From Graduates to Lifelong Lasallians: DLSU’s Historic 200th Commencement

In a ceremony rich with tradition and hope for the future, De La Salle University (DLSU) celebrated its 200th Commencement Exercises last Saturday—an event monumental for the graduates and a defining moment in the university's history. This landmark occasion marked the transition of a new generation of Lasallians from students to professionals ready to make their mark on the world while cementing their place in a longstanding tradition of excellence and service to society.

This year’s commencement held even more profound significance with the groundbreaking decision of De La Salle University to induct all graduates as lifetime members of the De La Salle Alumni Association (DLSAA). For the first time, ALL new graduates were automatically inducted into the DLSAA, granting them Lifetime Membership. This vital initiative symbolizes the university's recognition of the lasting bond between DLSU and its alumni, ensuring that graduates remain connected to their alma mater no matter where life takes them.

Held at the prestigious Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), the event saw hundreds of graduates from diverse fields standing proudly among their peers, families, and mentors, looking on in joy and anticipation. The air was filled with a palpable sense of accomplishment and excitement as these individuals' hard work and determination gathered in this unforgettable moment. This day was not just the closing of one chapter but the opening of a future filled with limitless possibilities.
One of the event's highlights was the induction of the graduates into the DLSAA by its president, Prof. Randy Nonato. In previous years, alumni had to apply for membership. Still, with this new tradition, each graduate is now granted lifetime membership, ensuring their place in the rich tapestry of the university's alumni network. The new policy is a testament to the university’s recognition of its graduates as integral members of the Lasallian family—ensuring their continued engagement with the university community.

This initiative to offer automatic Lifetime Membership is more than a symbolic gesture. This privilege reinforces DLSU’s commitment to fostering enduring relationships with its alumni, creating a dynamic community that will support and inspire each other. Through this program, the DLSAA can also extend its reach by selecting and supporting scholars from partner Lasallian communities, both in and out of school, whether in academics, sports, or aid for the underprivileged.

In return, the DLSAA has promised to offer enhanced networking opportunities, professional development programs, and initiatives to give back to the community, allowing graduates to stay connected and contribute to the Lasallian mission.
As the new members of the Alumni Association step into the world, they carry with them the responsibility to live out the Lasallian ideals of faith, service, and communion. The 200th Commencement Exercises are more than just a celebration of academic achievement—they are a reminder of the university’s mission to develop graduates who will contribute to the betterment of society.

With the privilege of having Lifetime Membership in the DLSAA, these graduates—and all those who follow—are not merely alumni—they are lifelong Lasallians, forever bound to the ideals of excellence, leadership, and service that define De La Salle University.