By: Jivi Rizaldo

THIS NEWS STORY WAS FIRST PUBLISHED AT JiviRizaldoBlog AS PART OF THE STUDENTS’ REQUIREMENTS IN DEVCOM 26: INTRODUCTION TO MULTIMEDIA WRITING.

Recognizing students’ achievement and faculty’s performance for the previous semester, the College of Agriculture conducted an academic convocation participated by the Aggie students, faculty, staff, and the recent graduates and licensure examination passers of the college at the XU Little Theater on Wednesday, December 4.

The program started with a welcoming message from the Dean of the College of Agriculture, Dr Maria Rosario Mosqueda. “This occasion is a gesture of the College of Agriculture to celebrate, recognize, and encourage excellence in each one of us,” Dr. Mosqueda states as she addresses the agriculture student body. She further explained the importance of recognizing one’s achievement – how appreciation can go a long way.

 “These are milestones in your college journey, but this is not the be-all and end-all off your life as a student because there’s meaning to that certificate that you will be receiving later on. With this great achievement, comes great responsibility.” In her inspirational message, Vice President for Higher Education, Dr Juliet Dalagan, emphasized that there is a purpose and something beyond the certificate. And an Atenean student is not just like any other student. She highlighted that being an Atenean, students are in a mission – to serve others, and with them are the values of St. Ignatius – competence, conscience, and commitment.

The reading of honors followed promptly. Faculty, staff, student-athletes, those who excelled in various skills competition and the recent Agriculturist Licensure Examination passers were given recognition. Louie Cris Lopos – an Agriculture alumnus who recently garnered Top 9 from the said exam was also given an opportunity to give thanks to his peers as well as give advice to the upcoming Agriculturists through an uplifting speech.

The second part of the program was then comprised of the faculty members presenting the results of their self-survey, while also giving updates for the upcoming PAASCU accreditation in January next year.