In his commencement address, Dr. Penaso pointed out the 4Es to the graduates and urged them to remember the four keywords as they start their new chapter.

Excellence

Dr. Penaso believed that CMU provides excellent, prestigious education and has prepared graduates to excel in their chosen professions. “As graduates of this university, you have been given the tools to think critically, communicate effectively, problem solve creatively, and collaborate with others,” he added.

He further emphasized that those skills and competencies are essential for navigating a constantly changing and evolving world. “But these skills and competencies also enable us to go beyond our national borders and work with people from different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives,” Dr. Penaso asserted.

Engage

Also, Dr. Penaso related the book “Educating for Global Competence: Preparing our Students to Engage the World” to the graduates and believed that CMU had prepared its graduates to engage the world in terms of understanding global issues for them to participate in and act on issues of global significance.

“We must be committed to engage by building bridges instead of walls between people, communities, and nations,” he said.

Empower

Thirdly, he inspired the graduates to learn continually and empower themselves with knowledge, skills, and competencies. “Use the knowledge and skills you have acquired at CMU to make a positive impact both at home and abroad,” he expressed.

Explore

Lastly, Dr. Penaso encouraged the graduates not to stop learning, saying, “So, as you leave the portals of our Alma Mater and begin your journey beyond national borders, I encourage you to continue your education.”

Moreover, he motivated the graduates to explore new frontiers and experience things like never before continually. “So, keep learning about the world around you, seek out new perspectives, and engage with people from different backgrounds and cultures,” says Dr. Penaso.

Furthermore, the graduates were also motivated by Dr. Penaso to express gratitude to their parents and their teachers as they leave the portals of their alma mater and to be grateful for themselves.

CMU confirmed 3,033 graduates with their respective degrees at the 69th commencement exercises, comprising 2,850 from undergraduate and 183 from graduate programs. _{[Mary Jane D. Bravo]}

During their commencement speeches, the new-elect national and provincial political leaders conveyed to the graduates the importance of imparting the university’s core values to the communities, taking part in building a meaningful living, and accomplishing them at their own pace and time.

One of the speakers, Duterte-Carpio, hoped that the graduates’ journey to the real world would lead them to opportunities that may hone their skillsets and capabilities as individuals and learners and see them become agents of good change in society.

However, another speaker, Roque, reminded them to take it slow, start small, and enjoy the process. “Take your time. Don’t pressure yourself…” he said. “Just simply walk at your own pace… learning what will make you the happiest,” he added. Roque also planted hope in the graduates that their generation would bring prosperity to the nation.

Meanwhile, Quiño, one of the speakers, further encouraged the graduates to build strong relationships with everyone, especially with their families. “We learned that the best way to survive in all obstacles [especially during pandemic] is to have a family and community caring for one another,” he said.

Moreover, Quiño highlighted that the most inspiring relationship that has grown intensely during the pandemic was the relationship with the divine master. “While the churches were closed due to CoVid-19 threat, our individual homes became the living churches. Many of us would say our family prayer every day…the home became the place of prayer,” he said.

Quiño also reminded the graduates that life is short. “We should not waste it for greed, pride, and distrust,” he affirmed.

The University President, Jesus Antonio G. Derije, also motivated the graduates to wave the CMU banners with pride and responsibility as they leave the CMU portals. “Bring our names to places where you can best shine and contribute to the greater society,” he said.

There were 2,046 graduates conferred with1,047 Latin honors during the two-day graduation ceremony. [RGPadoginog]

He acknowledged how CMU has contributed to the transformation of Mindanao as well as the entire nation. Quiño also recognized CMU as a melting pot of great leaders and servants of development in the previous years and the years to come.

The new vice governor-elect also encouraged the graduates to dream and unleash their innate potential to the world. “Do not wait for opportunities to come. Create them…contribute to the world,” he asserted.

“Be an engineer for the homeless, be a teacher for the mountains, be an agriculturist for the poor farmers, be a forester for the marginalized IPs who cannot defend their rights, be a veterinarian for those who kept on failing in their backyard livestock,” he added.

Quiño emphasized that prosperity and economic well-being can be attained best when they transform lives through their gifts and talents. “The more we care for those who need us, the more we enjoy the bounty of life,” he said. Quiño further reminded the graduates that the world today needs more leaders with big hearts that never lie.

“Being the new vice governor of Bukidnon, I hope and pray that CMU graduates of 2022 would help me make Bukidnon the best place to live… our government needs you. Make it a part of your dream,” he said.

Quiño graced the ceremony of the 493 graduates from the Colleges of Education, Forestry and Environmental Science, Information Sciences and Computing, and Veterinary Medicine.  [RGPadoginog]

ANNOUNCEMENT FOR THE GRADUATING STUDENTS
(CLASS OF 2016) 

REMINDERS:

1. A candidate is only entitled to bring 2 guests.
2. Children are not allowed inside the venue.
3. Your program will serve as the gate pass of your vehicle (if you have more than one vehicle, please secure a gate pass from the Security Services Office ahead of time).
4. Strictly follow the Dress Code:
   Girls: Your dress should not be over the toga; black shoes.
   Boys: Long sleeves, black pants, black shoes
5. The Official Photographer is IStudio. If you want to avail their packages, please secure a sticker from their office located at the 2^nd Floor Alkuino Emporium building or on the graduation day in their booth. (Family members, relatives, and friends are not allowed to enter the ground level of the UCC for picture taking. Only the PRIO and IStudio will be allowed).
6. Please do not bring your bags (back pack, paper bag, etc.) on your seats.
7. You are encouraged to take photos at the photo booth located at the library.
8. The assembly area is at the back of the library. Please take note that the assembly time is 6:30am for the AM group and 12:00nn for the PM Group.
9. Attendance is a MUST (graduation day and practices).

*** For more information, visit the Office of the University Registrar (OUR) or drop a message at CMU-Today facebook account.