The baccalaureate mass is an integral prelude to graduation. It is a solemn period of reflection, where students look back on the years leading up to this significant milestone in their lives. It’s a period of introspection when the students allow themselves to recall all of the years of work, effort, and perseverance that have led to the conferment of their hard-earned degrees.
The practice dates back centuries, with its roots stretching back to medieval Europe where the religious ceremony was regularly held to honor graduating students. The name is derived from the Latin word “baccalaureatus”, harkening back to the laurel berries, which were known as bachelarius, that ancient students would don during their own graduation rite.
The baccalaureate mass continues to be an integral extension of graduation ceremonies all over the Philippines, and the University of Baguio continues to uphold this tradition as a way to uplift the graduating students further and prepare them for the next stage in their lives.
The first bi-annual baccalaureate rites of the year was held on January 17, 2025. Students from the different schools and programs filed into the gymnasium bright and early in the morning, all dressed in their ceremonial black robes for the occasion. The atmosphere was one of excitement and a quiet sort of anticipation as they took their seats.
Following a solemn invocation, several students all took to the podium to confer their prayers and hopes for the future, invoking spiritual guidance from the Almighty and expressing their gratitude for all of the educational opportunities they had been given throughout their stay with the university. A key highlight of the ceremony was when the guest speaker, Ms. Stephanie Solomon, delivered an inspiring address to the eager students. Ms. Solomon is a UB alumna, an Accountancy graduate who graduated in 2015. Her words sparked a new wave of motivation and encouragement in the students, showing them a glimpse of their futures as the next generation of working professionals who would be facing the world with competence and integrity.
As the January baccalaureate rites come to a close, the students will be enthusiastically preparing for the final step in their college journey: the highly anticipated graduation, which will be taking place on January 18, 2025. This will be the culmination of years of study and dedication, serving as the final transition before they formally join the professional world.
Congratulations, Class of 2024! Cheers to this milestone in your lives, and may your future be bright and filled with opportunities for personal and professional growth!
