MSEUF conducts scholars' assembly; CBA Alumnus inspires scholars through MSEUF Core Values

OSEJPARSeptember 17, 2024

Certified Public Accountant Mr. Edward Mansion, an alumnus of Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation (MSEUF) BS Accountancy Batch 2001, Cum laude, a professional with over 20 years of banking and development financing experience addressed 360 scholars, including the 120 newly recognized institutional and externally funded grantees, during the Scholars’ Assembly and Recognition of Academic Scholars, at the AEC Little Theater, September 17.

Mr. Mansion, drawing from his extensive career, delivered an inspiring message that emphasized the significance of MSEUF’s core values: Mindfulness, Service, Excellence, Unity, and Fortitude. He highlighted the transformative power of these values, stating, “Every scholarship, like every investment, is an opportunity.” Mansion explained how these guiding principles helped him gain clarity and propel his career forward. He urged the scholars to internalize these values, saying that doing so would help them unlock their fullest potential.

The event also featured a welcome message from MSEUF Vice President for External Relations, Celso D. Jaballa, who acknowledged the scholars’ hard work and dedication. “To be a scholar is no easy feat. It is a badge of honor that must be treasured as it reflects the students’ hard work and determination towards their goals,” Jaballa said. His words resonated with the academic, cultural, and sponsored scholars who consistently uphold their grades to qualify for tuition discounts and academic recognition.

MSEUF Executive Vice President and Vice President for Academics and Research, Dr. Benilda N. Villenas, who also serves as the Officer in Charge of the Office of the President, delivered a message of hope and humility. She challenged the scholars to remain grounded and become beacons of hope, serving others through their achievements. “A scholar must become more of a service to others or serve as a beacon of hope to others to follow,” Dr. Villenas said, underscoring the responsibility scholars bear as role models.

Ms. Maria Isabel D. Granada, the Director of Scholarships and Endowment, Job Placement, and Alumni Relations led the program ang also discussed the Wadhwani Foundation Skilling Certification Program. Granada announced that six students had completed the 13 required modules, showcasing the continuous efforts to empower scholars with skills relevant to today’s workforce.

Ms. Acela Adormeo of the College of Arts and Sciences and Ms. Angeline Navida of the College of Business and Accountancy hosted the Scholars’ Assembly Program.

Honorable members of the academic community, esteemed sponsors, fellow alumni, and dear scholars, Good afternoon. It is a profound honor to stand before you today as a proud alumnus of
the Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation (MSEUF). This institution has played an integral role in shaping who I am today, and it is a privilege to come back, not only to celebrate your achievements but also to reflect on the significance of education, mentorship, and investment in the next generation of leaders.

As a banker with over 20 years of experience, I've spent a great deal of time evaluating value propositions, weighing risks against rewards, and making decisions that balance immediate needs with long-term gains. This process of decision-making mirrors something very close to all of us here today: the concept of investing, particularly in people.

Scholarships are, at their core, a form of investment. The sponsors who fund these scholarships-whether they are individuals, organizations, or institutions-are investors. They are making a choice to place their trust, their resources, and their hopes in all of you, our scholars. They see potential in you, and they believe that with the right support, you will grow, succeed, and, in time, give back.

This is an important point to consider: every scholarship granted comes with an expectation that the scholar will eventually pay it forward. This may not always be in monetary terms, but in the way you contribute to your communities, how you uplift others, and how you strive to create positive change in the world.

Let me take this opportunity to reflect on the core values of MSEUF, which I believe are key to this journey of investment and return. These values-mindfulness, service,
excellence, unity, and fortitude-have guided me throughout my personal and professional life, and I am certain they will serve you just as well.

Mindfulness is something we often overlook, especially in a world that is fast-paced and ever-changing. But in the world of banking, as in life, every decision has long-term
consequences. Mindfulness, to me, means being present, thinking carefully, and being aware of how each choice affects not only ourselves but those around us. Scholars, I urge
you to approach your studies, your opportunities, and your relationships with this kind of mindfulness. Understand that what you do now-whether in your academics or in your
personal life-will shape your future and, in turn, the future of others. Being mindful helps us balance our ambitions with integrity.

Service is perhaps the most noble of all the values we embrace. As a banker, I have always believed that my work is about more than just finance. It's about enabling growth,
fostering development and serving the greater good. In every community I've worked in, I've seen the power of service to change lives. And this is exactly what your sponsors are doing-serving you so that you may serve others in the future. Your education is not just for you. It is a tool that equips you to make a difference. Whether you become educators, doctors, engineers, or entrepreneurs, remember that service is the thread that connects us all.

