Four Magna Cum Laude graduates of Saint Mary’s University (SMU) paid a courtesy visit to Governor Jose “Papa Jing “ V. Gambito today at the Provincial Capitol Compound, where he recognized them for their exceptional academic achievements and dedication to excellence.

Governor Gambito congratulated the graduates for bringing honor to their families, their alma mater, and the Province of Nueva Vizcaya. He lauded their perseverance and commitment to academic excellence, expressing hope that they will continue to inspire fellow Novo Vizcayanos to pursue education as a pathway to personal growth and community development.

The graduates recognized during the courtesy visit were:

• Muhammad S. Al-Batesh, of Villaverde, Nueva Vizcaya, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. He is the son of Khaled and Imelda Al-Batesh.
• Sheena F. Cabauatan, of Solano, Nueva Vizcaya, who earned a Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Mathematics with Certificate in Religious Education. She is the daughter of Genghis Frank and Mary Joy Cabauatan.
• Mary Jemille O. Culanag, of Solano, Nueva Vizcaya, who graduated with a Bachelor of Secondary Education major in English with Certificate in Religious Education. She is the daughter of Jefferson and Mildred Culanag.
• Janette Mae C. Escaros, also of Solano, Nueva Vizcaya, who completed a Bachelor of Secondary Education major in English with Certificate in Religious Education. She is the daughter of Joseph and Nenita Escaros.

Governor Gambito encouraged the graduates use all their knowledge, skills, and talents to make society better. “Consider trials as stepping stones to success,” said the Governor. He emphasized that their accomplishments reflect not only their individual determination but also the unwavering support of their families, friends, the entire University and the community at large.

The four Magna Cum Laude graduates will lead Saint Mary’s University’s 100th Commencement Exercises tomorrow at the Fr. Cornelius Tonus, CICM Gymnasium. They will be joined by 79 Cum Laude graduates and 137 recipients of Academic Distinction, bringing the total number of academic awardees to 220 across the School of Advanced Studies, College of Law, School of Accountancy and Business, School of Engineering, Architecture, and Information Technology, School of Health and Natural Sciences, and the School of Teacher Education and Humanities.

This year’s graduating class is composed of 650 graduates coming from Nueva Vizcaya, Isabela, Quirino, Ifugao, Mountain Province, Kalinga, Apayao, and other neighboring provinces, reflecting Saint Mary’s University’s continuing role as one of Northern Luzon’s leading institutions of higher learning.#