#VSUGrad: 10 years after her graduation, Atilano returns to inspire Class of 2017
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- Written by Kim Roca
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Published: 12 June 2017
Ms. Cherrie Atilano, VSU alumna and accomplished agri-entrepreneur, is set to grace the university’s 64th Commencement Exercises as graduation speaker.
This comes ten years after her own graduation. She was part of the then Leyte State University’s (LSU) Class of 2007, graduating magna cum laude with the Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture, major in Horticulture.
She would then on build her career as social entrepreneur, setting out on a mission to make agriculture “cool, smart, sexy, and humane.”
Last November, Atilano paid a visit to the university for a Leadership and Civic Engagement Forum with VSU students.
As a proud alumna of VSU, Cherrie claimed during the speaking engagement that she has been living up to the university’s challenge of excellence.
Read: VSU alumna spills secrets to success
After founding AGREA, an organization for social farming enterprise, she has been recognized by local and international organizations for her advocacy. The name of her company is a portmanteau of “agri” and “Gaea”, a Greek mythological character for Mother Earth.
She has received several awards including the Inspiring Filipina Entrepreneurs, conferred by the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship in March 2017. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte personally gave Cherrie the award at the Malacañan Palace.
Read: VSU alumna in back-to-back win for social entrepreneurship initiatives
The Asia Pacific CSR Council and UN Global Compact, recently awarded Atilano and AGREA, her agri-social enterprise, the 2017 Global Responsible Business Award for Agriculture Excellence.
In 2007, Cherrie also brought pride to VSU when she was awarded as one of the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP).
She has been travelling the world as an advocate and inspirational speaker to promote her advocacy in agriculture, including global food security.
Cherrie will grace VSU’s 64th Commencement Exercises and bring inspiration to the 1,311 graduates of Class 2017 as the commencement speaker, at the VSU Upper Oval Grounds, June 14.
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