After two years of virtual recognition programs, Cebu Normal University (CNU) finally opened its gates for the much-awaited 41st College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Commencement Rites, the first-ever mass gathering held in the university during the pandemic last June 6, 2022, at Samuel McClintock (SM) Hall.

 

With the theme, “Celebrating Success and Resilience Amid Aversities”, this year’s commencement exercises honored the pioneering batch of the K-12 Program as they set off to a new chapter of their lives.

 

Dr. Maura Consolacion D. Cristobal, Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Region VII Regional Director, graced the event as the resource speaker. She imparted to the dreamers that “success doesn’t happen by accident. It involves a lot of hard work, determination, and patience.”

 

Cristobal commended the students for manifesting grit, creativity, resourcefulness, and strength of character as they ventured clueless into the new normal setup and overcame the adversities that came along with it.

 

Additionally, she said that the “Bayanihan” or volunteerism spirit is evident in the school setting as the teachers and administrators were able to respond to the uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity of the situation.

 

Quoting Martin Luther King Jr., Cristobal reminded the graduates, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

 

The day-long ceremony was divided into two parts to avoid overcrowding: morning for the Bachelor of Arts graduates and afternoon for the Bachelor of Science. §

 

Words by Reina Aureo

Photos grabbed from CNU – Council of Liberal Arts and Sciences Students (CLASS)