SM Foundation recognizes 270 scholar-graduates, celebrates Tatang’s legacy in education

[caption id="attachment_6353" align="aligncenter" width="793"] SM Foundation recognizes 270 scholar-graduates, celebrates Tatang’s legacy in education[/caption]

(SM college scholar-graduates Batch 2019 with SM executives.)

Of the 270 SM scholar-grads presented, 53 graduated with latin honors and distinction – two Summa Cum Laudes, 15 Magna Cum Laudes, 32 Cum Laudes, and four with academic distinction awards. As a reward for their hard work and for giving importance to education, all scholar-grads received a Timex wristwatch. Those with honors and awards also received gift certificates.

This gathering also recognized the triumph of the three April 2019 Electronics Engineering Board topnotchers and one April 2019 Electronics Technician Board Topnotcher. A special tribute was also given to the SM scholars – Yolanda batch.

In her welcome remarks, SM Foundation executive director for Education Carmen Linda Atayde underscored that quality education leads to gainful employment. “This morning, the HR heads of the SM conglomerate met with our scholar-graduates to offer them jobs. But they are not obliged to work with SM. They can choose where they want to work. After all, we know that our graduates are very marketable because we always receive requests from employers for our roster of graduates,” Atayde said.

SM Investments Corporation senior vice president, Atty. Epitacio Borcelis, Jr. also congratulated the scholar-graduates and their parents in his keynote address. Borcelis shared how Tatang believed in his capabilities and helped him see the true value of education. From a simple rank-and-file employee back then, Borcelis now holds an executive position in the SM Group.

Moreover, SM Foundation president and trustee Jose Sio said in a written message for the scholar-grads, “Work hard, be trustworthy and be disciplined in whatever undertakings you have chosen. Carry the spirit of an SM scholar and preserve the legacy of our beloved founder, Henry Sy, Sr.”

Other present at the event were members of the Sy Family – Teresita Sy-Coson, Hans Sy, Harley Sy, and Debbie Sy; Dr. Lydia Echauz, trustee; Ramon Gil Macapagal, trustee; Eleonor Lansang, assistant vice president for Education; and other SM Foundation officials and officers. Some sponsors and representatives from partner schools also graced the event.

To date, the program has produced around 3,300 college graduates and is supporting more than 1,130 scholars in 128 partner colleges and universities nationwide.

Founded on Tatang Henry Sy, Sr.’s belief that education is the greatest equalizer, the SM College Scholarship Program aims to provide thousands of Filipino youth with the chance for a better future through higher education. Tatang believed that if he could help send one child to school, that child can then help his or her siblings finish schooling
and together, they can help uplift their family out of poverty.