By Brett Andrew Rikke Bungcayao, STRATCOM Correspondent

The MMSU College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), one of the university’s pioneer colleges, held its first foundation anniversary celebration to mark its 47th year. From May 7 to 10, CAS looked back on how it has transformed minds and helped shape the future.

Themed “Rooted in Excellence, CAScading into the Future,” the four-day celebration began with a motorcade around MMSU on the first day. It continued with a Thanksgiving and worship service, followed by the opening of the Wizards’ Week Bazaar, which featured student organization booths. 

During the celebration, the CAS Milestones Marker was unveiled, showcasing the names of the pioneers and individuals who laid the foundation of the college, including the first dean, program offerings, Latin honorees, programs, departments, regents, an alumna who became university president, and a Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Commissioner, as well as graduates who joined the faculty. 

Joining via Zoom, CHED Commissioner Shirley C. Agrupis, a Bachelor of Science in Biology graduate in 1985, expressed gratitude to the college for honing her academic and leadership skills, which she now applies as a commissioner. 

A series of contests were also held for Wizards’ Week, including a quiz bee, banner-making, speech, obstacle run, and community cause proposal competitions. 

Meanwhile, on May 8, an Anniversary Program was held at the University Covered Court, gathering former and current faculty and students of the college. 

MMSU President Virgilio Julius Manzano, Jr., represented by Dr. Aris Reynold Cajigal, Vice President for Academic Affairs, encouraged all degree programs to continue working hard and contributing to the growth and development of CAS. 

“As a service college at the Batac campus, responsible for the general education courses across degree programs, we express our gratitude to CAS for its commitment to educating our students in liberal arts, including arts, humanities, mathematics, social sciences, and science courses,” Dr. Manzano said.

A highlight of the anniversary program was Dr. Marlina Lino, CAS dean, who emphasized the history, founders, and leaders who paved the way for the college's foundation in the College Leadership Address. 
She also highlighted how far the college has come in its three-fold functions: instruction, research, and extension. Dr. Lino recognized former deans and college secretaries who have served CAS since its establishment. 

Following the dean's address, students from various degree programs competed in CASikat, a talent showcase and competition. 

On the third day, the PATHFit Society of the college led the Wizards’ Walk, gathering faculty members and students to pick up waste while walking around the campus.
An awards and socialization night was held in the evening, celebrating the achievements and unity of CAS students. 

The celebration concluded with the first CAS alumni homecoming, dubbed CASelebrasion! Panagrambak iti Raniag Dagiti CAS Alumni, held on May 10th at the CAS Lobby. Serving as a fundraising activity, it gathered donations and support from graduates for the establishment of study nooks at the college. 

On the last day of the celebration, Dr. Manzano commended the college for its exemplary performance and commitment to teaching. “I commend the faculty – other colleges may say that they produce topnotchers, but lahat ay dumaan (everyone went through CAS), like me,” he highlighted. 

In her message, Dr. Prima Fe Franco, a retired MMSU OIC-President and former Vice President for Academic Affairs, and also an alumna of the college, congratulated CAS for holding the foundation anniversary celebration for the first time. 

CHED Commissioner Agrupis also emphasized that graduates should be proud to be members of the CAS community, saying, "Wherever you may go, may we always carry the mark of excellence and integrity–you can look with your head held high. Let's continue to make MMSU and CAS grow with impact." 

CAS was established right after the university became MMSU. From offering biology as the only degree program in 1979, it now has seven bachelor’s degrees in communication, English language, sociology, biology, meteorology, psychology, and mathematics.