8/7/2019 Salute to Alma Mater - Chessa Yutankin

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SALUTE TO THE GRADUATES!!!

To The Honorable Chairperson of the Board of Trustees Dr. Helena Z. Benitez, toour University President Dr. Francisco B. Benitez, to our Vice President for AcademicAffairs Dr. Vivien Talisayon, to our Chief Finance Officer Sir Alfredo B. Reyes and to

all our deans, faculty, parents and guests:

A pleasant afternoon. Tomorrow is our graduation day and in behalf of thegraduating class of 2011, I thank all of you for coming here to join us in our

Baccalaureate.

And to you fellow candidates, praise God..weve made it!

While I was preparing this speech, I realize the word Graduation isambiguous. It implies both conclusion and commencement.

As conclusion, graduation simply means the end of our college education.Doing our home works, cramming for exams, defending our thesis, joining oneactivity after another..theyre all over now. This is the moment weve all been

waiting for. So, arent we supposed to be jumping with joy? Yet somehow, thereis a little something tugging at the very core of our hearts; because deep downwithin, we graduates know that we will surely miss our school, the PhilippineWomens University, and of course, all of you - our beloved officers, deans and

professors, and even our dear friends and classmates.

On the other hand, as commencement, graduation means the beginning of abrand new chapter in our lifes journey. Yes, the winding road ahead may be

daunting as there are bigger humps to hurdle, wider oceans to cross, highermountains to climb, and a whole newer horizon to conquer. Nevertheless, with ourPWU education, with the love of our parents, with the support of our friends, andthe guidance of God, we will definitely overcome these challenges; and I am more

than confident we will eventually win the battleagain!

But be it conclusion or commencement, it doesnt matter. On our graduationday, what will truly count now, is for each one of us, graduates, to finally gain the

right perspective. Will we continue to exist for our own personal agenda, or will wenow begin to live for our Faith, our country, and our fellowmen? We have arrivedat a crossroad; but all of us have a choice to make the right decision.

I therefore pray, that long after this ceremony has ended, and my speechhas been done with; you will remember even just two lines from the poem of

Missionary Studd and I quote - Only one life - twill soon be past; only whatsdone for God will last.

Congratulations to us, candidates; and to our Lord God Almighty be all thehonor and glory!!! I thank you.