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SPUM honors student achievers at Academic Recognition Rites
By: Michael Quilala | November 11, 2022
St. Paul University Manila held the 2022 Institutional Students’ Academic Recognition Ceremony in the Fleur-de-lis Theater, on November 11, 2022, with the theme “Sustaining Academic Excellence Amidst Adversities,’’ highlighting the outstanding academic achievements of students in the Second Semester of the Academic Year 2021–2022, while being committed to the Paulinian mission. The event was live-streamed via YouTube, Facebook, and Zoom and hosted by Dr. Amelia Butial and Dr. Jeetendra Vaswani, from the Faculty of College of Business and Management.
The ceremony opened with remarks from Dr. Mary Grace Leongson, expressing her congratulations for the student achievers, as well as for the faculty, program chairpersons, deans, and staff, stating the event is a “momentous occasion” and pride for everyone.
“Today, we have gathered not just to celebrate their achievements, but also to give due regard to the values and morals, which these awardees exemplify, like discipline, compassion, and zeal for learning,” she said in her opening remarks.
“Move forward and serve as an inspiration to your fellow Paulinians,” Dr. Leongson added.
Graduating students from the College of Arts and the College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences were also recognized for going the extra mile and invited to further their education and better the workforce by getting advanced degrees.
Several student achievers from various programs spoke at the ceremony through a VCR, including the highest achiever and one of the students on the President’s List, Ms. Ryan Rivera.
She highlighted her journey in St. Paul University Manila, from her freshman year in 2019, where she was given opportunities beyond the classroom, as well as hindrances during the pandemic, to both personal and academic life as a student, a leader, and an educator.
“Last semester, I found it most difficult when I had to be a student, a student council president, and a student teacher at the same time, wherein I had to attend my online classes, submit my outputs while spearheading student activities, and serving as a student teacher for my field of study. I recall the overwhelming feeling, the helplessness, and exhaustion during those times as I prayed to God every time, ‘please help me,’” Rivera said in her speech. “I believe it was God’s grace, my family’s support, my teachers and classmates [who] believe in me, and my commitment in what I do, that enabled me to fulfill my responsibilities and serve my purpose amidst the adversities, making me a better Paulinian.”
The Academic Recognition Rites concluded with a prayer led by Ms. Miaca Elizabelle Contemplacion, an awardee from the AB Visual Design and Communication Program.
