USLS honors 1,419 graduates
The University of St. La Salle held its highly anticipated 66th Graduation Rites on Sunday afternoon, June 4, at the St. La Salle Coliseum, where a total of 1,419 students proudly received their degrees.
The graduating class comprised students from various colleges, including 265 from the College of Arts and Sciences, 799 from the College of Business and Accountancy, 106 from the College of Education, 227 from the College of Engineering and Technology, and 22 from the Juris Doctor Program of the College of Law.
USLS President and Chancellor Br. Joaquin Severino S. Martinez FSC, DMin presided over the Conferment of Degrees.
The event also recognized the remarkable achievements of the 251 academic honorees, consisting of 53 summa cum laudes, 60 magna cum laudes, and 138 cum laudes, while celebrating the loyalty of 53 alma mater awardees.
BS Psychology Summa Cum Laude Michael Luis Besa and College of Law Valedictorian Stephanie Anne Be, as leaders of the Graduating Class of 2023, delivered powerful and inspiring messages.
“To the Class of 2023, may we never rest on our laurels and never settle for less, for we are capable of doing the greatest things in life. May we have a heart that is full of empathy in a world where coldness and cruelty thrive, and be the voice of people who cannot speak for themselves and serve as eyes to the last, the lost, and the least,” Besa said.
“This graduation is not merely a conclusion, but rather a commencement—a new chapter in our journey to become lawyers. As we step forward into the legal landscape, let us remember the impact we can make through our work,” Be said.
Meanwhile, serving as this year's commencement speaker, Jan Carlo B. Punongbayan, PhD, author of the book False Nostalgia and Assistant Professor & Director for Finance at the School of Economics of the University of the Philippines, imparted wisdom and inspiration to the graduates, emphasizing the importance of treasuring their core values.
“Cherish your values and keep them close to your heart. The Lasallian values of Faith, Zeal for Service, and Communion in Mission are a good starting point, but there are many other values you can latch onto as guideposts for your life. You have to ask yourselves constantly, "What do you want to stand for in life? What are your non-negotiables?", Punongbayan said.
Vicar General Msgr. Ronaldo S. Quijano SThD gave the blessing to the graduates while Vice Chancellor for Mission and Development Br. Normandy Dujunco FSC, DTh administered the Pledge of a Lasallian Professional.
As the graduates enter the USLS Alumni family, USLS Alumni Association President Jackie Lou V. Azucena inducted the graduates and led the Pledge of Loyalty.
Prior to the graduation ceremony, the graduates gathered for a spiritually uplifting Baccalaureate Mass, celebrated by Fr. Rev. Fr. Jerryvel A. Celestial, MAT, who encouraged them to live their lives in connection with others, despite the transient nature of existence.
