Former Student Council President Mark Darwin C. Sampilo stood on behalf of all awardees and the “COVID graduates,” a term which he coined, reiterating that they should “reminisce the defining moments” instead of being embarrassed of what the pandemic caused to everyone.
“Don’t feel sad for not being in UCU (Urdaneta City University) having a face-to-face recognition (day) because, I believe that rather than being disappointed, we should reminisce the defining moments of our stay in our Alma Mater,” the BS Pharmacy graduate said during the Recognition Day last March 8. Despite his experience in his previous school in 2017, Sampilo noted that there is hope to look forward in UCU.
“Stop thinking that you are alone. There will be people who can help. You are after all not the lone shiftee, transferee and regular student in the university… I failed one of my subjects in my previous school and that got me delayed for graduating in the year I expected. But what I learned is that we should not rush. Acknowledge your decision to transfer or shift is the one that gave you a fresh start, a clean slate, and a chance to get better,” he added.
For Dr. Noel L. Guevara, Vice President for Academic Affairs, the event was more than just receiving the awards but instilling the core values of the University among the awardees.
“We have gathered here not just to celebrate the achievements of our students but also to give due regard to the attributes which exemplify integrity, competence, teamwork, and transcendence,” he quoted.
Meanwhile, Dr. Elisa C. Cristobal, Vice President for Administrative Affairs, congratulated the awardees and their families. She challenged the graduates to keep expanding their vision for themselves.
For this first-ever virtual recognition day, Acting University President Atty. Dar A. Diga challenged all 78 awardees to continue honing their skills and personalities in spite of the pandemic.
“Never rest on your laurels but continue to develop yourselves. Widen your horizons and strive to rise above the challenges despite this pandemic we are experiencing,” stressed Diga. He also introduced the theme of 2021 that of “elevating perspectives.”
“As UCU forges ahead this 2021, we enjoin you to embody the theme of this year, that of elevating perspectives. It is only when we do so that the present becomes better, and the future becomes clearer,” he said.
Further details on the receiving of certificates and medals will be scheduled by the graduation committee. #
-Dabed