From Being Hailed as the PICE MOCES 2025 to Batch Valedictorian: How USJ-R’s Summa Cum Laude Suzane Susas is Redefining Civil Engineering Excellence
In the demanding world of Civil Engineering, the blueprint for success is rarely just about mathematical precision, structural analysis, or mastering mechanics. More often than not, it is about the internal grit required to withstand immense pressure, much like the materials engineers study. Recently, the Civil Engineering community found a profound source of collective pride and inspiration in Suzane Anne Kirshinne A. Susas, a graduate from the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R). Before taking the stage as the Batch Valedictorian of the USJ-R Class of 2026 and graduating Summa Cum Laude, Susas had already earned national recognition as the 2025 Most Outstanding Civil Engineering Student (MOCES) by the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE). Now, as a recipient of the prestigious Institutional Leadership Award, she proves that true success is built not only with academic brilliance, but with character, service, impact, and a clear vision for the nation. Her journey, captured beautifully in her valedictory address, reminds the community that the strongest foundations are often built where no one can see them.
In the demanding world of Civil Engineering, the blueprint for success is rarely just about mathematical precision, structural analysis, or mastering mechanics. More often than not, it is about the internal grit required to withstand immense pressure—much like the materials engineers study.
Recently, the Civil Engineering community found a profound source of collective pride and inspiration in Suzane Anne Kirshinne A. Susas, a graduate from the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R). Before taking the stage as the Batch Valedictorian of the USJ-R Class of 2026 and graduating Summa Cum Laude, Susas had already earned national recognition as the 2025 Most Outstanding Civil Engineering Student (MOCES) by the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE). Now, as a recipient of the prestigious Institutional Leadership Award, she proves that true success is built not only with academic brilliance, but with character, service, impact, and a clear vision for the nation.
Her journey, captured beautifully in her valedictory address, reminds the community that the strongest foundations are often built where no one can see them.
1. Excellence Without Exhaustion: Human Beings, Not Machines
Civil Engineering programs are notoriously rigorous, often birthing a culture of sleepless nights and endless grinds. Susas, affectionately dubbed by her peers as the "babaeng walang pahinga" (the woman who never rests), tackled an intense plate of classes, projects, and student leadership.
Yet, her first major takeaway challenges the standard engineering martyrdom:
"Excellence does not mean exhausting ourselves. It is not perfection. It is simply giving our best with the gifts God has entrusted to us... As we enter a world that often glorifies being constantly busy, I hope we remember that we are human beings, not machines."
For an industry that frequently demands long hours on-site and at the drawing board, her reminder to prioritize rest is a refreshing perspective on sustainable professionalism.
2. Structural Integrity Begins Behind Closed Doors
As builders, Civil Engineers understand that a structure's most critical component is its foundation—hidden entirely underground. Susas beautifully paralleled this engineering principle with the concept of personal perseverance, anchoring her strength in the scripture of James 1:4.
"Perseverance is not glamorous. It is showing up when no one is watching... Some of the most important work happens behind closed doors, and the strongest foundations are built where no one can see them."
Every engineer knows the invisible weight of failing a design trial, staring at a confusing problem set, or studying for the grueling board exams. Susas validates those hidden battles, reminding everyone that invisible progress is still progress.
3. Embracing the Detours in Design
Starting her college life when the world was still reeling from the pandemic, Susas admitted she did not possess a flawless blueprint for her life. Yet, navigating those uncertain detours brought her exactly where she needed to be.
Her message serves as a comforting directive to young engineers facing unexpected setbacks—be it a failed subject, a delayed graduation, or a disrupted career path: "Sometimes the detours become the destination, and the paths we never intended to take lead us exactly where we need to be."
4. Manifesting the Dream: "Engineer Ka Na"
Perhaps the most captivating revelation in her speech was a "fun fact" that defines the power of self-belief. Susas admitted to writing her Summa Cum Laude speech months before graduation, long before knowing if she would ever actually achieve the honor.
Even when she faced overwhelming days where she simply prayed, "Bahala na Lord, basta mahuman" (Come what may, Lord, as long as I finish), she stubbornly held onto that vision.
When structural engineers design a bridge, they must first visualize its completion before a single stone is laid. Susas engineered her own destiny using the exact same principle. For the Civil Engineering community, her triumph is a masterclass in manifesting success through relentless faith and hard work.
A Collective Blueprint: "Para sa Bayan"
Susas closed her address by looking toward the future, recalling an interview for a Leadership Award where she stated her ultimate goal: to help build a better nation.
"Today is not simply the end of our college journey. It is the beginning of our responsibility to use everything we have learned in the service of something greater than ourselves."
This exact sentiment makes the entire Civil Engineering profession incredibly proud. Beyond the titles, the calculations, and the licenses, the ultimate calling of an engineer is nation-building.
Suzane Susas’ story is a reminder that the field does not just produce calculators and builders; it shapes visionary leaders rooted in Interiority, Nationalism, Service, Pioneerism, Integrity, Reliability, and Excellence.
To all the future engineers pushing through their own tough seasons: look at the foundation you are building today. Keep moving forward.
Adelante!