The Wesleyan University-Philippines (WUP) Graduate School held its General Assembly and Lecture Forum on September 27, 2025, at the University Gymnasium, with the theme “Graduate Education in the Age of Innovation: Commitment, Grit, and Growth,” gathering graduate students, faculty, and university leaders for a day of inspiration, learning, and renewed commitment to the mission of graduate education.

The program opened with a Thanksgiving Service with Chaplain Francis Fajardo delivering a reflection, reminding the academic community of the goodness of the Lord and emphasizing the call to share blessings with others, setting a tone of gratitude and service that resonated throughout the day.

In his opening remarks, Graduate School Dean Dr. John Mark F. Bondoc underscored that graduate education is not simply about degrees or titles but about shaping leaders and innovators ready to respond to the nation’s most pressing challenges. He called on students and faculty to direct their research and academic work toward practical solutions to issues such as corruption, the digital divide, climate change, and economic inequality. Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.

“Graduate education is not an escape from the nation’s problems; it is our training ground to confront them… We must be leaders with courage, researchers with conscience, and innovators with compassion,” Dr. Bondoc said.

Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Wilfredo Ramos also shared his greetings, focusing on the importance of grit and commitment as pathways toward growth. He encouraged graduate students to persevere in the face of challenges, reminding them that true progress in education comes through dedication, resilience, and a vision for excellence.

A highlight of the assembly was the message of University President Dr. Irineo G. Alvaro, Jr., who reminded the community of WUP’s guiding philosophy of Service, Scholarship, and Character. He emphasized that the foundation of all learning and achievement is character.

“Hindi lahat ng matalino ay tunay na edukado,” Dr. Alvaro said, stressing that brilliance without integrity only leads to failure in leadership and governance. He pointed to the corruption plaguing many government officials as proof that intelligence without character is empty.

Dr. Alvaro also proudly shared that the University was recently recognized in the WURI rankings, affirming its international standing as an institution that creates meaningful innovations in education.

Another important part of the assembly was the celebration of Teachers’ Month, where the GS Student Officers offered a tribute to all Graduate School professors, honoring their dedication, mentorship, and invaluable role in shaping the academic journey of graduate students.

As part of the orientation program, Dr. Bondoc also presented to students and faculty important guidelines from CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 15, series of 2019, as well as other Graduate School and University policies and relevant information. These updates ensured that the academic community is well-informed about the standards, expectations, and directions of WUP’s graduate programs.

The program continued with a Lecture Forum that provided valuable insights aligned with sustainable development:

• Dr. Randy Sansait spoke on AI in Research Writing & Capstone Project Development, showing how technology can strengthen innovation and research (SDG 9).
• Dr. Erlinda C. Mones discussed Understanding Grit to Drive Academic Success, reminding students of the importance of resilience in ensuring lifelong learning opportunities (SDG 4).
• Dr. Jenilyn Mina-Aydinan shared her expertise on Research Publication and Dissemination: Opportunities and Challenges, encouraging scholars to contribute to wider knowledge-sharing and policy reforms (SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals).

The assembly also featured the oath-taking of Graduate School Student Organization (GSSO) officers, a symbolic gesture of renewed leadership and responsibility among the student body.

Dr. Eufemia C. Ayro, GSO Adviser, concluded the event, commending the collective spirit of dedication and service demonstrated throughout the event.
The Graduate School General Assembly 2025 was more than an orientation. It was a call to action. It challenged graduate students and faculty alike to embody commitment, grit, and growth as they pursue academic excellence while aligning their efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring that knowledge, service, and character contribute meaningfully to building a just, innovative, and sustainable future.

Article by GS Office
Photos taken by Shynee Alipio (GSSO Officer )