Northwestern University’s 90th Commencement Exercises celebrate 821 graduates
Northwestern University held its 90th Commencement Exercises on July 29, 2022 at the Centennial Arena in Laoag City, with 821 graduates from different programs. It was the first in-person graduation since 2019.
Dr. Chita A. Gonzales, then Vice President for Academic Affairs, gave her warm welcome address. She praised the parents for being outstandingly supportive of their children, and applauded the graduates for surviving the difficulties of the pandemic and transitioning into a technological realm. “There is no limit to your capacity [for] greatness, there is no obstacle you cannot overcome, and there is no barrier you cannot break. Hold close [to] the values that your grandparents, parents, pastors, and mentors instilled in you. Have the courage and conviction to follow your moral compass,” she stated.
Prof. Cynthia C. Medrano, Acting University Registrar, introduced the academic honorees and loyalty awardees. Twenty-five recipients attained academic honors—3 as Magna Cum Laude and 22 as Cum Laude. Two individuals were given loyalty awards. Afterwards, Atty. Ferdinand S. Nicolas, University President, introduced the guest speaker, Ariestelo A. Asilo, a Registered Nutritionist-Dietitian (RND) and MBM “Nutripreneur.” Born into a not-so-fortunate family and a “black sheep” in society, Ariestelo stated that he altered the flow of his story simply by dreaming big. He mentioned that throughout our lifetime we have two seasons: If at this point one may be struggling, maybe the next season will serve as a purpose for an individual to develop and keep moving forward. “Dream big as it becomes a habit and that habit becomes character until it becomes your destiny,” he stated. Mr. Asilo also added that at times, we may witness people who rejoice once they see us trip and fall. But through consistent perseverance and prayers, we can overcome negative feelings that will never define our identity.
Dr. Chita A. Gonzales then proceeded to the petition for the conferment of degrees and titles. Twenty-seven recipients were from the Vedasto J. Samonte School of Graduate Studies; 23 from the College of Law; 68 from the College of Engineering, Architecture & Technology; 92 from the College of Allied Health Sciences; 27 from the College of Arts and Sciences; 236 from the College of Business Education; 30 from the College of Teacher Education; 104 from the College of Criminal Justice Education; 214 from the College of Maritime Education.
The cream of the crop, Mark Dio F. Palcon, Magna Cum Laude, left a lasting impression upon delivering his words of gratitude. It was the comeback that he perceived as the essence of destiny, love, and purpose. He acknowledged his fellow graduates and the silent battles they had all fought through alone, with dreams as the driving force against the odds of this pandemic. He praised the affection and sacrifices of the parents, who went far and beyond to provide for their families. This comeback served as a remembrance that these graduates are the products of resiliency and are fully prepared to go back and give back what they can contribute to society and to embody themselves as CHAMPS of NWU. “Bakit nga ba tayo bumabalik? Destiny, love, and purpose. It is our destiny to return and chase our dreams. It is love that brought us here. It is the purpose that will give meaning to everything. Remember that the goodness that we show to others, that we show to our community, that we show to the rest of the world, eventually comes back to us,” he concluded.
