Message for the Graduates
Message for the Graduates
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Message from the Office of the President
Message from the Office of the President
Congratulations to the Graduating Class of MSU-IIT’s 56th Commencement Ceremonies on this significant milestone!
This event serves as a remarkable celebration of the dedication, hard work, and resilience you have shown throughout your academic journey. You have not just endured the challenges that came your way but have thrived, refining and enhancing your unique skills and talents. The profound knowledge and expertise you have amassed will equip you to tackle the complexities and obstacles of the real world with confidence. At MSU, we are filled with excitement and anticipation as we envision the innovative ways in which you will lead and make meaningful contributions to the advancement of our nation.
I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the dedication and guidance provided by the faculty and staff of MSU-IIT. Your support and mentorship of the students are invaluable and will not go unnoticed. The continued supervision and guidance you offer will have a lasting impact on our entire community and nation.
Again, my best wishes for a fulfilling and successful graduation ceremony.
ATTY. PAISALIN P.D. TAGO, CPA
MSU System President
Message from the Chancellor
Message from the Chancellor
In the wake of the recent devastation brought by Tropical Depression Basyang, today’s Commencement Ceremony stands as a profound symbol of hope, renewal, and perseverance. We gather not merely to confer degrees, but to honor the indomitable spirit that defines both our graduates and our community.
The Class of 2026 has journeyed through seasons of uncertainty and adversity, yet has emerged steadfast and resolute. In your collective strength and determination, we see reflected one of the University’s enduring core values—resilience—a quality that continues to sustain MSU-IIT and the City of Iligan in times of great trial.
As you now take your place among the proud alumni of this University, may you bear forward the ideals of excellence, integrity, and compassion that lie at the heart of the Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology. Let the lessons forged in challenge become your guiding light as you contribute to the rebuilding of communities and to the advancement of our nation.
On behalf of the entire MSU-IIT community, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the graduates of Batch 2026, their families, and their mentors. May your achievement this day be both a triumph of learning and a beacon of hope for all who strive to rise above adversity.
PROF. ALIZEDNEY M. DITUCALAN, J.D., LL.D.
Chancellor
This year’s Commencement Exercises proudly feature Dr. Jonald Lozarito Pimentel, an accomplished educator and visionary academic leader who currently serves as the President of the University of Southern Mindanao (USM). With over three decades of dedicated service to higher education, Dr. Pimentel has built a distinguished career grounded in a lifelong commitment to academic excellence, research, and institutional transformation.
Over the past 31 years, he has served as a catalyst for educational innovation—driving research initiatives, policy reforms, and faculty development programs that enrich student learning and community engagement. Before assuming the presidency, Dr. Pimentel served as Professor VI at USM in Kabacan, Cotabato. His leadership journey includes serving as Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences for four years and later as the founding Dean of the College of Science and Mathematics in 2020. His strong advocacy for shared governance was reflected in his tenure as President of the Faculty Association, which granted him a seat on the USM Board of Regents.
Dr. Pimentel’s extensive academic background speaks of both depth and breadth. He earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Psychometrics from the University of Twente in the Netherlands, a Master of Science in Biostatistics from Hasselt University in Belgium, and both his Bachelor and Master of Science in Mathematics degrees from Mindanao State University–Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT). His formative years were spent at Don Mariano Marcos Memorial Polytechnic State College—now the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP)—where he completed his basic education and served as Battalion Commander during his high school Citizen Army Training.
Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Pimentel is also a devoted husband and father. He draws inspiration and strength from his family, grounding his leadership in values of integrity, compassion, and service. For him, family is not only the cornerstone of personal success but also the wellspring of purpose and resilience.
Guided by his personal mantra, “We TRIve as One,” Dr. Pimentel champions inclusive and equitable education, with special dedication to the Tri-People of Mindanao—Indigenous Peoples, Muslims, and Christians. As the 8th President of USM, he continues to lead with vision, nurturing a dynamic and globally engaged university that thrives as a center of learning, innovation, and transformation for all.
Explore the 56th Commencement Microsite
Explore the 56th Commencement Microsite
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