As part of the celebrations for its Golden Anniversary, a historic event unfolded at Mindanao State University-General Santos City on September 6, 2023. The institution hosted the inaugural “Sinugdanan,” a celebration derived from the Visayan word “sugod,” meaning “to begin,” that signifies the start of a new academic year and, in a broader sense, the commencement of new journeys and opportunities.

In a remarkable exploration of the history of the university’s colleges, Chancellor JD Usman D. Aragasi, MPA set the tone for the event with a powerful message: “May this Sinugdanan be a reminder to us of our achievements and commitment we have for our university and serve as a reminder that we are capable of starting something, that we are capable of change, growth, and progress.”

Following the opening remarks, the event delved into the “History of the Colleges.” Deans from various colleges took center stage to share their respective institutions’ historical journeys. These enlightening narratives shed light on how each colleges came into existence, providing the audience with a deeper understanding of their origins and evolution.

Dr. Mishell D. Lawas, the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs (VCAA), delivered the closing remarks, emphasizing the profound symbolism behind Sinugdanan. “This is not all about showing our flags and history but symbolizing the beginning of the school year, new challenges, opportunities that we have to conquer,” Dr. Lawas remarked. She also highlighted that the emblems on display during the event not only represent the strengths of individual colleges but also serve as powerful symbols of MSU’s unity and collective vision.