Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) marked its 118th Founding Anniversary on November 28, 2025, with a two-part celebration under the unifying theme, "Unified in Excellence: SHINE Together for Global Recognition." The day was dedicated to honoring academic excellence, recognizing dedicated employees, and celebrating the university's creative talents.

Both the morning's University-Wide Academic Convocation and the afternoon's NORSU Employees Day were held at the NORSU Sports and Cultural Complex.

Part I: University-Wide Academic Convocation

The morning's Convocation focused on recognizing the institution's outstanding achievements in licensure examinations. •Recognition of Topnotchers and Top Performing School
The highlight of the Convocation was the recognition of exceptional students who brought honor to the university by excelling in national licensure exams:

-Zylee Faye Tayco: Topnotcher #6 in the October 2025 Chemists Licensure Examination (BS in Chemistry, NORSU-Main Campus).

-Ma. Sheena Mae Quiliquite: Topnotcher #7 in the October 2025 Licensure Examination for Fisheries Professionals (BS in Fisheries, NORSU-Bais Campus).

-Alyssandra Danielle A. Sebastian, RN: Topnotcher #9 in the November 2025 Philippine Nurses Licensure Examination (BS in Nursing, NORSU-Main Campus)

Diploma in Midwifery Program: Recognized as the Top Performing School for achieving Rank 8 in the November 2025 Licensure Examination for Midwives.

•Honoring Scholarly Citation Distinction
The program also celebrated the scholarly achievements of the faculty for being recipients of the NORSU Scholarly Citation Distinction, including:

Scopus Citation Award
Alper – Doger (AD) Scientific Index Award 2026
Google Scholar Citation Award
Research Gate Citation Award
WURI 2025 Top Ranking Award for Innovation Excellence
Distinguished WURI 2025 Contributor

•Keynote Address
The Keynote Address was delivered by Hon. Noel Marjon E. Yasi, Psy.D, the University President, who was later presented with a Plaque of Appreciation, by the Members of the Board of Regents and the Vice-Presidents.

Part II: NORSU Employees Day

The afternoon shifted focus to the dedicated men and women of NORSU with the Employees Day celebration, featuring tributes, awards, and a showcase of creative talents.

•Tribute and Awarding
The second part of the program began with an opening message from Dr. Merivic G. Catada and then proceeded to honor the institution's retirees. Dr. Dee Laila C. Buhian, Head of the University Human Resource Development and Management Office, led the introduction of guests and retirees, followed by a heartfelt tribute and the official recognition and awarding of plaques.

A significant part of the program was the awarding of Honorees, including the Service Award and Special Awards, presented by the University President and the Vice-Presidents. The Inspirational Message was delivered by Hon. Noel Marjon E. Yasi, Psy.D.

•Creative Works Culmination and Exhibit of Talents
The day culminated in Part III: Creative Works Culmination and Exhibit of Talents, which provided a platform for faculty and staff to showcase their artistic skills. The segment included:

A Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for the Visual Arts Exhibit.

Creative Works Presentations, featuring contemporary dance, theatrical performance, and original song compositions.

Talent Presentations, including Digital Creative Storytelling and a Faculty Reels Showcase.

The program was formally closed by Dr. Edwin F. Romano Jr., Vice President for Research, Development and Extension.