The Notre Dame of Jolo College alumni from different batches gathered together yesterday, September 7, 2024, at NDJC Covered Court, for the much-anticipated NDJC Alumni Homecoming “For A Cause”, in line with the celebration of 70th or Platinum Year Anniversary of the institution.
The celebration started with the usual preliminaries and doxology performed by the Ingat Kapandayan Artists Center. Then, the event hosts, Mr. Paul Banagudos and Ms. Farzina Mujemulta, delivered their opening spiels recognizing the 70th year of impact NDJC brings not just to the community, but to the Sulu Province as a whole.
Afterwards, the event featured a groundbreaking ceremony, where Fr. Eduardo M. Santoyo, OMI, Phd, NDJC President, Hon. Abdusakur M. Tan, Alumni Supreme Council President, Ms. Fatimatuzzahra A. Abdulmajid, RPm, NDJC Vice President for Administration, signed the official documents, marking the historic occasion, followed by the burial of a time capsule, which included the signed documents and names of Alumni attendees, to commemorate the milestone.
Moreover, key messages followed, with Fr. Santoyo, sharing insights on the future direction of the institution, highlighting the mission and vision of NDJC since it was first established, recognizing the partners and stakeholders of the institution and the impact NDJC has made and hopes to make in the future years to come. On the other hand, Hon. Tan, offered words of encouragement and camaraderie, emphasizing recognizing the role alumni play in the growth and success of the college, emphasizing the relationship of Sulu and NDJC, signifying the same goal of bringing the best to the Suluanos.
Then, the institution acknowledged the support of the sponsors, namely: Hon. Edsir Tan II for Gold sponsorship; and Ms. Rehama Eshran Tan; Hja. Rufaida Tan; Hon. Ahmed Amilhamja; and Dr. Rea Trisha Tan-Warid, for Bronze sponsorship.
To add nostalgia and more inspiration to the crowd, a Talkshow took place featuring three alumni, including Hon. Tan, Mrs. Elmida Jannaral, and Prof. Yacob Buklasan, who shared their experiences and discussed the impact of NDJC on their professional and personal lives. Then hosts also interacted with the crowd, through the segment called “Kumustahan With Alumni” where they randomly interviewed alumni from the crowd with the questions related to their experiences at NDJC.
Furthermore, another set of performers from IKAC set the stage again for another touch of entertainment, giving the attendees a moment to relax. The De Mazenod Band also serenaded the guests through a live band, while they were eating dinner and creating more memorable moments with their friends and colleagues.
As the evening progressed, certificates of appreciation were presented to the sponsors. There was also a presentation of videos from alumni abroad and in Sulu, celebrating the 70th year of NDJC and sharing their heartfelt gratitude to the institution. To honor the alumni, throwback photos were also shown, showcasing the memories of alumni of different batches.
The event concluded with a photo opportunity among the attendees, to capture the day’s memories, leaving everyone with a sense of nostalgia and reconnection with their college friends.
This successful event not only celebrated the past but also paved the way for stronger connections within the alumni community, ensuring a bright future for both the institution and its graduates.
