AUP marked a significant academic and spiritual milestone by celebrating the graduation of the Celestia Batch 2026 during its 142nd Commencement Exercises, held at the Philippine International Church from March 27–29, 2026. A total of 619 graduates were conferred degrees under the theme, “Celestia: Skyward Hope, Grounded Faith,” inspired by Isaiah 40:31.

The term Celestia signifies a calling toward a life anchored in divine purpose, characterized by hope directed heavenward and steadfastness, one that looks heavenward in hope while remaining firmly rooted in faith and service.

Pursuing a Life Guided by the True North

On March 27, Pastor Arnold Panganiban Galvo emphasized in his message during the Consecration Service that a celestial life is not merely a distant aspiration but a present experience rooted in one’s relationship with God. He reminded the graduates that true success is measured not by earthly achievements, but by a life connected to the Source of all strength.

“Celestial living isn’t just about doing great things,” he shared. “It is about being connected to the source of power, the great God who gives strength to all of us. Celestia is about finding your identity, fulfilling your purpose, and following your destiny.”

He concluded with a solemn call for graduates to fix their eyes on Christ as their True North. “The summit of your life is not success, awards, or achievements. Your finish line is eternity with Christ.”

Focusing Our Eyes on God’s Skyward Hope

On March 28, the Baccalaureate Service further enriched the celebration’s spiritual dimension. Leslie Scott Baker, keynote speaker, delivered a message anchored in Exodus 16:1–8, emphasizing three key lessons: trusting God’s guidance, anchoring expectations on His promises, and maintaining focus on Him alone. His message concluded with a hopeful reminder of Christ’s soon return:

“The evening is here, but the morning is coming.… Because the morning is coming, we live with skyward hope and grounded faith. There’s still a lot of work to be done. Be fully equipped for service and shine on. Never forgetting that your skyward hope is all in the second advent, and your grounded faith is your service to God and the finishing of God’s work. The evening is here, but the morning is coming.”

Celestial Testimonies

Graduate testimonies reflected God’s sustaining grace throughout their academic journeys. Lynde Dwayne Sulit shared how ten years of perseverance in the College of Dentistry taught her to trust in God’s timing. Gerlyn Batoy encouraged her fellow graduates to remain grounded in faith and committed to service. Arvie Bacus acknowledged and testified to God’s provision through the ALMA-CORA scholarship, while Thando’huhle Tia Thusi expressed gratitude for the affirmation of her calling through the support of others and for how God worked through people to affirm it, echoing the principle of Ubuntu, which asserts that one’s life is shaped by community. Thusi stated that “a person is a person because of other people. God used other people, so you should never ever give up on God because He will never give up on you.”

Furthermore, four graduates received the Christian Service Award: Altizo, Trixie (CON), Zhar Dynne Cleah Caroz (CON), Vincent Bernard Enriquez (COT), and Donnafe Soco (CAH).

Pursuing Dreams with Skyward Hope

On March 29, 619 graduates completed their academic journey at the University. Of the total number, 23 graduates completed their programs during the May or inter-semester term of 2025, 53 in October 2025, and 543 in March 2026. The graduating cohort included 4 associate degree holders, 457 bachelor’s degree recipients, 140 master’s degree graduates, and 18 doctoral degree completers, reflecting the University’s continued commitment to academic excellence across all levels of higher education.

The graduates represented a diverse academic community: 82 from the College of Arts and Humanities, 127 from the College of Business, 35 from the College of Dentistry, 108 from the College of Health, 188 from the College of Nursing, 22 from the College of Science, Engineering, and Technology, 41 from the College of Teacher Education, and 16 from the College of Theology.

Academic distinction was awarded to 272 graduates, including 198 cum laude, 64 magna cum laude, and 10 summa cum laude honorees, in recognition of their outstanding achievements.

The graduating class also reflected AUP’s global reach, with students representing 26 countries, including China, Indonesia, the United States, Rwanda, Myanmar, Malaysia, South Africa, Kenya, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, India, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Papua New Guinea, Ghana, Angola, Zambia, Cameroon, Congo, Liberia, Germany, Russia, Solomon Islands, Republic of Leon, and Timor Leste.

In recognition of excellence beyond the classroom, several prestigious awards were conferred. The Dr. Jeimylo de Castro Research Excellence (READ) Award honored outstanding research contributions.

Undergraduate Category:

1st Place: Stephanie Ann Gallivo (Chemistry Department) for her thesis, “Catalytic Photodegradation of Basic Fuchsin Utilizing Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles from Spent Coffee Grounds.”

2nd Place: Joshua Jaklic et. Al. (Biology and Chemistry Department), “Efficiency of Aquatic Fern in Soy Wastewater Phytoremediation.”

3rd Place: Lea Amor Eshedo et. Al. (Psychology Department), “Capturing the Wounded Healers: A Photovoice Inquiry Into the Experiences of Selected Filipino Mental Health Practitioners with Psychological Challenges.”

For the graduate category, Bhaby Jean Tamboong with her study “A Phenomenological Study on Recidivism: Inputs to Guidance and Counseling Program.”

In the doctorate category, “Development of Rubric Scoring System to Measure High School Students’ Adaptive Competency Using Classical and Modern Test Theories” by Dr. Mercedes Ibañez.

The Alfonso and Lydia Roda Student Leadership Award was presented to Zhar Dynne Cleah Caroz of the College of Nursing in recognition of her exemplary leadership and service.

Board examination topnotchers were also acknowledged, including Danielle Eleonor Ardeza (5th place, Psychologist), Zynth Sullano (9th place, Medical Technologist), and Sherwin Von Palaad (10th place, Medical Technologist), underscoring AUP’s commitment to producing accomplished ACE professionals.

The Distinguished Service Award was conferred upon Dr. Jose Manalo Sr. in recognition of his lifelong dedication and invaluable contributions to the mission and advancement of the University and its alumni.

In her farewell address, Jimcy M. Ibanez, Batch Celestia president, reflected on the distinctive AUP experience. “Let us remember that our education is not only for personal gain but also for service, to our alma mater, our community, our country, and to the world. A reminder that our faith must remain grounded even as our dreams soar skyward.”