Wesleyan University-Philippines (WU-P) conferred its highest academic award, the Honoris Causa, on two leaders in the fields of legal and public service and humanitarian efforts and health who also served as guest speakers during its 77th Commencement Exercises on August 26, 2025.

In the morning session at the University Gymnasium, Mr. Mike M. Baydoun, Chairman of the Board of World Medical Relief, received the Doctor of Humanities, Honoris Causa.

In his address, Baydoun emphasized that faith must be matched by character, skill, and excellence, calling Wesleyan graduates to become “faith builders, excellent doers, and society shapers.”

“Now, faith is not enough; it must be upheld by character, skill, and by excellency… You are not just degree holders but faith builders. We are not just dreamers but excellent doers. Not just job seekers but society shapers. As you go out, may your hands remain open, your hearts remain bold, and your faith retain strength. Let the world know that in whatever way a Wesleyan graduate walks in the world, it will never be the same as it was today,” he said.

Meanwhile, in the afternoon session, Cong. Leila Norma Eulalia Josefa M. De Lima, Member of the House of Representatives, was awarded the Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa.

In addition, De Lima delivered a message on resilience and strength discovered through trials.

“Hindi po ako isinilang na mas matatag kaysa sa karaniwang tao; wala akong isip o katawan na likas na hinubog upang tiisin ang higit pa sa kaya ng isang ordinaryong nilalang sa kanyang buhay. Ngunit hindi natin laging napipili ang ating mga laban; may mga oras na kailangan natin dumaan sa apoy ng mga pagsubok na hindi naman natin hiniling at ni hindi natin pinaghandaan. At doon, doon mo lamang matutuklasan kung gaano kalawak at kalakas ang iyong kakayahan, na sa kabila ng lahat, ikaw pala ay hinubog mula sa mas matibay na bakal at kaya mong pasanin at lampasan ang mga bagay na hindi mo man lang naisip na posibleng mangyari sa iyong buhay,” De Lima said.

“Sa oras mong hindi mo na kayang dagdagan pa ang lahat ng bigat na pinapasan mo, atsaka mo matutuklasan kung gaano ka kalakas. Magugulat ka sa lakas ng iyong kakayahan at sa taas ng diwang kaya mong ipunin upang harapin ang pinakamabigat na pagsubok,” she added.

The conferment of the honorary degrees, granted by the authority of the WU-P Board of Trustees and upon the recommendation of the Academic Council, and approved by the Commission on Higher Education and Legal Education Board, underscored the University’s recognition of leaders who embody service, integrity, and excellence, in harmony with its trifold educational principles: Scholarship, Character, and Service.

by Ayumi San Cai Valerio (PIO)
Photos by Lenscab Photography