On 22 August 2026, the Languages and Communication Department of Saint Louis University’s (SLU) School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (STELA) held the BA Communication Program’s first Commitment and Investiture Ceremony at Fr. Theophile Verbist, CICM Hall, SLU Sacred Heart Medical Center, with the theme “Soaring with Purpose: Communicating with Vision, Serving with Integrity.”
A highlight of the event was the ceremonial pinning of 59 fourth-year ‘Batch Falcon’ communication students led by STELA Dean Mary Pauline E. Namoca, PhD, Associate Dean Geraldine S. Wakat, PhD, Department Head Joselita M. Ferrer, PhD, and internship coordinators Janet S. Tibaldo, PhD, and Andrea M. Bautista.
The historic ceremony began with a mass presided over by Rev. Fr. Frans Fandy Palinoan, followed by opening remarks by Dr. Ferrer, who welcomed the guests, students, and parents with inspiration, reminding the interns of the importance of the transition in their journey through various internship production spaces and communities.
In his video message, SLU President Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, CICM, PhD said, “This Commitment and Pinning Ceremony, the first of its kind for your program, is more than a celebration of academic progress. It is a public affirmation of your commitment to a profession rooted in democratic ideals, public enlightenment, the pursuit of truth, and respect for the dignity and worth of every person.” He reminded the students “to understand perspectives different from ours, and to recognize the people and communities whose stories deserve to be heard. For future communication professionals, this is at the heart of your vocation.”
The Vice President for Academic Affairs, Felina P. Espique, PhD, also shared a special message for the interns delivered by Dr. Namoca, stressing the importance of upholding the Louisian Core Values of Christian Spirit, Competence, Innovation, and Compassion.
The inspirational speeches were followed by the distribution of the official name tags and production jackets. In doing so, BA Communication Internship Coordinators Dr. Tibaldo and Prof. Bautista reminded the interns of the symbolism of the production jacket, underscoring that professionalism is demonstrated not only in what one knows but, more so, in humility, accountability, and belonging as important chapters in one’s professional life. The name tag, on the other hand, serves as a reminder that professional identity is not separate from personal identity.
Dr. Wakat then spearheaded the Interns’ Commitment Oath, followed by the commissioning, the parents’ blessing, and a prayer.
Meanwhile, the oath-taking of the new set of Communication Society (ComSoc) officers for Academic Year 2026-2027 was led by Dr. Ferrer, solidifying the student leaders’ leadership and commitment to serving the community. Moreover, Ren Chester Garcia, ComSoc outgoing president, led the closing remarks and said, “Keep the falcon inside of you burning and soaring high in the future.”
The ceremony highlighted the significance of communication students’ dedication to truth, ethics, discipline, and journalistic integrity. It reminded the graduating students of the accountability that comes with the media and communication profession.
The commitment ceremony did not only recognize the hardship and success of the students, but it also marked a milestone for their commitment to continue upholding the ethics and professionalism that they learned throughout their academic journey. The moment that the students wore their jackets and received their name tags, SLU instilled in them the knowledge, skills, and values that showcase their readiness to contribute meaningfully to the journalism and media production landscape, which is aligned with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 4 (Quality Education), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). (Article by Jake Victorino, SLU Communication Society | Photos by SLU Communication Society)
