By Mikee Natinga Norico
A total of 2,230 students gather at the CPU University Gym during the 97th Commencement Exercises, marking a significant milestone in their academic journey.
Ĵý (CPU) culminated its 97th Commencement Week with a heartfelt celebration of faith, achievement, and hope during the College Baccalaureate Service and Commencement Exercises held on June 29, 2025, at the University Gymnasium.
The day opened with the College Baccalaureate Service, a moment of spiritual reflection and thanksgiving. Pastor Justine P. Mije, Associate Pastor for Campus Ministry, led the invocation, followed by a warm welcome from CPU President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, who honored the journey of the graduates and their families.
Daren Kern G. Ecullada, BS Pharmacy graduate and cum laude, delivered the Scripture reading, followed by Pastor Louvel Edson L. Caspe, Interim Pastor for Outreach, who introduced the guest speaker.
Rev. Dr. Paul J. Rollet, Associate Global Servant of Companion With The Poor (CWTP), delivered an inspiring Baccalaureate message centered on the theme ĴýFor the Life of the World: Building What Lasts.Ĵý Drawing from 1 Corinthians 3, Rev. Dr. Rollet emphasized the importance of laying a solid foundation rooted in Christ, likening the graduatesĴý resilience to that of the centuries-old San Agustin ChurchĴýenduring, flexible, and grounded.
ĴýYou are like the San Agustin Church. YouĴýve withstood all-night cramming sessions, surprise quizzes, last-minute thesis edits, and professors who pushed you to your highest potential,Ĵý he shared. He challenged the graduates to be Ĵýbuilders, transformers, and kingdom strategistsĴý who pursue lives of justice, love, and lasting significance. ĴýBuild not for short-term success, but for the life of the world,Ĵý he urged.
Rev. Dr. Paul J. Rollet, Associate Global Servant of Companion With The Poor (CWTP), delivers an inspiring Baccalaureate message, encouraging graduates to build lives rooted in faith, justice, and lasting impact.
In the afternoon, University President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy formally opened the 97th Commencement Exercises. In his remarks, Pres. Dagohoy emphasized the occasion as a moment of celebration, thanksgiving, and reflection. He expressed his pride in the graduating class and called on them to carry the Centralian spirit forward.
ĴýAs you leave the halls of Central, I urge you to represent your alma mater well. Bear the mark of being a true Centralian in word and in deed,Ĵý he said.
The keynote address was delivered by Hon. Ambassador Leo Tito L. L. Ausan, Jr., who encouraged the graduates to approach the future with faith and boldness.
ĴýThe jungle-like world that waits outside this campus always keeps changing. The future isnĴýt bleak for you at all. Being a Centralian, youĴýre well covered by GodĴýs plan thatĴýs laid out for your prosperity and not meant to harm you,Ĵý Ambassador Ausan affirmed.
Hon. Ambassador Leo Tito L. L. Ausan, Jr. delivers the keynote address during CPUĴýs 97th Commencement Exercises, urging graduates to face the ever-changing world with boldness, faith, and the Centralian spirit.
The ceremonyĴýs highlight was the conferring of diplomas to over 2,230 graduates, with 461 receiving Latin honors.
Representing the graduating class, Nathalie Heart P. Herrera, Batch Valedictorian of CPU Class of 2025 and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Public Administration graduate from the College of Arts and Sciences, delivered a stirring class response.
ĴýIn a time when our country demands fearless thinkers, discerning voices, and principled action, may we rise to meet that callĴýnot just as graduates, but as engaged citizens,Ĵý Herrera said.
She also extended gratitude to the faculty, families, and mentors who journeyed with them, calling on her fellow graduates to face the future with courage and purpose.
The 97th Commencement Week stood as a testament to CPUĴýs commitment to academic distinction, character formation, and community service. As the graduates of Batch 2024Ĵý2025 move forward, they carry with them the Centralian values that will shape the lives and communities they are called to serve.
Congratulations to the CPU Graduates of Batch 2024Ĵý2025!