CMU honors distinguished alumni as University celebrates 116th Founding Anniversary
Stories of achievement, integrity, and service marked Central Mindanao University’s 116th Founding Anniversary and Alumni Homecoming on September 18 at the University Convention Center.
Held under the theme “Shaping Global Leaders through Excellence, Integrity, and Service,” the celebration gathered alumni, faculty, students, university officials, and members of the CMU community. The Alumni Awards program recognized distinguished and outstanding alumni, alongside the Golden Jubilarians of Batch 1976 and Silver Jubilarians of Batch 2001, marking their 50th and 25th graduation anniversaries, respectively.
Pres. Eballe highlights CMU’s growth
In his anniversary message, University President Dr. Rolito G. Eballe welcomed returning alumni and highlighted CMU’s development over the past three years, anchored on excellence, integrity, service, transparency, accountability, the rule of law, and participation.
Dr. Eballe reported that the university now has 126 academic programs, 632 Scopus-indexed publications, and nearly 14,000 extension beneficiaries, citing gains in research, accreditation, and sustainability recognition and expanded international networks.
He acknowledged challenges involving digital transformation, connectivity, resources, workforce capacity, and protecting university land, emphasizing the need for sustained government and alumni support.
“CMU needs our alumni,” he said, urging graduates to contribute their expertise, networks, and continued engagement. He also encouraged alumni to return not only when being recognized, but because of their “love for the institution that nurtured them.”
Mayor Doromal reflects on education and public service
Keynote speaker Hon. Atty. Jose Joel P. Doromal, Municipal Mayor of Maramag and a CMU alumnus, shared his journey from the university’s high school program to political science, law, and public service.
Doromal recalled his academic and leadership experiences at CMU, including serving as president of the League of Political Science Students and vice president of the University Student Council. He later entered public service, progressing from municipal councilor to vice mayor and mayor. He was elected mayor in 2019, re-elected in 2022, and elected to a third and final term in 2025.
Linking his experiences to the anniversary theme, Mayor Doromal described integrity as a value demonstrated through everyday decisions. He recalled refusing a bus conductor’s offer to let him ride without a fare ticket during his student years.
He described excellence as striving to be “better than the person you were yesterday,” while service, he said, should be measured not only by how far one rises but by whether others rise along the way.
Mayor Doromal also shared plans to pursue further legal studies abroad after his term ends in June 2028, reminding students that “graduation should never mean the end of education.”
RD Omega honors those behind his achievement
Speaking on behalf of the alumni awardees, Regional Director Neil Aldrin G. Omega, recipient of the Distinguished Alumnus Award and head of the Commission on Population and Development for Region X and Caraga Region, reflected on his journey from CMU’s Elementary and Laboratory High School to government service.
RD Omega credited his parents, both former CMU teachers, for shaping his discipline and sense of responsibility. He also recognized his wife Marianne and their children for their support.
He said global leadership does not necessarily mean working abroad, but involves having “the competence, character, and openness to respond responsibly in a changing world while remaining grounded in the needs of our people.”
Sharing the recognition with his family, mentors, colleagues, and fellow awardees, RD Omega added, “None of us arrived at this moment alone.”
Alumni legacy continues
The ceremony also recognized alumni under the Distinguished Alumni, Outstanding Alumni, and Open Category awards, together with the Golden and Silver Jubilarians.
Closing the program, Forester Herson M. Simborio, Vice President of the CMU Alumni Association Incorporated (CMUAAI), thanked the awardees, keynote speaker, organizers, and alumni. He encouraged graduates to let the celebration “ignite a renewed passion” to uphold excellence, integrity, and service.
As CMU marks 116 years, the anniversary highlighted a continuing relationship between the university and its graduates. The celebration affirmed that CMU’s legacy extends beyond its academic achievements to the alumni who carry its values into their professions and communities.
The celebration supports Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through lifelong learning, institutional development, and sustained alumni engagement. [Iyren Dalipe Neri]
