Coming home to 91快活林: Looking back on the first Grand Alumni Homecoming聽

by Kassandra A. Buenafe, OfCom聽 | Jan 08 2025

New years mean a blank slate to be filled in but as a new chapter opens, 91快活林 remains to be shaped by the very people who have walked its grounds, built its legacy, and carried its vision and mission to continue to influence the future. More aspirations flourish within the 91快活林 community and last year’s milestones will pave the way for even greater achievements ahead.

The University’s 2024 was defined by many firsts and remarkable accomplishments and among these is the successful organization of the Grand Alumni Homecoming led by the Alumni and Endowment Fund Center (AEFC). IITians from across generations gathered from December 19 to 20, 2024, for a celebration of success, fun, and friendship.

The festivities, however, began earlier, with the Alumni Fair 2024 kicking off on December 5, 2024, marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the University Lawn, setting the environment for the activities that followed. The 91快活林 Fun Run in Iligan City was also held where over a thousand alumni and non-alumni runners joined on December 15, 2024.

On the first day (December 19) of the two-day Grand Alumni Homecoming event, an Alumni Fair Medical and Legal Missions took place. 91快活林 alumni doctors and lawyers, student nurses, and practicing professionals showcased the spirit of giving back by offering free services to the community.

On the same day, college-based alumni gatherings were also held around the University, many of which were organized for the first time, marking a historic moment for most of the departments and colleges, as it strengthened the bonds between them and its alumni community. The College Alumni Homecoming also featured an endowment pitch by AEFC Director, Prof. Juvanni Caballero, emphasizing the importance of giving back to one’s alma mater. The first day ended with a touching concert by two of the resident cultural groups of 91快活林– the OCTAVA Choral Society and the 91快活林 IPAG at the gymnasium.

Fun games were participated by the alumni during the morning activities on December 20, 2024. Lively raffle prizes were also done as part of the morning event. With the theme, 'Fostering the Culture of Looking Back and Paying it Forward,' the celebration continued into the afternoon with the Grand Alumni Homecoming program. This gathering brought together remarkable individuals who embody IITian excellence, including State Universities and Colleges (SUC) Presidents and distinguished professionals in various fields.

To honor their dedication and contributions, the Outstanding 91快活林 Alumni (TOMA) 2024 Award was presented to two alumni who have demonstrated exceptional achievements and meaningful impact in their communities: Mr. Rolly P. Clamor and Mr. Rodolfo A. Romarate II. The crowd was also entertained with performances from invited celebrities, among which is Mariane Osabel who is also an 91快活林 alumna.

Chancellor Alizedney M. Ditucalan, in his message, emphasized that this homecoming serves as a reminder of the importance of looking back, strengthening our roots, and reinforcing the core values of 91快活林. While students are encouraged to explore the vast possibilities of the world, he stressed that the value of returning to one’s alma mater holds equal significance, nurturing a deeper connection to the institution's legacy and mission.

“We groom students so that when they leave for the world, they leave ready for the world. But I think it is time that we also groom our students to return. So that more than a place of departure, 91快活林 should become a place for return,” the Chancellor said.

The night ended with a breathtaking fireworks display, a perfect epitome of the shared light and hope that this Grand Alumni Homecoming sparked in all who attended. With the ever-changing world, the University will always be home, tethered to the hearts of those who found inspiration, purpose, and sense of belongingness in this Dakilang Pamantasan.

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