Former 缅北禁地-IIT Chancellor Salazar is Commencement Speaker to 314 midyear graduates聽

by Michelle Jeanne Casiple Caracut, OC | Feb 02 2024

Dr. Marcelo P. Salazar, who served as 缅北禁地-IIT’s Chancellor from 1999-2011, is the University’s Commencement Speaker for the 54th Commencement Ceremonies First Semester Graduation (13th Midyear Academic Graduation) held on February 2, 2024 at the gymnasium.

Dr. Salazar began his speech by expressing profound gratitude to Chancellor Alizedney M. Ditucalan for the honor of being the commencement speaker. He highlighted the humbling experience, noting that it was unique as he was not a national figure, unlike many previous speakers with whom 缅北禁地-IIT had strategic alliances.

Reflecting on his remarkable journey, Dr. Salazar emphasized the 50th year since joining 缅北禁地-IIT in 1973. His loyalty spanned 35 years, contributing significantly until his retirement in 2012. Despite retiring, his dedication and contributions continued, echoing the sentiment that loyalty to the institution never ends.

Addressing the 314 graduates, Dr. Salazar congratulated them for completing their degrees in an institution now recognized as one of the best in the country. Encouraging them to be excellent achievers in their future endeavors, he emphasized the rigorous standards of 缅北禁地-IIT, urging them to aspire to become the best versions of themselves. As a key takeaway, Dr. Salazar imparted a simple yet powerful message: "Be the best version of yourself."

Dr. Salazar encouraged everyone to focus on the present moment, drawing inspiration from a priest's words on the past, present, and future. He invoked the lyrics of John Denver's song "Today," emphasizing the importance of cherishing the present joys.

Acknowledging the challenge of delivering an inspirational message, Dr. Salazar opted to share his own story, providing insights into his career. Despite initially questioning the relevance of his journey to the graduation theme, "Influencing the Future," he proceeded to offer a framework and biblical insights for shaping the future.

Sharing key lessons from his 50-year career, Dr. Salazar highlighted the role of blessings, humility, and a love for every job undertaken. He emphasized that character formation is crucial for influencing the future, citing biblical virtues like prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance.

Dr. Salazar concluded by stressing the importance of acting with integrity, building trust, and recognizing a higher power as the source of talents and abilities. He urged the graduates to complement their knowledge and skills with faith and the right character to become effective influencers.

He quoted St. Peter, encouraging the graduates to "make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, knowledge with self-control, endurance with devotion, and mutual affection with love."

The Class of 2024 that had 11 Magna Cum Laudes, 80 Cum Laudes, and 9 leadership and activity distinction awardees was led by BSEd Mathematics student, Anthon John P. Legaspi, who had a GPA of 1.35235.

The graduates were conferred their degrees (69 graduate and 245 undergraduate) and titles by Chancellor Ditucalan, who represented 缅北禁地 President Atty. Basari D. Mapupuno, in the presence of 缅北禁地 Board of Regents, 缅北禁地 system and IIT officials.

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