JY Bautista (center) beams as he marches to the Rose Hill Campus in Fordham where he graduated w honors. Photo by JC Mallonga

Photos by JC Mallonga Written by Jude Bautista

from left Proud dad Tim w hat, Dr. Bonnie Lou Mallonga and mom Joy Bautista

Jose Yldefonso Mallonga Bautista completed his Business Administration Degree Major in Accounting at the prestigious Fordham University last May 20, 2010 with honors. The first award is his acceptance at the Beta Alpha Psi Honor Society, which is the premier national scholastic and professional fraternity devoted to students of the Financial Information Industry. The second award is from his participation in the G.L.O.B.E program which is an international inter disciplinary specialization focusing on language, cultural awareness and International Internships or study abroad experience.

JY as he is more popularly known to friends and family graduated with a grade point average of 3.9. He is currently reviewing for the Certified Public Accountancy exam in New York.

from left Linelle, mom Joy, the Graduate, Aunt Lily B. Yang, Tim Bautista and Dr. Bonnie Lou Mallonga

His aunt Bonnie Lou Raagas Mallonga was able to accompany him to the stage. Only Alumni of Fordham are allowed the privilege of accompanying family members on the stage for graduation. Bonnie Lou graduated with a PhD, (Doctorate) in Education: Adult Education Leadership. She now works as the Chief Operating Officer of 1199 SEIU and Education Director of the 1199 Future of America Learning Center.

JY w his girlfriend Linelle

Aunt Lilia B. Yang also attended the graduation. She was the Financial Director of Sycip Salazar Hernandez and Gatmaitan Law Firm. JY’s father Timothy Bautista is the Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Cable Boss based in the Philippines. JY’s mom, Joy Bautista is in the process of completing her PhD (Doctorate) in Psychology and counseling from De La Salle University in Manila. Tita Lily is a huge inspiration and supporter of JY’s education from the beginning.

JY was a multi awarded swimmer representing his High school Xavier and the National Capital Region in various competitions. He is the older cousin of Alfonso Bautista who recently won in the the prestigious Manta Invitational from Hong Kong, where he also earned “Most Outstanding Swimmer” award. The story is in the blog entitled: “Alfonso Bautista makes waves abroad.”

President Mary McAleese of Ireland addressed the graduates at the 165^th University Commencement held at the Rose Hill Campus. From an article by Chris Gosier in the Fordham website: “She urged the students to be agents of change, citing the example of Archbishop John Hughes, himself an immigrant from Ireland who founded Fordham as part of his drive to serve the downtrodden. It was outrage at the injustices he suffered in Ireland that motivated him to serve the poor of New York and help them get a good education.”

the graduate standing, from left Lily Yang, Atty JT Mallonga and family members

McAleese was quoted as saying, “You exit into a very chaotic world. I know that. But you know it needs leaders. It needs people like you, men and women of integrity, who are determined to take the lead, to give their best, to do their best…”