The Visayas State University Tolosa (VSU Tolosa) has once again proven its academic excellence by retaining its status as the top criminology school in the whole Eastern Visayas region by garnering an impressive 72.79% passing percentage in the July 2024 Criminologists Licensure Examination (CLE).

This rating eclipses the national passing percentage of 49.34% with VSU Tolosa producing a total of 99 licensed criminologists for this recent board examination propelling the university as the top-performing school in the region under Category A with more than 100 takers.

The regional chapter of the Philippine Criminologist Association of the Philippines (PCAP) Integrated Professional Organization in Eastern Visayas has recently monitored the school performance of universities and colleges offering the Bachelor of Science in Criminology (BSCrim) program. This is the second year that VSU Tolosa has been hailed as the top-performing criminology school in Region 8.

Dr. Quenstein D. Lauzon, the Chancellor of VSU Tolosa attributes this success to the dedicated faculty of the Department of Criminology who continue to push for innovations to improve the delivery of instruction to the growing number of students enrolled in the BSCrim program.

"Our faculty members are not just educators; they are mentors who guide our students every step of the way. They also ensure that our curriculum is up-to-date with the latest developments in criminology, and provide students with the hands-on experience they need to excel in their chosen careers," Chancellor Lauzon said.

This success of VSU Tolosa in the July 2024 CLE proves the determination and resilience of its students. As VSU Tolosa continues to uphold its status as the top criminology school in Eastern Visayas, it sets a high standard for academic excellence and professional preparedness. 

The university’s remarkable performance in the CLE not only brings pride to the institution but also strengthens its position as a premier choice for aspiring criminologists in the region.

VSU Tolosa’s second board topnotcher and his story of resilience, faith, and triumph

In a momentous achievement that brought pride to VSU Tolosa, Mr. Ryan Christopher Lim who hails from Mayorga, Leyte has secured the 7th spot in the July 2024 Criminologists Licensure Examination (CLE) after obtaining a rating of 90.95%. 

This is the highest rating obtained by a #ProudViscan in the history of criminology board examination.

This remarkable feat is not just a testament to his academic prowess but also reflects a story of unyielding determination, unwavering faith, and the ability to rise above life’s adversities.

Born into a broken family setup, Ryan's life was far from easy. The challenges of growing up in a fractured household could have easily deterred his dreams, but Ryan refused to let his circumstances define his future. 

Instead, he used these hardships as fuel to work harder, dream bigger, and aim higher. His journey from a young boy with a difficult past to a topnotcher in one of the country’s most subscribed board exams is nothing short of inspirational. For the July 2024 CLE, only 11,121 passed the exam out of 22,539 takers nationwide.

Despite his personal circumstances, Ryan excelled academically, graduating Magna Cum Laude from VSU Tolosa with a degree in criminology in July 2023. His academic achievements were not merely the result of natural talent but were borne out of countless hours of study, tireless dedication, and a clear vision for his future. 

But this young topnotcher revealed that he was not academically inclined in his younger years until he was challenged by one of his relatives. 

"Growing up, I’m not like my cousins who were excelling in school. I was just a regular student who was filled with so much mischief back in the days. But one relative challenged me one day when he confronted me about not being able to obtain academic honors in school. That was my turning point that made me realize that I should change my ways in college and do something to perform well in my academics," Ryan shared.

Central to Ryan’s success was his deep and unceasing faith in God. Throughout his academic journey, he constantly turned to prayer, drawing strength and guidance from his beliefs. 

"My faith kept me grounded. No matter how tough things got, I always believed that God had a plan for me. I just had to do my part and trust in His timing. In my daily reviews that lasted for more than 12 hours daily, I start my day with a prayer to be able to absorb all the things I’m reading and end my day also with prayer," he said.

Ryan's path to success was marked by meticulous goal-setting. From the very beginning, he knew he wanted to excel not only for himself but also to bring honor to his university and serve as an inspiration to others facing similar challenges as he did. 

His drive to top the board exams was not just about personal achievement as he saw it as a means to prove that with the right mindset, determination, and faith, nothing is impossible.

His story is a powerful reminder that no matter the odds, success is within reach for those who are willing to work hard, stay true to their values, and keep their eyes on the prize. As he steps into his future as a licensed criminologist, Ryan serves as a beacon of hope and a role model for resilience to his fellow #ProudViscans.

“To my fellow #ProudViscans who are preparing for your board exam, set your goals properly, work on a routine, and build the discipline that will allow you to excel. It is only in this way that you will pass the boards with flying colors,” the criminology topnotcher concluded.

For VSU Tolosa, Ryan’s accomplishment is a shining example of what the university stands for: nurturing individuals who are not only academically excellent but also equipped with the strength of character to overcome life’s greatest challenges. 

As Ryan Christopher Lim continues to set his goals and pursue them with the same dedication and faith, there is no doubt that he will achieve even greater heights, inspiring many more along the way.

VSU President Prof. Dr. Prose Ivy G. Yepes expressed her deep congratulations to VSU Tolosa for continuing the brand of excellence that every #ProudViscan should imbibe as we chart new opportunities for the next century of the university.

“I’m happy that we’re retaining our top status as the best criminology school in the region. Let's continue to push this further so that we can elevate VSU Tolosa as the best criminology school in the country. I’m also grateful to Mr.Ryan Christopher Lim for topping the boards and may you be an inspiration for many #ProudViscans so that they too can bring honor and glory to our beloved VSU,” President Yepes said.

The VSU criminology program is a young department that started as an experiment on the campus in late 2000 as part of its quest to expand its curricular offerings and attract more students especially since there is a growing demand for criminology in the whole Eastern Visayas region.

[This article aligns with Sustainable Development Goals: No. 4 (Quality Education) and No. 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).]

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