Written by Remah Grace De Vera and Justine De Guzman
Photos Courtesy of STELA Student Body
The STELA Student Body, together with the accredited STELA Organizations, kicked off their first ever collaborative welcome week together with theme, “KUMUSTA STELA: PANKAYKAYSA – Diversity Woven into a Tapestry of Celebration”. The welcome week was held at the Centennial Building, 2nd floor lobby last August 24-27, 2026, bringing together students leaders, organizations, and members of the student body in a shared celebration of community and belonging.
The theme embodies the spirit of coming together as one community. Pangkaykaysa, which represents unity and togetherness, reflects STELA’s commitment to fostering connections among students from different programs, backgrounds, interests, and experiences. More than simply greeting students and welcoming the freshmen, the event emphasized that every student has a place within the STELA community. Throughout the 4-day event, the Centennial second and fifth floor lobbies became vibrant gathering spaces where students could interact with the different accredited organizations of STELA.
Collaboration was one of the defining aspects of the celebration. The Welcome Week showed how student organizations worked towards a shared purpose of creating a more inclusive, engaging, and connected environment for the students they serve. The event gave an avenue to welcome students back to another exciting academic year, especially to new students. This proves that STELA isn’t just a place for learning, but also belonging.
As another academic year begins, the School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts continues to open its doors not only to students who are returning, but also to those who are entering the community with their first steps. The first-ever collaborated Welcome Week set the tone for a year set upon connection, collaboration, and unity.
