Kim Atienza celebrates daughter Eliana graduating UPenn as summa cum laude, social justice awardee

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MANILA, Philippines — Eliana Atienza, the oldest daughter of "Kuya" Kim Atienza and his wife Felicia Huang, just graduated from the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn), one of the few Ivy League schools in the United States.

Kuya Kim posted photos of Eliana's graduation on his social media accounts, sharing how proud he was that his daughter finished her Environmental Studies degree with summa cum laude honors.

Eliana was also a joint recipient of the Elaine Simon Award for Commitment to Social Justice in the City of the school's Urban Studies program.

The award is given to students "whose on and off campus activities at UPenn and future plans reflect dedication to addressing urban problems and to the principles of providing opportunity and voice for all urban citizens."

It can be recalled that in 2024 Eliana joined a protest encampment against Israel's war against Hamas and wrote a letter endorsing "Palestinians who are fighting to liberate their lands from Israel," resulting in a reported suspension and academic sanctions

At the time Kuya Kim defended his daughter's actions for always being vocal about her beliefs, noting she was anti-genocide and anti-war.

"She has a heart of an activist eh, and there's nothing wrong with it because it's human rights she's fighting for," the television host said then.

Kuya Kim referenced such challenges in his Instagram post for his daughter, "It was a trial for her and the family. Her passion, persistence and resilience prevailed. We are mighy proud of you and we love you so much Eliana!"

Present for Eliana's graduation were Kuya Kim, Felicia, and son Jose. The family's youngest member Emman passed away last October.

Among those who also congratuled Eliana were Dingdong Dantes, Ogie Alcasid, Karen Davila, Bianca Gonzalez, Ruffa Gutierrez, Karla Estrada, Korina Sanchez, Dawn Zulueta, Dani Barretto, Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan, and Kim Molina.

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