June 21, 2013— Smoke and lights filled F213 as the Natural Science and Mathematics Cluster officially welcomed its new members through a futuristic-themed orientation day program entitled “Keep Moving Forward”.

The opening remarks were given by Dr. J-ney Zapanta, the assistant dean for the NSM cluster.

This was followed by a speech delivered by the dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, Fr. Daniel McNamara S.J., who formally introduced the new course offered under the SAS— the Environmental Science program.

Fr. McNamara, who is also the Chair of the Environmental Science Department, spoke of how the university sought to raise environmental awareness to a higher level by training students to approach ecological issues from a scientific yet holistic perspective.

The Chairpersons of the other departments— Dr. J-ney Zapanta for Biology, Dr. Agnes Aranas for Chemistry, Ms. Belinda Faustino for Physics, and Dr. Jonald Fenacios for Math— individually took the stage to orient the students with their course’s respective subject prerequisites, activities and involvements, as well as job opportunities.

Erwin Salang and Michael Casas, two NSM alumni who now hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Chemistry respectively, were also invited to share their insights and experiences as former students of the cluster.

“Learn how to budget your time,” Casas shared as he listed his tips to success.

In addition, he advised the students to let go of people who bring them down and to always believe in themselves.

The orientation day program also featured performances by the NSM Talent Committee and the Denatured band.