Busy July: a Teaser of Life in Velez

In most regions of the world, July is summertime — a time for rest and relaxation, away from the books and necessity to study. In Velez College, however, July is a month full of extra-curricular activities and clinical internships, the end of the academic mid-year term (MYT) and the start of enrollment, the inauguration of officers, and most excitingly: the Seniors' Graduation.

During the second to third week of July (July 10-17), Velez College opened its doors to a new batch of freshmen, ready to enroll for the first semester of S.Y. 2023-2024. Enrollment week occurred about the same time students were taking their finals for the MYT. Incoming first year students saw second and third year students walk around the school, studying and worrying about exams. For the freshmen, it looked like a teaser of life in Velez. For the older students, the incoming freshmen gave a sense of nostalgia.

Another significant event this month was the inauguration of the incoming Supreme Student Council (SSC) officers for S.Y. 2023-2024 on July 21 at the Montebello Villa Hotel. The event was held as part of the school’s first ever culminating ceremony, which recognized the efforts made by various student body organizations throughout the past academic year. Imbued with the spirit of volunteerism, newly elected SSC President Danmar Arcayos highlighted his advocacy in his inauguration speech. “I firmly believe that leadership is not about whom we love, but about our passion, vision, and dedication to making a difference,” he said.

On July 27, Velez College celebrated its 55th Commencement Exercises with a joint-departmental graduation ceremony held in Waterfront Hotel, Cebu City. The program began with the graduation processional, with Mrs. Bellavic Tropezado as the graduation marshall. Then followed the eucharistic celebration with Rev. Fr. Celso G. Magbanua Jr., SHF as the mass celebrant. After this, the commencement exercises proper began. According to the master of ceremony, Dr. William Tiu, Jr., “This is the first time in the school’s history to hold a single and united commencement exercises across all departments as one Velez College community.”

Deans from each department (Mr. Marnan T. Libres, MChem for the College of Arts and Sciences; Ms. Pamiela M. Demecillo, RMT, MPH, DM for the College of Medical Technology; Mrs. Ma. Carol R. Kangleon, RN, MN, DScN for the College of Nursing; and Mr. Romel V. Cabazor, MA, PTRP for the College of Occupational and Physical Therapy) presented the candidates for graduation to Dr. Carmen M. Velez, the college president, who officially recognized them as graduates of Velez College and conferred upon them their degree.Honors and special awards per college were also recognized. The valedictory address was given by Eliakim Booc from the Department of Occupational Therapy. In his speech, he talked about the antithesis of the success of the graduates. He discussed the beginning of their college experience, which involved their process of learning and forming new relationships. He then followed with the “middle”, which was mostly virtual. According to Eliakim, there are three things they may have lost in their college experience — peace, humility, and kindness. Humility in the sense that one should never undermine their achievements and always allow learning. Kindness because one should give themselves room for failure and new relationships. To Elikiam, the most important of all was to allow oneself to have peace. The “Oath of Alumni” by the Velez Alumni Association then followed. Afterwards, the loyalty pledge was delivered by Ms. Nona A. Velez. Nearing the end of the program, the Velezian hymn was sung for the last time by the graduating batch and each course had their turn for photo ops. The program then ended with a graduation recessional.

As the event-filled month of July comes to a close, another school year nears its opening, ushering in a new set of challenges, hurdles, and successes. But if there is anything that this busy July has proved, it is that time and time again, the Velezian community always rises to the occasion.