While not physically together, the graduates of Summer 2020 and October 2020 turned their tassels virtually during the Saint Paul School of Professional Studies 69th Commencement Exercises on May 17, 2021.
“I am impressed with the creativity of the SPSPS graduation committee headed by Dean Lowe Taña. What the technical staff did holding live virtual graduation amazed me. Special thanks to Alfredo Elicanal, Oliver Daiz, Engr. Alan Borgueta for unprecedented virtual graduation with a live attendance of administrators, faculty, admin staff, and graduates in their academic gown.” Dr. Erwin Vincent G. Alcala, President of SPSPS, said in an interview.
While it is a challenge to graduate amid a pandemic, President Alcala believed that Paulinian graduates are future-ready professionals.
“Finding a job or starting a business when companies are downsizing or even closing is a big struggle. But as SPSPS graduates, they were molded to carry with them the graduate attributes which was embedded in their academic programs. Equipped with these attributes give them an edge over other applicants or entrepreneurs.” Alcala added.
President Alcala conferred degrees on 171 graduates of Summer 2020 and 37 graduates of October 2020 from various programs — Bachelor of Science in Accountancy, Bachelor of Science in Accounting Technology, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, and Bachelor of Science in Real Estate Management.
2 graduates received a Latin distinction of magna cum laude while 37 graduated cum laude, according to the figures from the Office of the School Registrar.
Moreover, President Alcala hoped that graduates will always embody the SPSPS Motto and Paulinian Core Values.
“My best wishes are to remind the graduates to be guided by our SPSPS Motto – Wisdom and Service by the Grace of God – and most especially our Paulinian Core Values. By living these values will surely bring them to greater heights.”
On the other hand, Myneil Niones, BSAT cum laude graduate expressed her sentiments regarding the said ceremony.
“Despite the remote set-up of the graduation ceremony, the flow of the program was smooth. I’m grateful that SPSPS has this set up for us. Despite the pandemic, we were able to wear our academic gown,” said Niones.
The ceremony was aired live on the official Facebook page of SPSPS.
SPSPS held its first-ever virtual graduation ceremony during the 68th Commencement Exercises on the 26th of August, last year.
(Story by Oliver O. Daiz)
