AIM batch of 2017 comprising students from Master in Business Administration, Executive Master in Business Administration, Master in Development Management & Master of Science in Innovation & Business started their journey at AIM on different dates, but the batch delighted on the idea of graduating together.
As the day arrived, students took a lot of effort to dress up to look their very best. Everyone was excited as graduation was the culmination of one’s sacrifices of blood and sweat in gruelling through the school requirements. Moreover, it is a milestone that justifies the weight gained from all the food and booze consumed throughout the year.
The event started with marching of President & Dean, School Heads, Professors and Chief guests followed by entry of AIM Maze brought in by Sir Rey Reyes, Registrar.
Next it was time for the students for their graduation march. The ballroom was filled with applauds and cheers from Professors & staff of AIM and also from family & friends. This was real..
After the graduation march of all 169 graduating students across courses, it was time for the Philippines National Anthem.
We then thanked God for his blessings throughout our journey at AIM and for giving us this beautiful day.
And then arrived the big moment – President & Dean, Dr Jikyeong Kang conferred 69 students for the degree Master in Business Administration, 52 students for the degree Executive Master in Business Administration, 27 students for the degree Master in Development Management and 21 students for the degree Master of Science in Innovation and Business. Students shifted their sash from left to right to showcase the mark of graduation.
School Heads then called out names of the graduating students. The degree was awarded by Dr Jikyeong Kang.
There was a special award for the Distinction Holders. 9 Distinction Holders across courses were awarded a medal and a batch ring. Mr. Peter D. Garrucho, Jr., OBE, Chairman – Board of Trustees also congratulated all the winners.
Throughout the AIM journey, we knew we had an academic genius as a peer! David Chan, MBA was a Dean Lister for all the 3 terms and then went on to become a High Distinction Holder, a very rare occasion.
Trisha Castillo, MBA won the award for the Best Management Research Report.
One of our favorite professor, Prof Ricky Lim won the AIM Teaching Excellence Award.
Then came the time for response from the graduates to remember the fun, tough, happy and sad moments across the AIM journey.
We were inducted to be responsible Alumni by Mr. Gregorio Atienza, MBM 1983, Chairman, Alumni Association of AIM.
Mr. Peter D. Garrucho, Jr., OBE, Chairman – Board of Trustees then introduced the speaker for our commencement address – Mr. Oscar M Lopez, Chairman Emeritus, First Philippine Holdings Corporation. Since Mr Lopez could not make it to the event, the script was read by his son, Mr. Benjamin Lopez. The inspiring address indeed left a mark in our minds.
The ceremonious event ended with class photographs!
Our graduation would not have been this memorable without the help of our super cool Master of Ceremonies – Prof Richard Cruz, Event Incharge – Frency Importado and AIM staff volunteers. We would like to thank all of you for making it so special for us.
Words by Aratrika Samanta MBA 2017 and Photos by the AIM Corporate Marketing Group
