In a vibrant and exhilarating celebration, the freshmen of Urdaneta City University this academic year 2023-2024 engaged in “First Week High Under the Sky!” to cap off their whirlwind first week of university journey, as arranged by the Center for Student Leadership and Development, held on August 25, 2023 at the UCU Forest and UCU Mini Gym, respectively.
Students getting acquainted with their fellow UCUians through music and games, the event highlighted the importance of socialization and friendship that would help them on their college journey. Moreover, booths of the different campus clubs and organizations were set up to share information about their activities, missions, and upcoming events. From college associations to various organizations catering to students’ talents and skills, the freshmen had the chance to explore opportunities to pursue their passions outside the classroom.
Dr. Josephine S. Lambinicio, the Vice-President of Academic Affairs inspired the first years in her welcome remarks saying, “In the four years that you will have, there will be a lot of challenges. Kaya nga tinawag na journey, you have to take the first step. Pagpasok niyo sa pamilyang UCU, mahalaga ang inyong unang hakbang… [if] you want to achieve what you want to be… we start with our first step.”
“There are a lot of steps, hundreds, and even thousands of steps before we reach our own star. Let us create our own star… kailangan natin mahalin ang ating ginagawa. So welcome, welcome, welcome! Just enjoy the family, and we will assure to give you the best,” Dr. Lambinicio added.
Aside from the culmination of their first week, the freshmen were also warmly welcomed by the administration, faculty members, and non-teaching staff on their first day at school, last August 22, 2023 during the flag raising ceremony, still led by the Center for Student Leadership and Development.