SSU holds grad rites for Class '24

As the academic year comes to a close, the first graduating batch of the Class of 2024 congregated at the Samar State University (SSU) Gymnasium today, June 26, for the 89th SSU Commencement Exercises with the theme “PADAYON: Sustaining the Legacy of L.E.D.S. (Leadership, Excellence, Discipline, and Service).”

A total of 672 graduating students donned their kamagi, the university’s official graduation regalia, wherein 246 are from SSU Paranas Campus, 235 from the College of Education (CoEd), 82 from the College of Nursing and Health Sciences (CoNHS), 67 from the College of Engineering (CoEng’g), and 42 from the Graduate School.

To officially open the event, Stephanie Ruth A. Ocampo, who graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Mathematics, delivered the welcoming address, acknowledging the students, parents, and officials alike.

Meanwhile, the university president, vice presidents, the Board of Regents (BOR), and other key university officials were present and took part in the ceremonies. Armond M. Englis, the Director of Region VIII Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), delivered his message to the graduates as the commencement speaker for the first day.

“You are all worthy of being part of this incredible Class of 2024… This graduation ceremony does not signify the conclusion to your actual pursuit for learning; rather, this should serve as your takeoff point. Do not expect that you will get things right after your first attempt. If you do, good for you. If you don’t, there’s no shame in trying again,” Dir. Englis said.

One of the highlights of the event is the thanksgiving address by Julieth G. Melado, Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, the sole Magna Cum Laude of this year’s batch of graduating students. She acknowledged her success as a cumulative effort of both her own hard work and the support of those around her.

“I am immensely grateful to the stars of this momentous occasion, our proud parents. From ‘Ma, Tay, mapa-enroll na ako’ to ‘Ma, Tay mag-apply na ak for graduation.’ They may not be expressive, but we can see in their eyes and smiles how proud they are [seeing] their child walk on this prestigious stage and receive a diploma,” said Melado.

“I may have received the title ‘Magna Cum Laude of Class of 2024,’ but this award would never define me. This award reflects the efforts and undying love of the people surrounding me,” she added.

Similarly, the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), College of Industrial Technology (CIT), and SSU Mercedes Campus will undertake their graduation ceremony tomorrow, June 27, as the second batch of the university’s 89th Commencement Exercises.