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A total of Two Hundred Twenty-One (221) graduates received their certificates during the Completion Rites for Certificate Programs of the University of Southern Mindanao on June 24, 2026 held at the University Auditorium.
USM dignitaries, faculty members of the college, parents and families, and guests attended the event to honor the achievements of the completers.
Among the highlights of the ceremony was the message of the guest of honor and speaker—Dr. Robert C. Kemerait Jr., a professor and extension specialist in the Department of Plant Pathology at the University of Georgia. He is a graduate of Biology at Davidson College, received a BS in Chemistry earned a PhD in Plant Pathology from the University of Florida.
Dr. Kemerait emphasized the importance of time, as the graduates still had two more years, encouraging them to excel and work hard, especially in the competitive field of Agricultural Science—where they have to always be above others to be recognized, as they are highly sought after.
In his keynote address, he highlighted suggestions to guide the students in their journey. “Find opportunities outside the classrooms where [you] can gain practical experience.” According to him, education is not only in the textbooks, education is not only in the lecture, and education is all that the University of Southern Mindanao has to offer, encouraging the graduates to read magazines, read online, and read books to learn all they can about what they want to do.
This relates to his second suggestion, which is to “decide what job you will have and what you want to do with your career,” emphasizing the need for a clear goal to actively direct them on the right path.
Kemerait ended his speech by giving his admiration and respect to the students who proudly chose to pursue Agriculture, as they will truly make a difference.
The Completion Rites concluded with the graduates’ pledge to apply their knowledge and skills in service to their communities and chosen majors.
Text by: Mhelou Omar, Keirvin Agusen | USM DevCom Interns
Photos by: Jan Frances Corpuz, Kim Artigas, Rehana Latip | USM DevCom Interns
