Saint Mary’s University honored a total of 2,226 students for their academic excellence and dedicated service during the Recognition Ceremony held at the Fr. Cornelius Tonus Gymnasium on October 15, 2025. The awardees included 417 Academic Scholars, 1,061 Entrance Scholars, 405 Dean’s Listers, and 343 Service Grantees from the different schools of the University. 

The event featured an inspiring message from Rev. Jonhattan E. Valdez, Ph.D., a pioneering recipient of the Sedes Sapientiae Award. In his address, Rev. Valdez congratulated the honorees and reminded them that recognition does not make one superhuman, but rather calls for humility and an appreciation of one’s humanity. He shared three important lessons: “You are enough,” “Never compare,” and “All things are passing away.” 

He concluded his message with the words, “Ikaw ay ikaw, wala kang katulad. Hindi lahat para sa iyo, ang iba ay para din sa iba. Kung hindi ngayon ang panahon, matutong maghintay,” encouraging his fellow Marians to keep their dreams and visions alive, value their uniqueness, enjoy their journey at their own pace, and live with integrity and humanity. 

The ceremony concluded with a heartfelt message of gratitude from Mr. Job Vincent D. Ramel, a Juris Doctor III student and Silver Merit Awardee. The event reaffirmed Saint Mary’s University’s unwavering commitment to fostering academic excellence, leadership, and holistic student development anchored in the CICM and SMU Mission Statement