CMU celebrates 70th commencement exercises

Central Mindanao University held its 70^th commencement exercises on June 20-21, 2024 at the University Convention Center.

Class 2024 was composed of 2, 954 graduates from the ten colleges. Of these, three were hailed as summa cum laude,180 magna cum laude, and 1,204 cum laude. The graduates were also divided into three batches.

Department of Agriculture Undersecretary for Operations Usec. Roger V. Navarro addressed the first batch of graduates from the College of Education and College of Business and Management. He reminded the graduates that true fulfillment comes from within.

“It is easy to get caught up in in the pursuit of success and external validation, but true fulfillment stems from integrity, empathy, and authenticity,” Usec. Navarro said.

Usec. Navarro also emphasized the importance of holding on to one’s principles in going through important decisions in life. He also encouraged the graduates to step out of their comfort zone to allow growth.

“Do not be afraid to fail, for it is through setbacks that we discover our true strength and resilience. Remember, your journey is not just about reaching milestones but about becoming the best version of yourself along the way,” Usec. Navarro added.

Meanwhile, the second batch of graduates from the College of Agriculture, College of Forestry and Environmental Science, and College of Human Ecology had Atty. Joel Dexter C. Nagtalon of the Commission on Elections Misamis Oriental as their guest speaker.

An alumnus of the university, Atty. Nagtalon likened life to a concentric circle. 

“Life is like a concentric circle, where the stages that we go through, the people we meet, and the things we learn spread through our lives like rocks making ripples after being thrown in the water,” Atty. Nagtalon said.

Atty. Nagtalon also urged the graduates to continue learning.

“Wherever you choose to go, make sure that you never stop learning. Make sure that you are perennially, perpetually adding something new to your bank of knowledge, investing in your own expertise, and leaving places better than when you found them,” Atty. Nagtalon 

Moreover, the third batch of graduates was comprised of the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Engineering, College of Information Sciences and Computing, College of Nursing, and College of Veterinary Medicine. Asec. Francisco Ashley L. Acedillo of the Office of the Director General for Cyber Security and Emerging Threats, Office of the President graced the ceremony as the guest speaker. 

Asec. Acedillo shared with the graduates that standing up for one’s principles can be a wilderness adventure. He also encouraged them to embrace these moments which can help them discover themselves. He added that they must add meaning instead of seeking glory in the things that they do.

“Give meaning, add meaning. Don’t do things for glory, for accolades. They are just products,” Asec. Acedillo.

In closing, University President Dr. Rolito G. Eballe sent off the graduates with a reminder to pay forward to the country.

“And as proud alumni of Central Mindanao University, go on and carry the torch of CMU’s vision and mission while not forgetting to look back to your valuable experiences here in CMU, to give service and love to your alma mater, and to pay forward to your community and the country,” Dr. Eballe said.

The ceremony was themed “Global Citizenship through Lifelong Learning” and was also streamed through Facebook Live. [Johnica Chantal G. Montero]