Nov 27, 2024 - 16:43
By manilatimes.net

SM Foundation celebrates 218 scholar-graduates of Batch '24

THE SM Foundation recognized 218 college scholar graduates from Batch 2024 during a ceremony at the SMX Convention Center on Nov. 20, 2024.

Of the total graduates, 63 finished with honors: three summa cum laude, 29 magna cum laude, 27 cum laude and four with academic distinction.

These scholars began their college education in 2020, at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, completing their degrees despite the challenges of remote learning.

«You faced one of the most challenging periods in recent history, yet you persevered with resilience and determination,» SM Foundation Executive Director Debbie Sy said in her message.

«Your achievements are not just individual successes; they are powerful symbols of hope and strength for your families and communities,» she added.

Sy emphasized that education remains key to breaking the cycle of poverty, encouraging the graduates to help uplift their communities.

She also expressed the foundation's gratitude to its social good partners for making the scholars' success possible.

One of these scholars was Rica Marbebe, whose journey was presented in a video. She graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy at the University of Mindanao.

Speaking about her journey and on behalf of the batch was Jobelyn Intan, summa cum laude graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration-Financial Management at Father Saturnino Urios University in Butuan City.

Although not an honor graduate, Erwin Matthew Quiza, who took up Civil Engineering at Eastern Visayas State University in Tacloban City, expressed his gratitude for the SM Foundation scholarship. He is currently reviewing for the board exams and welcomes the idea of working in any of the SM Group companies to pay forward the blessings he has received.

Established by SM Group founder «Tatang» Henry Sy Sr. in 1993, the SM College Scholarship program has supported over 4,000 scholars nationwide.

The college scholarship provides holistic support to its beneficiaries, including full tuition, allowances, training, gatherings, part-time jobs, internship opportunities and employment opportunities within the SM Group.

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