MARAWI CITY – Marking a significant milestone amidst the continued recovery and resilience efforts, the Mindanao State University (MSU) held its highly anticipated 59th Commencement Exercises for the second semester of AY 2022-2023, on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, with its theme, “ One MSU: Relentless in Advancing Towards New Frontiers in the Next Normal.” The event symbolized the sending off of a new batch of graduates into the world with great pride and hope for the future.
The commencement exercises, held at the iconic MSU Marawi Dimaporo Gymnasium, started with an electrifying procession as the commencement speaker, Bernardo N. Sepeda, the Executive Director III of the National Research Council of the Philippines under the Department of Science and Technology, was escorted by the MSU system Officials led by the President, Atty. Basari D. Mapupuno.
To inspire the graduands, the commencement speaker, Dr. Sepeda, highlighted the idea of Unity, Tahanan (Home) and Alma Mater (Nourishing Mother) in motivating the students to become better ambassadors of how MSU has been a University of Peace as they go out in the world where media has portrayed Mindanao and Marawi otherwise.
The main highlight of the event was the conferring of degrees to over 2000 candidates from various disciplines and the awarding of academic excellence to 13 Summa Cum Laude graduates and leadership awardees of the system. The focus was taken by the Class Valedictorian, Mr. Abad A. Macabanding, BS Biology (Animal Biology), Summa Cum Laude, when he emphasized how important is taking care of one’s mental health as they academically excel in their field. Other honorees were awarded their magna cum laude (111 candidates) and cum laude (449 candidates) awards during the Pre-commencement exercises.
The successful MSU Marawi Commencement Exercises served as a testament to the indomitable spirit of the university community during challenging times. As it was emphasized by the President, the graduands this year are ‘victors’ in their own journeys. As One MSU, the institution remains committed to providing quality education and nurturing future leaders who will epitomize resilience, unity, and the pursuit of knowledge.
