CSU ANDREWS COCNLUDES TWO-DAY CONVOCATION, TOTAL GRADUATES NOW AT 1,955

The celebration of academic excellence continued on July 2, 2025, as Cagayan State University (CSU) Andrews Campus concluded the second day of its 47th Academic Convocation for the Conferment of Degrees and Titles, adding 1,031 new graduates to the university’s growing roster of professionals.

The final day of the convocation recognized graduates from the College of Teacher Education (CTED), College of Allied Health Sciences (CAHS), and the Graduate School, following the 924 graduates conferred on July 1 from the Colleges of Business, Entrepreneurship and Accountancy and Hospitality Management.

In his charge to the graduates, CSU Officer-in-Charge President Dr. Arthur G. Ibañez urged them to carry forward the values of service, integrity, and nationalism in their chosen careers. “Think of our country. Think of your local communities. They call upon you.”

Following his speech, CHED Chairperson and CSU Board of Regents Chair Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis extended her message of congratulations through a video message, applauding the resilience, discipline, and hope that brought the graduates to this milestone.

𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰

The College of Teacher Education (CTED) made history this year by producing 5 Magna Cum Laude graduates at CSU Andrews. Out of its 557 graduates, CTED celebrated an impressive total of 5 Magna Cum Laude, along with 71 Cum Laude, 44 Academic Distinction, and 46 With Merit awardees.

“I finally understand why my parents didn’t want me to sow seeds in a sun-scorched cornfield—because they wanted me to plant the seeds of my dreams instead,” Mr. Domingo G. Calebag, Jr., a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Bachelor of Secondary Education, Major in English, shared as he painted a vivid picture of struggle and perseverance, one familiar to many in the crowd.

Calebag’s message resonated with many, as he spoke of adversity, hope, and the power of education to transform lives. “This diploma I hold? It’s not just a piece of paper. It’s a door. A door I had to kick down... But now that I’m through it, I’m not closing it behind me. I’m leaving it wide open—for those coming after me. For the students who feel too small. Too poor. Too late. Too broken. Too invisible.”

𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭

The College of Allied Health Sciences (CAHS), and the Graduate School followed with 420 graduates from the College of Allied Health Sciences and 54 from the Graduate School. Among them were 3 Cum Laude, 3 Academic Distinction, and 6 With Merit awardees.

Delivering the Address of Thanks for Batch 4 was Mr. Zaldy B. Baccay, Jr., Cum Laude, graduate of BS in Medical Laboratory Science, who reflected on the values that define CSU graduates. “Competence. Social Responsibility. Unifying Presence. These are not just words in our student manual—they are the core of who we are becoming.”

Baccay emphasized that being competent in today’s world means more than academic achievement. “It’s not just passing the board exam... It’s doing what is right always, learning constantly, and using our education for the collective good. It’s bringing compassion into our competence.”

𝐀 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐮𝐦𝐩𝐡

With the conclusion of its two-day convocation, CSU Andrews Campus has now conferred degrees and titles on a total of 1,955 graduates across six colleges and the graduate school. Each ceremony was marked by stories of perseverance, gratitude, and purpose, reflections of the university's commitment to producing graduates who are resilient, innovative, and ready to lead.