University holds 36th Mid-year Commencement Exercises

Date Posted: March 10, 2023 at 03:55 PM


The Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) was once again filled with Adamsonians parading their success as the University held the 36th Mid-year Commencement Exercises last February 23. 

A Baccalaureate Mass presided by Fr. Rafael Eloriaga, CM, Vice President for Financial Affairs, who also served as the homilist, started the ceremonies attended by graduates from the different colleges of AdU.  

In his homily, Fr. Eloriaga reminded the graduates to always be grateful to God, especially during one of the most momentous parts of their lives.  

“We have a lot of things to thank for kaya buong galak nating isigaw, “Blessed be the name of the Lord!” 

“Para [‘yun] sa araw na ito, para sa inyong mga magulang na gumabay sa inyo, sa inyong mga professor, sa ating paaralan, ang [AdU], ang lahat ng tumulong para kayo ay makatapos, para sa inyong classmates at kaibigan, para sa inyong minahal at mamahalin pa, at para sa inyong sarili, “Sa wakas, graduate na ako!” 

He, however, reminded the graduates that graduation does not ensure anything for them. 

“Dear graduates, the toga you are wearing, the diploma that you will receive and medals that you will be proud of, does not guarantee that you are wise and learned,” he said. “Marami pang mga tanong para hanapan ng tamang kasagutan... Be humble in everything you do; the greater you become, the humbler you shall be.” 

Fr. Eloriaga then administered the official blessing and commissioning of the graduates wherein the latters’ parents presented them with their academic hoods. The University’s graduation hymn, “Isang Ganap na Adamsonian” was sung during the rites. 

A lay ceremony followed, which saw the graduates offer their parents flower lays as symbol of “love, gratitude and fulfillment of their dreams.” The CM priests than proceed to sprinkle the graduates with holy water before Fr. Eloriaga blessed the diplomas and awards to be given out. 

The official graduation rights and presentation of graduates was then delivered by University Registrar, Assoc. Prof. Emilia Vicencio. 

Assoc. Prof. Perlita Crucis, Dean of the College of Pharmacy, then introduced the Guest of Honor, architecture and entrepreneurial giant, Ar. Rafael Dalmacio Tecson. 

Hardwork betrays no one 

Ar. Tecson, in his speech, recognized the graduates coming from diverse backgrounds, including working students second degree takers and the like, reminding them that graduation is just the beginning of their journeys. 

“These are the first steps towards your dream. You now have the capital. This moment is your launchpad towards new horizons.” 

“For most of you, education is the only inheritance your parents could provide, for some of you, education is a capital you gain after painstakingly toil to attain it. Today, you have finished the race, but the finish line is also a starting line.” 

Tecson also revealed that he, himself, was a mid-year graduate as their financial state during his college years were also insufficient for him to finish his degree, which then forced him to look for work, instead of continuing his education, despite leaving only one semester left in his education.  

However, his success in his field and the firm he established when he was just 25 years old led him to delay his education for up to 20 years, only officially receiving his diploma in 2007. 

“Magtiyaga kayo sa kumpanyang pinapasukan ninyo. Wag ninyong isipin kung anong makukuha nyo, ang isipin nyo ay magsumikap kayo – yung trabaho nyo, kung ano yung ginagawa nyo, pag-igihan ninyo dahil yun ang magtutulak sa inyo sa tagumpay,” he said. 

“Balang-araw, kapag kayo ay nagkaroon ng pagkakataon na magtayo ng sarili ninyong kumpanya, ganon din ang gusto ninyong gawin ng inyong sariling empleyado. Kailangan isipin ninyo kung anong kaya ninyong maibigay at nang yung kumpanya naman ay makita ang kakayahan ninyo, eventually, gagantimpalaan kayo.” 

The principal architect and Chief Executive Officer of the RDB Tecson and Associates architecture firm then reminded the Mid-year Class of 2023 to remember to give back once they achieve success before ending his message.  

“At kung dumating man yung pagkakataong kayo naman ang nakapagtayo ng sarili nyong kumpanya, make sure you give your deserving employees a break just like how you received yours before. Maging patas kayo sa mga tao – give them the salaries they deserve and recognize those who deserve recognition.” 

"Thanks and see you soon!"

The presentation of academic and special awards, as well as the distribution of diplomas administered by Dr. Catherine Castaneda, along with her fellow University administrators then followed suit. 

Myrine Febrio, who finished with the degree Bachelor of Secondary Education, major in English, Summa Cum Laude, delivered the address of thanks. 

The fresh graduates then pledged their alumni oath before newly elected President of Adamson University Alumni Association, Inc., Engr. Ibrahim “Bong” Nuño, before singing their final Adamson Hymn as students to conclude the program.