Resilience, Leadership fuel graduates of CAS and CON

Personal stories of resilience, identity, and community responsibility unfolded during Bukidnon State University’s June 18, 2025, commencement ceremony for the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) and College of Nursing (CON), as students from diverse backgrounds shared how they navigated economic hardship, gender identity, and Indigenous representation to complete their degrees.

For Reymark Ortiz of Pangantucan, Bukidnon, earning his degree in Economics was more than a personal win—it was a family milestone. The first in his family to graduate college, Ortiz shared how financial struggles and a desire to help his parents kept him going. He also opened up about his journey as a trans student, saying that the experience taught him resilience and adaptability. Ortiz credited BukSU’s support system for giving him the confidence to keep showing up.

“Now I can proudly tell my parents, ‘Ma, Pa, graduate nako,’” he said.

O.R. Pinahan, another Economics graduate, had his own story of perseverance. A member of the Higaonon tribe from Malaybalay City, Pinahan has been a working student since second grade, juggling school and various jobs to support his education. He shared that his parents, who are unable to read or write, were his greatest motivation. Determined to finish his degree not just for himself but for his community, Pinahan said he wants to show to fellow lumads that pursuing higher education is possible.

“I work hard to study and finish my degree and show other lumads that they can also do what I can do,” he shared. Pinahan now hopes to use what he has learned to give back to his community and help others walk a similar path.

Both stories of Ortiz and Pinahan echoed the message delivered by commencement speaker Dr. Romulo Nieva Jr., a BukSU alumnus and associate professor at the University of the Philippines–Manila.

In his speech, Nieva shared advice anchored on the acronym BUKSU: B – Be passionate about interests; U – Unlock potential and skills; K – Know limits and try; S – Set long-term goals and celebrate small wins; U – Understand and honor emotions

Nieva’s message resonated with the experiences of many graduates, whose determination, self-awareness, and commitment to personal growth had shaped their paths towards finishing their studies.

“You are not just graduates, you are future leaders,” said Nieva.

Meanwhile, University President Dr. Joy M. Mirasol shared to the graduates what it means to study at BukSU.

“BukSU empowers students to unlock their full potential, overcome challenges, and pursue their dreams, all while maintaining a strong sense of community and purpose,” said Mirasol.

During the university’s 91st Commencement Exercises, a total of 598 graduates from the CAS and the CON were recognized. CAS conferred honors on 3 Magna Cum Laude and 13 Cum Laude graduates, while CON honored 3 Cum Laude finishers. Both colleges also looked back on a year marked by academic and research milestones—from national and international awards to collaborative efforts with global partners—rounding off a celebration not just as a culmination of academic journeys, but as a recognition of the hard work and progress that brought the graduates to this moment.(Genavev Labora, IU Intern)