The BSC Batch 1988 celebrates the shared friendhsip and faith.
Reunions are a time of reminiscing and rekindling memories that have shaped friendships throughout the years. This year’s CPU Alumni Homecoming, held on September 30, was no exception. Centralians gathered from all throughout the globe and revisited their Alma Mater. Their nostalgia, laughter, and heartfelt gratitude filled Rose Memorial Auditorium.
One of the batches that joined this year’s reunion is the CPU Bachelor of Science in Commerce Batch 1988 headed by its Alumni President, Mrs. Hayley C. Excell. According to her, the Central Spirit is a lasting testimony of the faith and camaraderie of Centralians. “The unity of Centralians is really felt during reunions. There is always love and respect. I’m so happy every time I come home to CPU. I deeply enjoy the company of my fellow alumni, especially my batchmates.”
Now married and living in the UK, Hayley recalls her first visit to CPU, “I was already enrolled in Cebu but then I visited CPU and I really liked the campus and Christian based education that they were offering. I think a lot of people choose CPU because it is faith-centered.” Furthermore, Hayley said that her stay in the university had taught her about perseverance and camaraderie. “Being in the College of Commerce taught me to be dedicated and to be strong willed. With everything I’ve been through, I advise young Centralians to be disciplined not only in their studies but in the way they handle resources, like time and money.”
Classroom Throwback – Batch 1988 smiles for a picture before the Professor arrives.
Ties that bind – the Central Spirit is felt in the friendships molded by Batch 1988.
The Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants is a venue for Batch 1988 to engage in extra-curricular activities.
Batch 1988 in a group picture in front of the Old Valentine Building.
The College of Commerce opened in 1935 under the deanship of Ms. Natividad Sitchon. It was formerly called the Junior College of Commerce. Its course offering was Certificate for Associate in Commercial Science with only 20 students.
In 1946, it became a full-fledged College, offering majors in Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, and Finance. Its student population steadily grew year by year. In 1966, Dean Sitchon retired and was honored as Dean Emeritus by the Board of Trustees. She was replaced by Acting Dean Othelo de Leon. The college administrative staff was composed of Ms. Serena Luntao, Officer-in-Charge; Dr. Agustin Pulido, Mr. Caezar Traviña, and Isabelo Pedregosa were members of the Administrative Committee for School Year 1974-1975.
Dr. Milagros V. Dignadice became the second dean of the College holding the longest term of office from 1975 to 1996. Under her leadership, the College offered more academic programs: Entrepreneurship, Economics, Finance, Management, Marketing, Accountancy, and Computer Science. In 1987, the College was chosen as one of the five pilot schools in Entrepreneurship in the country. Mr. Bruce Borquist, a missionary to CPU through the Board of International Ministers, made tremendous contribution to the Entrepreneurship program.
The College of Commerce was first accredited in 1981 by the Association of Christian Schools and Colleges Accrediting Agency (ACSC-AA). The College has been responsive to the changes and challenges of business and industry. In effect, it has been reviewing the curricula of the different academic programs and creating linkages with professional organizations, commerce and industry sectors, both public and private.
The college is now known as the CPU College of Business and Accountancy.
Alumni Updates 