Three summa cum laude awardees led Silliman University’s 1,104 graduates during the institution’s 113th Commencement Exercises held on March 29, 2026, at the Silliman University Gymnasium in Dumaguete City.
The academic achievers who topped Batch 2026 were Nick James C. Baco, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Physics; Ryan Rikaz C. Ibrahim, Bachelor of Mass Communication; and Ma. Paulene T. Perigua, Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.
The milestone ceremony marked not only the graduation of over 1,100 students but also served as one of the final major events under the leadership of outgoing SU President Dr. Betty Cernol McCann, whose term officially concludes on May 31, 2026.
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President McCann’s Final Commencement Address
Serving as the commencement speaker, Dr. McCann delivered a farewell address that invited graduates to view their graduation not merely as an ending, but as “the next chapter of your Silliman story.”
In her speech, Dr. McCann emphasized that while commencement marks the completion of academic requirements, its deeper significance lies in what graduates have become and what they have learned to value. She stressed that education extends beyond knowledge acquisition to encompass developing purpose, meaning, and a commitment to serve others.
“Today is not only about what you have completed,” Dr. McCann told the graduates. “The word commencement means beginning. Today marks the next chapter of your life—and how that chapter becomes part of a much larger story.”
Founders’ Vision Continues to Guide Education
Drawing from Silliman’s rich history, Dr. McCann reminded graduates of the vision established by founders David and Laura Hibbard in 1901. The couple believed in an education grounded in Christian faith and dedicated to forming the whole person—mind, heart, and spirit.
According to Dr. McCann, this founding vision continues to be expressed through the University’s four pillars: faith, instruction, research, and extension. She explained that faith provides moral purpose and spiritual grounding, instruction represents daily teaching and learning, research reflects commitment to discovering new knowledge, and extension ensures education serves communities beyond campus.
The president noted that David Hibbard arrived in Dumaguete in 1901 to open what was then called the Silliman Institute, beginning with only a handful of boys in bamboo classrooms. Alongside him was Laura Hibbard, an educator who particularly advocated for women’s education at a time when such opportunities were limited.
Historic Campus Structures Reflect University Growth
Dr. McCann referenced significant campus landmarks that embody the university’s evolution. She highlighted Silliman Hall, built in 1909 and often described as the oldest American structure in the Philippines, where generations of students gathered to learn and discover their place in the world.
The president also shared the unique history of the Silliman Gymnasium, the very venue hosting the commencement exercises. The building once served as a hangar for small aircraft during the early days of aviation in the Philippines, reflecting the institution’s embrace of new ideas and technologies while remaining grounded in faith and service.
Call for Ethical Leadership in Changing World
Addressing the challenges facing the Class of 2026, Dr. McCann challenged graduates to respond to demands of a rapidly changing world shaped by digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and global challenges. She urged them to consider not only professional success but the kind of world their work would help create.
“We are living in a time of profound transformation,” she stated. “Digital technologies are reshaping how knowledge is created and shared. Artificial intelligence is redefining work. Global challenges—from climate change to public health—require collaboration across disciplines and borders.”
The president emphasized responsibility, compassion, and ethical leadership as essential qualities for graduates entering this evolving landscape.
Biblical Foundation for Service
Quoting Micah 6:8, Dr. McCann called on the Class of 2026 “to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly,” reminding them that the true measure of their education will be seen in how their lives contribute to the flourishing of others.
“Whether you design technologies, teach future generations, or serve communities, remember that your education carries a legacy—a vision rooted in faith, shaped by history, and committed to service,” she told the graduates.
Education as Cultivation Not Mass Production
Drawing on educational philosophy, Dr. McCann referenced Ken Robinson’s observation that many schools operate like a “fast food model” with standardized approaches designed to produce uniform outcomes. She contrasted this with Silliman’s approach, describing education as cultivation rather than mass production.
“Education is not fast food. It is deeply human,” she explained. “From the time of David and Laura Hibbard, education was never about uniformity. It was about formation—shaping not only minds, but lives.”
The president emphasized that growth cannot be forced but must be nurtured, with education’s role being to create conditions where each individual can thrive.
Legacy of Whole-Person Development
As Dr. McCann prepares to conclude her administrative journey after nearly three decades in higher education administration, she reflected on feeling as though she too is graduating from her role as a learner in the field.
“As you leave this campus today, carry the story forward,” she encouraged graduates, urging them to bring with them the values and legacy of Silliman University in whatever paths they pursue.
The ceremony marked not only a milestone for the graduates but also a significant moment for the University as it prepares to close a chapter under Dr. McCann’s leadership, even as a new generation of Sillimanians begins their own journey.
The 113th Commencement Exercises concluded with graduates receiving their degrees and preparing to enter various fields of work and further study, carrying forward the institution’s commitment to faith-based education and community service.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of Silliman University
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