Fr. Marcelo V. Manimtim, CM, along with administrators from the different colleges in Adamson.
Colors of each college flew as the graduates parade around the stage, getting the diplomas they have coveted.
Jochelle Marie Labid, who graduated with a degree of BS Psychology, Magna Cum Laude, gave the morning session’s Address of Thanks while Nelson Murchante, a Magna Cum Laude from BS Industrial Engineering delivered it for the afternoon session.
Adamson University Alumni Association, Inc. President Engr. Hubert Temporosa led the alumni oath taking ceremonies.
