Another year of reap and sow for the Visayas State University (VSU) as they bid goodbye to the graduates of Class of 2023 during the 70th Commencement Exercises of the flagship campus held yesterday, August 3, at the VSU Upper Oval Grounds.
Out of the 1,345 graduates, a total of 380 students graduated with latin honors: two were awarded the highest distinction as Summa Cum Laude, 51 Magna Cum Laudes, and 327 as Cum Laude.
Alongside the commencement exercises, VSU President Dr. Edgardo E. Tulin, in his remarks, highlighted his future development plan for establishing a Learning Resource Center building that includes the establishment of a modern hall dubbed as the Benjamin T. Romualdez Auditorium and also a proposed three-story classroom for the students.
"I just handed in the proposal for that learning resource center together with another proposal on building a three-story classroom [this afternoon] before we came here. [And] maybe next year, depending on the good congressman to convey this to congress," Dr. Tulin said.
Moreover, the event was graced by Majority Leader and Tingog Partylist Representative, Cong. Jude Acidre on behalf of House Speaker and Leyte's First District Representative, Hon. Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez as the guest speaker for the commencement exercises.
"As you stand on the cusp of a future filled with infinite possibilities, as you take the next step, I urge you to carry forward the spirit of service, innovation, and excellence that you've cultivated here at VSU. Use your skills, talents, and knowledge to make a more meaningful impact on Leyte and the nation. Congratulations on your achievements. As you begin this new chapter, may you bring about the positive change we aspire to see in the world," (an excerpt from Romualdez’ commencement address)..
Further, Dr. Tulin also led the acknowledgement of four board topnotchers in various licensure examinations, by granting them a certificate of recognition and an increased cash incentives, namely: Engr. Kenzo Braye Gerale, who placed third in the July 2023 Master Plumber Licensure Exam, Jane De Asis Estuna who nabbed eighth place on both 2022 Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (LEPT) and 2019 Licensure Examination for Agriculturists (LEA), Althea Grace Mosende, who also landed 8th place in the November 2022 Nurse Licensure Examination, and Naomi Grace Lancita who topped the November 2022 LEA.
The commencement exercise was finally concluded with its traditional fireworks display signifying the jubilation of the graduates’ fruitful harvest of their college journey. VSU Baybay, the university' flagship campus, was the last to conduct the graduation ceremonies, which started at VSU Villaba last July 24, 2023.