Now let's talk about excellence. Excellence isn't about perfection; it's about consistently striving to be the best version of yourself. It's about pushing beyond your comfort zones and challenging yourself to achieve more. At MSEUF, excellence isn't an option-it's a requirement. You, as scholars, have already proven your capacity for excellence through your academic achievements, but let me remind you that excellence is not a destination; it's a journey. Throughout my banking career, I've learned that excellence requires persistence, discipline, and a commitment to lifelong learning. The world is constantly evolving, and to stay ahead, we must continuously evolve with it. The pursuit of excellence doesn't end at graduation; it's a mindset that must be carried forward into every aspect of your professional and personal life.

Next, we come to unity. No success is ever achieved alone. Behind every successful individual is a network of support-family, mentors, friends, and, in your case, your sponsors. Unity is the recognition that we are all interconnected, and that we achieve more when we work together. During my time at MSEUF, I experienced the power of community, the sense of unity that comes from being part of something larger than myself. And today, as a banker, I see that same unity in the partnerships we build with clients and communities. Scholars, never forget the value of unity. Your journey might feel like an individual one, but it is not. Stay connected, build relationships, and help one another succeed. In this way, your individual success becomes collective success.

And finally, we come to fortitude. If there is one lesson that life will teach you time and time again, it is that success does not come without challenges. Fortitude, or the strength to persevere in the face of adversity, is what sets apart those who give up from those who go on to achieve great things. Sponsors take a risk when they invest in you-they believe in your potential, but they also understand that the path to success is not always straight or easy. As scholars, you too will face difficulties. There will be moments of doubt, failure, and disappointment. But it is in these moments that fortitude becomes essential. You must have the strength to continue, to rise after every fall, and to keep moving forward.

In the world of banking, we often talk about risk and reward. Every investment carries risk, and scholarship programs are no different. Sponsors take on the risk that scholars may not always meet expectations. Life happens-sometimes the path you set out on takes unexpected turns. For scholars, the risk comes in the form of pressure-academic, personal, and societal expectations. It can feel overwhelming at times, but remember, the greater the risk, the greater the potential reward.

When I think about the rewards of a scholarship program, I see it in the faces of students like you. You are the reward. When scholars succeed, they create a ripple effect. Their success uplifts their families, strengthens their communities, and contributes to the progress of society as a whole. This is the real return on investment for sponsors. I would like to share a personal story from my own career that illustrates this point. Early in my banking journey, I was part of a development financing project that aimed to bring economic growth to underserved rural areas. We invested in small local businesses, provided them with the resources they needed to grow, and watched as they flourished. But the real reward wasn't just the financial returns-it was the transformation of entire communities. Jobs were created, families were lifted out of poverty, and local economies began to thrive. This taught me that the true value of an investment goes beyond monetary gains-it lies in the impact it has on people's lives.

In much the same way, the true value of the investment your sponsors are making in you will be measured by the impact you have on others. You are the future leaders, innovators, and changemakers. The education you are receiving today is a tool that will enable you to create lasting change in the world. But with this gift comes responsibility-the responsibility to excel, to give back, and to make the most of the opportunities you've been given.

As I close, I want to leave you with a final thought: every scholarship, like every investment, is an opportunity. It's an opportunity to grow, to learn, and to become the best version of yourself. But it is also a responsibility. The sponsors who believe in you, the professors who teach you, the mentors who guide you-they are all investing in your future. Make the most of this investment. Carry forward the values of mindfulness, service, excellence, unity, and fortitude in everything you do. And when the time comes, remember to give back, to become an investor in the next generation of scholars, and to keep the cycle of growth and success alive.

Thank you, and congratulations to each of you!

-Edward R. Mansion

SDG 4: Quality Education – This goal emphasizes inclusive and equitable quality education and the promotion of lifelong learning opportunities for all. The recognition of scholars, discussions on academic performance, and the Wadhwani Foundation Skilling Certification Program all promote access to quality education and skills development.
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The emphasis on career development and skills certification aligns with promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment, and decent work for all. The Wadhwani Foundation program helps equip students with skills that increase employability in the evolving job market.
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Scholarships and grants provide opportunities for students from various backgrounds to access higher education, helping reduce inequalities in educational access and economic opportunities.
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – The event involved collaboration between the university, external scholarship funders, and organizations like the Wadhwani Foundation, demonstrating a partnership for achieving mutual goals related to education and skills development.