The Tarlac State University School of Law (TSU SOL) produced its first cum laude graduates who completed their Juris Doctor during the 34th Commencement Exercises held on July 13, 2023, at the TSU Alumni Center in Lucinda Campus.
Legal Education Board Chairperson Hon. Anna Marie Melanie Trinidad was the guest of honor and speaker, who shared some advice on preparing for the upcoming Bar Examination in September 2023 and inspired future lawyers with her experiences in legal services.
Danielle Mangune, valedictorian, and Vivien Claire Coleen Yalung, salutatorian, are the honor graduates of the Juris Doctor Class of 2023 Batch Magbalaue.
Aside from topping the class, Mangune also received special awards, namely the Justice Jose C. Dela Rama Law Foundation Inc. Scholarship Award, Brenda Sabenit Scholarship, and Academic Excellence Award.
In an interview, the batch valedictorian emphasized that entering law school is not a walk in the park, and it was her determination that carried her throughout the journey.
"My only mindset was only to survive because that's the only way to go through law school. It's grit. It's always been grit, and as I embark on my Bar review season, it's still the same — grit, survival, fake it till you make it," she said.
Like Mangune, Yalung also reaped several recognitions, including the MAMLAO Medal Award, Leadership Award, AGAPE Brotherhood Scholarship Award, Legal Aid Service Award (Community Service), Academic Excellence Award, and the Law Debaters Special Award.
She expressed her joy and gratitude as one of the first graduates in SOL who achieved Latin honors.
"It's very overwhelming. Finally, we're here. Lahat naman kami deserve namin ng Latin honors, pero it's a privilege to be one of the very first Cum Laudes in the School of Law. And we will strive our best to make the school and the university proud," Yalung said.
Moreover, Office Technology Development, Transfer, and Commercialization (OTDTC) director Dr. Wilmark J. Ramos was also one of the graduates, finishing the degree as top 4 of their batch. Dr. Ramos also received the Law Debaters Special Award.
Former SOL dean Atty. Leslie N. Taruc-Orencia gave the Dean Leslie N. Taruc-Orencia Scholarship Award to Daniel Canlas, the Magbalaue Batch top 3.
Other awardees are Alexander Garcia, the Best Litigators Award recipient, and Ruby Rose Vinluan, Brenda Virtudazo, Caezar Cachero, Ricardo Mariano, and Andrey Bjon Castaneda, Legal Aid Service awardees.
