SM Scholars Turn Opportunity Into Achievement Through Perseverance

Behind every graduation medal is a story of sacrifice, persistence, and a dream that refused to fade. For 274 SM Foundation scholars, completing college represents more than earning a diploma—it marks the beginning of new possibilities for themselves, their families, and their communities.

The graduates were honored during the 2026 Presentation of the SM College Scholar Graduates, a celebration recognizing the determination that carried them through years of academic and personal challenges.

This year’s graduating class includes 119 honor graduates: 15 summa cum laude, 42 magna cum laude, 46 cum laude, and 16 graduates with Academic Distinction. Their achievements reflect years of discipline and hard work, often while overcoming financial and personal difficulties.

“Beyond these numbers are 274 individual stories, each shaped by different circumstances, challenges, dreams, and opportunities,” said Carmen Linda Atayde, SM Foundation Executive Director for Education Programs.

Atayde emphasized that providing access to education can create an impact extending beyond the individual scholar.

“This is at the heart of the Foundation’s scholarship program. We believe that when we open doors to education, we help create possibilities that can reach far beyond one individual,” she added.

The graduates also heard from former SM scholar Roan B. Torregoza, now Chief Financial Officer of 8990 Holdings, Inc., who returned as keynote speaker. Her journey demonstrated how educational opportunities can help transform lives and eventually enable beneficiaries to create opportunities for others.

Members of the Sy family, SM Foundation’s Board of Trustees and executives, SM Group representatives, social good partners, and the scholars’ families joined the celebration.

SM Foundation Vice President for Education Programs–Scholarships Eleanor Lansang reminded the graduates that while the scholarship opened a door, their determination carried them across the finish line.

“Your SM Foundation scholarship was an opportunity, but you turned that opportunity into an achievement through your own hard work,” Lansang said.

She encouraged the graduates to bring that perseverance into the next chapter of their lives while helping others along the way.

Her final message captured the spirit of the occasion: “Bloom boldly, persevere always and keep spreading social good.”

For the Class of 2026, graduation closes one chapter—but opens another filled with opportunities to grow, contribute, and give back.