SM Foundation recognizes 199 new graduates of its scholarship program

A batch that made history. SM Foundation honors its 199 scholar-graduates from Batch 2025, a milestone group with a record number of awardees: 8 Summa Cum Laude, 33 Magna Cum Laude, 47 Cum Laude, and 14 Academic Distinction recipients. In photo are the scholars with (front row, from left) SM Foundation Education Programs VP Eleanor Lansang, Henry Sy Foundation Executive Director Dr. Lydia Echauz, SM Foundation Executive Director Debbie Sy, SM Foundation Trustee Harley Sy, SM Foundation Executive Director for Education Programs Carmen Linda Atayde, and SM Foundation Trustee Engr. Ramon Gil Macapagal.

The SM Foundation lauded 199 graduates under the SM College Scholarship Program in an event at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay on Oct. 23, 2025.

This is the most decorated batch in the program’s history, with a record number of awardees — 8 Summa Cum Laude, 33 Magna Cum Laude, 47 Cum Laude, and 14 Academic Distinction recipients.

The event opened with a job fair, connecting graduates with potential career opportunities across SM Group business units.

The program strengthens SM Foundation’s mission to nurture scholars into well-rounded professionals, equipping them with real-world experience, unlocking their potential, and supporting them in uplifting their families and communities.

SM Scholars from Batch 2025 take their Alumni Oath, becoming part of the 4,700-strong and growing SM Scholar Alumni network.

SM Scholar and NU Summa Cum Laude Fermina Dela Cruz Dela Cruz recounts how the SM Scholarship changed her future despite financial and family hardships.

SM Scholar Wella Autor, Jose Rizal University’s second-ever Summa Cum Laude graduate, is honored on stage for her dedication and drive to uplift her family through education.