St. Dominic College of Asia (SDCA) officially welcomed its freshmen and transfer students during the annual Pasalubong and Pinning Ceremony held at the DRA Hall on September 28, 2022.
The event, organized by faculty members and Eventologist Batch ‘19, is a cherished tradition that formally integrates new students into the SDCA academic community, marking the beginning of their journey as full-fledged Dominicans.
The ceremony commenced with a grand entrance of freshmen students from the School of Arts, Sciences and Education (SASE), School of International Hospitality and Tourism Management (SIHTM), and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA), accompanied by the San Lorenzo Ruiz Marching Band. This was followed by an interfaith prayer and the singing of the National Anthem.
Event Highlights:
- Welcome Address: SDCA President Dr. Gregorio Andaman Jr. officially welcomed the new students, setting the tone for the event.
- Message from the VPAA: Dr. Nilda W. Balsicas, Vice President for Academic Affairs, delivered an inspiring message to the incoming students.
During the afternoon session, students from the School of Nursing and Health Sciences (SNAHS) and the School of Medical Laboratory Science (SMLS) gathered to participate in the ceremony. A major highlight of the event was the announcement by Dr. Andaman regarding plans to establish the School of Medicine in celebration of SDCA’s 20th anniversary.
The Pinning Ceremony:
A symbolic pinning ceremony took place, where graduating students handed letters to the freshmen and placed pins on the left side of their chests. The pins symbolize the students’ commitment, dedication, and pride in their new academic journey as Dominicans. This act serves as a gateway to achieving their dreams as future professionals.
Before concluding, Dr. Nilda Balsicas left an encouraging remark:
“One day, you will share your story of success, at hihintayin namin kayo, hihintayin kayo ng SDCA.”
The event ended with closing remarks from Professor Mary Grace Demetillo, Director of Student Affairs and Services, followed by the singing of the SDCA Hymn.