QUEZON City, Philippines (Eagle News) — Over 2,200 students from the tertiary and graduate levels received their diplomas during the New Era University’s 41st Commencement Exercises at the Iglesia Ni Cristo Tabernacle last April 29 and 30, 2016.
With the theme, “Upholding Spiritual Fervor and Academic Excellence,” it was the first time since 2009 that the commencement ceremonies of the Collegiate and Higher Education levels were divided into three batches to accommodate the large number of graduates.
This year’s keynote speakers were veteran journalist and former member of the House of Representatives Atty. Teodoro “Teddy Boy” Locsin Jr., Department of Environment and Natural Resources Undersecretary for Environment and International Environmental Affairs Atty. Jonas R. Leones, and Assistant Solicitor General Angelita Villanueva Miranda.
Speaking before the assembly composed of graduates from the Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Communication, Music and Nursing, Mr. Locsin praised New Era University for championing the cause of moral values in today’s world, while admiring the Iglesia Ni Cristo for its unity in serving both God and man.
“When your mentors look at you, they look to see if you are a Christian. They expect to look on this happy occasion, not at a body of students, but at a Christian congregation by all means better prepared not only with the tools and skills of the world learned here, but, principally, to turn the world more successfully into a Christian place,” the noted broadcast-journalist said
“These academic degrees attest to the further empowerment for our brothers and sisters to live more, to do more — for others, for family, for community, for country, and for the Church,” he said.
The former Makati congressman also shared with the assembly the experience of meeting Bro. Felix Y. Manalo, the first Executive Minister of the INC, for the very first time.
“I remember once, he (Brother Felix Y. Manalo) paid us a visit. He came to our gate riding on a white horse. That image is imprinted indelibly on my mind to this day,” he said.
For his part, Atty. Leones motivated the graduates from the Colleges of Engineering, Education and Computer Studies to be champions for the environment.
“I had to work hard and forego so many things just to pursue the things I desire. And my alma mater, the New Era University, prepared me to face the challenges that came before me,” Undersecretary Leones said.
The DENR official also asked the graduates “to put in your share to make this world a better place to live in.”
He noted that changes and problems in the environment have to be addressed.
“You will start realizing that there are lots of things that need to be changed, lots of problems that need to be addressed, and probably your mission in life would be part of the solution to these concerns. Your mission in life would spell the difference,” he added.
On the other hand, Assistant Solicitor General Judge Miranda in her speech before the Batch 2016 graduates of the College of Business Administration, recounted her experiences as a college student of New Era, and how her foundation as an Eraian helped her in life. She remarked that if it weren’t for her faith, which was honed and strengthened by the trials that she faced in life, she wouldn’t be where she is right now.
She said that the NEU graduates should “leave an imprint in this world and make a big difference because we are the children of God, coupled by a strong resolve to work hardest, encouraged by the hope to reach the limitless point of success.”
In ending her speech, the amiable Judge said to the assembly, “the best and most effective formula to succeed based on my personal experience is (this): ‘But seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.’”
The graduation ceremonies were also highlighted by the performances of selected alumni of the NEU College of Music, who were led by world-renowned conductor Dr. Edgardo Lumbera Manguiat. The songs they rendered include, “Today, We Graduate”, and “Awit ng Anak sa Magulang.”
In all, the commencement exercises were the culmination of the many achievements and adventures of those who made New Era University as their second home. In the words of University President, Dr. Nilo L. Rosas: “These ceremonies are testament to the bountiful blessings bestowed by our Lord God to the New Era University.” (From NEU Information Office)