Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya — Saint Mary’s University conducted its annual Academic Session on September 25, 2024, at the Rev. Fr. Cornelius Tonus Gymnasium, centering on the theme, “From Transcendental to Artificial Intelligence: The CICM Fathers’ Spirituality and Leadership Challenging Today’s Preferential Options.”

The keynote speaker, Rev. Fr. Jessie M. Hechanova, CICM, Ph.D., former SMU president, presented a lecture on “CICM Fathers’ Spirituality and Leadership,” addressing how CICM’s mission-driven leadership principles can be applied in today’s context of integrating AI in education.

In his statement of purpose, Dr. Moises Alexander T. Asuncion, Vice President for Academic Affairs, emphasized the relevance of CICM spirituality in today’s academic leadership. University President Dr. John Octavious S. Palina, Ph.D., DBA, reinforced the sessions’ objective in his opening message by highlighting the CICM Fathers’ enduring legacy and how their values can guide SMU through the digital age.

The Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs organized the session to integrate CICM values into modern leadership and to address educational challenges posed by new technologies like AI.

The session underscored SMU’s commitment to blending its CICM heritage with the challenges and innovations of modern education.