Published July 07, 2025 by Campus Information Office
𝗖𝗦𝗨-𝗦𝗠 𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝟲𝟴𝟴 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗱𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝟰𝟳𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
Amid a persistent downpour on July 7, 2025, Cagayan State University–Sanchez Mira Campus (CSU-SM) held its 47th Academic Convocation, where 688 graduates were honored for completing their academic journeys.
Gracing the event as a commencement speaker was Dr. Dexter R. Buted, CEO of the Philippine Coconut Authority and former president of Pangasinan State University, who delivered an inspiring message that emphasized kindness, attitude and purpose.
“Failure is not the opposite of success; it is the tuition fee you must pay for wisdom,” he said, encouraging students to embrace setbacks with humility and reflection.
He reminded graduates that character shapes intelligence and that outgrowing oneself matters more than outshining others.
Lastly, he urged the graduating class to reflect on their purpose, saying, “Your ‘why’ matters more than your ‘what’. Always know your why—it will guide you when nothing else makes sense.”
The convocation also featured a charge to the graduates by CSU Officer-In-Charge President Dr. Arthur G. Ibañez, ASEAN Engr., who urged the Class of 2025 to uphold ethical professionalism and dedicate their service to the marginalized, reminding them, “Make CSU known by the excellence of your professional lives. Be selfless, especially for those left behind.”
In her address of thanks, Rica M. De Asis, Cum Laude and graduating class valedictorian, reflected on the emotional and transformative journey of student life at CSU-SM, expressing gratitude by saying, “Thank you for giving us not just classrooms, but communities and opportunities,” as she acknowledged the university’s significant role in shaping their personal growth.
CHED Chairperson and CSU Board of Regents Chair Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis, in a video message, commended the graduates for their perseverance and emphasized that their academic achievement is not only a personal milestone but also a vital contribution to nation-building, stating, “Your education is more than a personal victory—it’s the foundation of nation-building.”
The 688 graduates came from nine colleges across the university, including Agriculture, Business, Entrepreneurship and Accountancy; Criminal Justice Education; Engineering; Hospitality Management; Industrial Technology; Information and Computing Sciences; Teacher Education; and the Graduate School.
A total of 51 honor graduates were recognized, comprising 13 Cum Laude, 14 with Academic Distinction, and 24 With Merit.