Captured Moments and Sentiments During the 72nd Commencement Exercises

Despite the rain pouring while the graduands are marching towards the Dr. Pedro A. Abella Graduation Site, the solemnity and significance of this momentous event was sustained by all the attendees especially the proud parents, guardians, relatives and supporters of the Graduating Class of 2024. The graduands held their umbrellas as if it was their dreams and aspirations, they braved the rain and proceeded as if nothing incovenient is happening, it was indeed a moment to be cherished, one for the books, most would say. Once the ceremony started, it was like an answered prayer, the rain stopped and the sun peeked and illuminated the faces of the graduands as they receive their respective degrees, conferred by the Commencement Speaker, no less than the University President, Dr. Evaristo A. Abella. In place of the rain, emotions poured in as parents, guardians and guests patiently waited and watched as their pride and joy they take their moment on stage and receive their diplomas signifying the end of a journey and a start of an exciting adventure ahead. “Masaya ako kasi finally, lahat ng effort at sakripisyo namin para sa kanya at yung mga pagsisikap n’ya ay nagbungga na. Minsan kahit walang baon pumapasok pa din siya, kaya sobrang proud kami sa kanya” said Ms. Racquel Pascual, a proud parent from San Jose City, Nueva Ecija who was deeply moved as she witnessed her son being called to the stage to receive his diploma. Ms. Leonida Bautista from Gapan Nueva Ecija on the other hand felt emotional as she expressed her hope and wish for her only daughter to fulfill her dreams in her next journey. “Super saya kasi sa awa ng Diyos, nakapagtapos sya ng pag-aaral. Sana ipagpatuloy nya lang hanggang matupad nya yung kanyang mga pangarap,” said Ms. Bautista. In addition, Mr. Vinancio Camacho, a proud father of the Associate in Chemical Technology graduate from Maria Aurora, expressed his support to her daughter who hurdled the first two years of her studies, and still have two more to go for her Bachelor’s degree. “Naka dalawang taon na sya dito sa CLSU, kaya sana pagbutihin nya pa yung pag-aaral nya. Nandito lang kami palagi na susuporta sa kanya,” Mr. Camacho added. Recognizing the significant role of the parents and guardians in one’s academic journey, Dr. Abella reminded the graduates to thank their parents and supporters after emphasizing the importance of the values one must possess to thrive in the real world. “Do not forget your family, relatives, and friends who helped and supported you every step of the way to get through the different demands of your college life. You all have a shared memory here in CLSU, even at this moment, this is a core memory to all of you.” – Dr. Evaristo A. Abella, University President. At least 5,000 parents and guests were present during the event who watched the ceremony on site, and at the Auditorium via live streaming. Among the 2,565 graduates, 456 are from the College of Agriculture; 355 from the College of Arts and Social Sciences; 335 from the College of Business and Accountancy; 409 from the College of Education; 408 from the College of Engineering; 69 from the College of Fisheries; 187 from the College of Home Science and Industry; 238 from the College of Science; 87 from the College of Veterinary Science and Medicine; and 21 from the Distance, Open and Transnational University. Access the link for more photos: Baccalaureate Services: https://tinyurl.com/CLSUBACCALAUREATESERVICES Tea Party and Recognition Program: https://tinyurl.com/CLSUTeaPartyandRecognition 72nd Commencement Exercises: https://tinyurl.com/CLSUCOMMENCEMENT