MANILA, Philippines – The Asian Institute of Management’s (AIM) School of Executive Education and Lifelong Learning (SEELL) hosted the Joint Graduation Ceremony for the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) -AIM Global Academic Leadership Program of the State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs) on 29 November 2023. The event brought together graduates, faculty, distinguished guests, and esteemed speakers to celebrate the culmination of an enriching academic journey.
The ceremony opened with a warm welcome from AIM President and Dean, Dr. Jikyeong Kang who set the tone for the event by expressing her pride in the graduates and emphasizing the importance of their roles as future academic leaders.
Following the welcome remarks, SEELL School Head Professor Alberto G. Mateo, Jr., took the stage to acknowledge the presence of esteemed guests and introduce the Guest of Honor and Speaker, Honorable Chairman of CHED J. Prospero De Vera, PhD. Chairman De Vera delivered an inspirational message, emphasizing the graduates' crucial role in shaping the future of education in the Philippines.
A significant highlight of the ceremony was the Alumni Oathtaking, conducted by the Executive Managing Director of the AIM Alumni Relations Office Bernardino Jiao. The solemn oath-taking ceremony symbolized the graduates' commitment to upholding the principles of academic excellence and leadership in their future endeavors.
Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo represented the SUC graduates with a heartfelt response, expressing gratitude for the transformative experiences gained during the program. Dr. Glicerio M. Maningas echoed these sentiments as he delivered the LUC Class Response, highlighting the collaborative efforts and shared achievements of the LUC cohort.
The pinnacle of the event was the awarding of certificates to the SUC and LUC graduates, signifying the successful completion of their academic journey. Each graduate stood proud as they received their well-deserved recognition, marking the beginning of a new chapter in their professional and academic lives.
The ceremony reached its conclusion with closing remarks from the CHED Director of International Affairs Services Atty. Lily Frieda Milla. Atty. Milla expressed her optimism for the graduates' futures and encouraged them to carry the lessons learned at AIM into their respective institutions.
This transformative program, aimed at empowering academic leaders, emphasized strategic and creative thinking, the ability to lead globally competitive and locally responsive institutions, building collaborative relationships, and effective resource management. The ceremony showcased the commitment of AIM to fostering excellence in education, as graduates were equipped with the tools needed to inspire innovation, address evolving community needs, and contribute positively to the growth and development of LUCs in the Philippine educational system.
As the Joint Graduation Ceremony came to a close, it left an indelible mark on the participants, symbolizing not just the end of an academic program but the commencement of a new era for academic leadership in the Philippines. AIM's commitment to fostering excellence in education was evident throughout the ceremony, leaving attendees inspired and motivated to contribute positively to the nation's academic landscape.