“I really wanted to be able to make VSU proud, make my parents proud and even make the Philippines proud if I can.” says Ea Kristine Clarisse B. Tulin, a BS in Chemistry student, who will march as Class 2016 Valedictorian, today, April 13, after garnering a GPA of 1.207.

Some 324 graduates from the Visayas State University (VSU) in Tolosa campus marched and received their diplomas Tuesday evening, April 12, at the VSU Tolosa grounds.

VSU Tolosa Dean Dr. Lourdes B. Cano said this year’s commencement exercises had conferred the most number of graduates by far, with 49 BS Fisheries, 50 Bachelor in Elementary Education, 56 Bachelor in Secondary Education, and 169 BS Criminology graduates.

Manilyn O. Llenares, a BS Fisheries graduate, led the Class of 2016 as magna cum laude with a GPA of 1.46. Following her lead are 24 cum laude graduates.

As commencement speaker, Victoria F. Esber, Director of the Civil Service Commission - Region VIII, commended the 2016 graduates. In her commencement address, Esber emphasized the value of character and integrity as two important keys in achieving ones goals and dreams.

 “It is the character that is tested in our first attempt of failing,” said Esber.

VSU Tolosa is the first to hold the 2016 Commencement Exercises among the four VSU satellite campuses. The Alang-alang Campus will hold its graduation on Friday, April 15, while the Villaba and Isabel campuses on April 16. The 63rd Commencement Exercises at the VSU Main Campus will be held today, April 13, at its Upper Oval grounds.