With pride and honor, 152 graduates of the School of Advanced Studies (SAS) donned their abarays in a fitting ceremony for the 46th Commencement Exercises on August 16 at the Levo Hotel in Urdaneta City, marking a significant milestone in their academic journey.
The afternoon graduation, which is the fifth cluster in the 2025 series, commenced with a grand processional, as the graduates, SAS faculty, campus officials, university officials, executive directors, university vice presidents, Board of Regents, university president, and keynote speaker entered the venue in solemn order.
The presentation of the graduates was led by Dr. Paulo V. Cenas, Executive Director of PSU-SAS, followed by the announcement of the total number of graduates, presented by Dr. Weenalei T. Fajardo, Vice President for Academics & Student Services and Director of Curriculum and Instruction.
In his message, University President Dr. Elbert M. Galas inspired the graduating class by stating, “Your education has empowered you to become thought leaders, innovators, and agents of positive change, capable of shaping the future not only in the Philippines but across the globe.”
He emphasized that to thrive in an evolving world, graduates must embrace three essential qualities: a commitment to lifelong learning, technological fluency, and strong information literacy.
Dr. Galas urged them to leverage these skills to drive progress and make a meaningful impact in their respective fields and communities.
Pangasinan Governor Ramon V. Guico III, who was represented by Atty. Anafel Cruz-Lauraya, urged the graduates to uphold the values of “integrity, humility, and service”. “Nawab ipagpatuloy ninyo ang prinsipyo ng integridad, kababaang loob, at serbisyo”, encouraging them to carry these principles into their future endeavors.
Honorable Brian Daniel Poe Llamanzares, Assistant Majority Floor Leader of the 20th Congress and Representative of the FPJ Panday Bayanihan Party-List, who served as the Guest of Honor and Speaker spoke with the heart of a true Pangasinense.
He inspired graduates by urging them to embrace the call to serve, stating, “Kapag nararamdaman ninyo ang tawag na maglingkod para sa bayan, gobyerno man o sa komunidad, tanggapin ninyo ito ng buong puso. Bawat minuto sa paglilingkod ay isang privilege na hindi lahat nabibigyan.”
His message underscored the honor and responsibility of public service, encouraging the new graduates to dedicate themselves to meaningful contributions for the nation and their communities.
Following this, the diploma conferral took place, officially recognizing the graduates’ academic achievements. Dr. Crisanto T. Tomeldan, Doctor of Education (Major in Educational Management), then delivered a heartfelt message of gratitude, expressing appreciation for the support of faculty, families, and the university community.
The graduates then recited the Pledge of Loyalty, led by Mr. Marc Lester S. Marquez, Master of Arts in Education (Major in Communication Arts-English), reaffirming their dedication to their alma mater. This was followed by the Oath of Commitment to the Alumni Association, administered by Dr. Ritchie G. Macalanda, Educational Program Administrator, symbolizing their lifelong bond with the university.
The ceremony concluded on a poignant note with the heartfelt singing of the PSU Hymn, uniting graduates, faculty, and guests in a final tribute to their shared journey.
The event formally ended with the recessional, marking the graduates’ transition into their new roles as proud alumni of the university.
