Our dear honorees, their parents and loved ones, my fellow workers, ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon.

This special academic assembly is one occasion which is not merely a rite of passage, but an opportunity for the Administration to recognize students who have outstanding academic performance in the recently-concluded semester. This is also a chance for us to personally congratulate the parents and guardians and to thank them for the importance they have given this affair.

My dear students, you came to HAU with full confidence and trust that it will assist you in paving the way towards the attainment of your personal goal which is to complete your baccalaureate degree.

We expect you to do your share of the load by studying and making full use of the resources made available to you.

But this elite group has decided not to just pass through the august portals of this University but to commit themselves to work harder than others through the long hours that you give into your studies and in other student-related programs. Thus, your are now a cut over the rest, and this is what separates the men from the boys, as they say.

We, your mentors and your parents, challenge you to do the same thing or even more as you complete every semester of your college life. Pour out your best as you face the pressures without having to compromise your values; endure despite the difficulties and demands of both school and home; and hold on.

As we live Holy Angel’s mission statement by promoting the holistic approach to University education, we are able to prepare you for your professional life where you are given the responsibility to serve our country for the greater glory of God. So, while you are with us, do your best to co-create with your instructors, co-learners and peers the experiences and environment that will lead to your development as well-rounded students and productive citizens of our society.

It is our hope that the vision of our Founders be a reality for you for the blessings will be told in hundreds of young men and women like you who, each semester, are given the same recognition.

We bid you success in your studies and we encourage you to be more thankful and appreciative of:

• Your instructors and administrators who set the direction of your academic life in this University, and whose patience, love, time and selfless service for your welfare cannot be undermined;
• Your parents who have always been very supportive of all your undertakings and whose love and encouragement serve as your most important ingredients to your achievements. We appreciate their presence in this academic assembly and as we hand to you your Certificate of Academic Excellence, we also congratulate them for being our partners in your education;
• Our beloved University for equipping you with the skills and competencies, and developing your values, your attitudes and your creativity, curiosity, flexibility and maturity that constitute your character; and
• Our Lord Almighty for serving as your inspiration and source of knowledge and strength as you live each day of the semester.

Each one of you is a source of inspiration, not only to your parents and loved ones but to us, your professors; for by your individual manner of tackling your courses, you have managed to survive and even thrive, as you stand today as a member of this Honors’ Group.

I congratulate each of you for this well-deserved recognition!

Laus Deo Semper!

Mayap a oras pu kekayu ngan!