Themed “Batch 2025 Graduates: Life Champions and Future-Ready Professionals of the 21st Century,” Sorsogon State University (SorSU) is currently celebrating its four-day 32nd Commencement Exercises, with the College of Business and Management (CBM) kicking off the graduation rites with a total of 518 Class of 2025 graduates held on June 30, 2025, at the Sorsogon Convention Center, Sorsogon City, Sorsogon.
The graduation ceremonies commenced with an academic procession featuring the graduating students alongside their parents, teaching and non-teaching personnel, university officials, and esteemed guests.
SUC President III, Dr. Geraldine F. De Jesus, conferred 518 graduates their respective degrees, which comprised 151 in Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management (BSTM), 157 in Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management (BSHM), 187 in Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship (BS ENTREP), and 22 in Bachelor of Science in Accountancy (BSA).
Notably, this year’s distinguished commencement speaker, Dr. Anthony M. Penaso, the President of the Bohol Island State University (BISU), shared three key life lessons with the graduates, emphasizing adaptability, discipline, and self-belief as essential for navigating this new phase of their lives.
BISU President Penaso highlighted, “Life will not always go as planned. Adapt anyway. Life does not follow our timeline. Remember, those who succeed are not those with the perfect plan. They are the ones ready to rewrite the plan when life changes course.”
The guest speaker also encouraged the graduates to be their own biggest supporters, cheering for themselves and celebrating their progress even when no one is watching. He remarked, “Your loudest supporter must be you because self-belief keeps you standing when the world goes silent. And remember, if you wait for constant applause, you will stop moving. But if you learn to clap for yourself, you will never stop growing.”
Meanwhile, the awarding of medals to honor students was led by SorSU President De Jesus, Dr. Jhonner D. Ricafort (Vice President for Academic Affairs), Mr. Gerald E. Fulay, JD (Vice President for Administration and Finance), Dr. Ryan V. Dio (Vice President for Research, Extension, and Training), the guest speaker, and the honorees’ respective parents. Similarly, the awarding of diplomas to the graduates was facilitated by the SorSU President and assisted by the vice presidents, campus directors, university registrar, CBM dean, and guest speaker.
Ms. Dharwin G. Almine (BSTM), Magna Cum Laude, delivered the Words of Gratitude. The ceremonies also included the Pledge of Loyalty and the Induction of Graduates to the Alumni Association, led by Dr. Perry F. Carpio (President, Faculty Federation) and VPAA Ricafort (President, SorSU Alumni Federation), respectively. SorSU’s 32nd Commencement Exercises Day 1 (morning session) concluded with the singing of the SorSU Hymn by the Class of 2025 graduates, SorSU officials, and teaching & non-teaching personnel.
Once again, warmest congratulations, Class of 2025 graduates! (SorSU PIO)
