Graduate students from both semestral and trimestral degree programs gathered last Saturday, 21 September 2024 at the UPV Auditorium for the 2nd GRADSTART (Graduate Students Opening Program). The well-attended event was organized by the outgoing UPV-GSSC officers under the leadership of Jason Vincent B. Caldeo in partnership with the UPV Graduate School.
Dr. Rodelio F. Subade, Dean of the Graduate School, formally welcomed the students and encouraged them to make the most of their academic journey as they bear in mind why they are in the Graduate School in the first place. Following Dean Subade’s welcome message, Dr. Alice Joan G. Ferrer, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, urged the students to be mindful of their roles and responsibilities as students, with a gentle reminder to respect other people’s time and adhere to set deadlines so as to make everyone’s life in the University easier.
Dr. Nathaniel C. Añasco, the Graduate School Secretary, gave an orientation on Graduate Academic Policies and Guidelines and presented the Graduate Program Coordinators. Chancellor Clement C. Camposano reminded the students of the broader meaning of UPV graduate education which should be directed to service for the community and the nation as a whole.
Mr. Jonathan Bañas, a UPV MMA alumnus, entertained everyone with a lovely violin rendition of popular songs before the recognition of Graduate Honorific Scholars (University and College Scholars) for Academic Year 2023-2024. This was the first time such recognition was given ever since the Graduate School was instituted last April 2022. Nine (9) graduate students were recognized and given Certificates of Merit:
University Scholars:
1. Alegroso, Reyland (MSOS)
2. Carmelita, Benedict Mark (MMA)
3. Rosal, Carl Bryle (MSOS)
College Scholars:
1. Cansejo, Nielven (MSF-FB)
2. Oczon, Josave (MSOS)
3. Pabilona, Jerna Mae (MSFS)
4. Piñaloza, Annie Louise (MSF-FB)
5. Tabuy, Michael Jay (MSF-FB)
6. Torremoro, Ellen Rose (MSOS)
Caldeo, the outgoing GSSC Chairperson, presented their accomplishments, followed by a presentation by John Leovic Villanueva, Representative to the University Student Council, of the salient features of the GSSC Constitution and By-Laws which was ratified by sixty-eight percent (68%) of the total enrolled graduate students.
Mark Ivan Tabol, Vice Chairperson for Internal Affairs, facilitated the election of the new set of officers who were then sworn in by Prof. Agustin G. Huyong, OSA Director. The newly-elected GSSC officers who took their oath to serve the graduate student body for AY 2024-2025 are:
Chairperson : Danah Jalandoon-Nieles, DURP
Vice Chairperson for Internal Affairs : Gliza Mae D. Pavillar, MMPM
Vice Chairperson for External Affairs : Gino G. Dating, MMBM
Secretary General : Karen Grace A. Babiera, MMPM
Treasurer : Isiah Keish T. Torres, MMBM
Business Manager : Danny G. Gicano, DURP
Public Relations Officer : Fergie Joshua A. Lasugas, M. Ed. (Social Studies)
Representative to the Graduate School Standing Committee : Angela R. Sara, DURP
Representative to the University Student Council : Mae Dell S. Silfavan, MSOS
As a new addition to the GSSC Officers, a Representative will be chosen by the students from their respective degree programs to represent them in the GSSC.
UPV Graduate School Secretary and GSSC Adviser, Dr. Nathaniel C. Añasco, formally closed the program with a message of gratitude to all the graduate students who attended the program, and particularly to the outgoing GSSC Officers for organizing such a successful event in partnership with the Graduate School staff.
