Four hundred twenty-five graduates were honored during the 2008 Joint Graduation Ceremonies at the Plenary Hall of the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC). The highest number of graduates for this year came from the College of Nursing with 279, followed by the College of Medicine (118), College of Physical Therapy (21), and the Graduate School (7).

This year´s batch produced four Cum Laudes: two from the College of Nursing and two from the College of Medicine. Medicine Cum Laude graduate Dr. Leonides D. Bermejo topped the batch and so was chosen to deliver the response on behalf of the graduating class. Other Cum Laude graduates were Dr. Michael D. Burgos of the College of Medicine, and Ms. Maria Santa R. Portillo and Mr. Aran Jedrick L. Ongtawco of the College of Nursing. The Valedictorian from the Physical Therapy Class of 2008 was Ms. Carolyn A. Azurin.

The Graduate School awarded diplomas to four Master of Science/Master of Arts in Nursing graduates and three Master of Science in Public Health graduates.

To accommodate the number of graduates, their parents and guests as well as the faculties of the different academic units, the Medical Center, through the recommendation of the Graduation Committee, opted to hold the rites at the PICC. The affair was solemn and organized.

Commissioner Nilo L. Rosas of the Professional Regulation Commission was the Commencement Speaker. He emphasized that even a poor man can become educated if he puts his will to it. He challenged the graduates to excel in their careers.

The 2008 Graduation Committee was chaired by the Dean of the Graduate School, Teresa S. Ludovice-Yap, MD, MPH, PhD. She was assisted by the deans and representatives from the different academic units: Deans Alfaretta Luisa Tan-Reyes, MD (Medicine), Carmelita C. Divinagracia, PhD, RN (Nursing) and Arnel V. Malaya, MD (Physical Therapy). Graduation being a major event, UERMMMCI departments such as Security, headed by Mr. Dominador P. Benavente, Maintenance and Engineering, through Engr. Isagani D. Sapuay, the Management Information Systems Department, chaired by Ms. Tessie B. Cheng-Cua, and the Registrar, Ms. Imelda L. Delos Reyes, also helped in the preparation and implementation of the program. The President and Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Romeo A. Divinagracia, acted as the overall adviser. Teresa S. Ludovice-Yap, MD, MPH, PhDM

Aran Jedrick Ongtawco, Cum Laude	Maria Santa Portillo, Cum Laude	Kristel Annalyn Sy, Special Citation Award for Leadership Recipient

This year, the College of Nursing, as recommended to the UERMMMCI Board of Trustees, yielded 279 candidates for graduation.

The College Recognition Rites for Xenolith Batch 2008 was held at UE Theater in UE Manila last March 31 at 8 a.m. The affair was preceded by Eucharistic celebration presided by Fr. Jeffrey Quintela. The graduating class was accompanied by their parents during the symbolic Pinning Ceremony, with faculty members assisting. President Romeo A. Divinagracia, the Chief Academic Officer, gave his inspirational message to the class.

Two members of the graduating class, Maria Santa R. Portillo and Aran Jedrick L. Ongtawco, were recognized as Cum Laude. A Special Citation Award for Leadership was given to Nursing Student Council President Kristel Annalyn B. Sy.

Indeed, April 25, 2008 was another momentous event for the College of Nursing community, the date of the University´s latest Commencement Exercises held at the PICC. Norma G. Nastor, MAN, RN, Class Adviser, Xenoliths