BUCL’s ‘Super Seven’ make history as pioneer JD graduates
In another historical milestone for Bicol University, the College of Law produced its inaugural Juris Doctor (J.D.) graduates, with seven exceptional students who emerged as trailblazers and earned the moniker ‘Super Seven’.
The journey of the ‘Super Seven’ has been nothing short of extraordinary. In her response during the recognition ceremony, Maria Feona Imperial, the batch valedictorian, shared an inspiring message that a good lawyer will always champion what is right and just.
“For us to make prudent use of such space to pursue what is right and just. And, when there is no such space, may we strive to carve it out—especially for those who are not as lucky to have been born with this privilege of choosing,” she said.
She was also a recipient of the Pillar of Scholarship Award, the Pillar of Leadership Award, the Pillar of Service Award, and the Pillar of Character and Meritorious Award.
Joining her in the Super Seven were Monica A. Calleja, Shiela Marie M. Gonzales, Don Don D. Nopre, Andre Maurice S. Rey, April Jane A. Moral, and Suzene T. Cajegas.
Aquende promises 100k reward to a ‘Super Seven’ bar topnotcher
In his words of gratitude as the outgoing BUCL Dean, Atty. Hardy B. Aquende pledged one hundred thousand pesos to any of the graduates who would top the bar exams this year.
In his Facebook post, the founding dean also expressed his gratitude for serving the university.
“It’s been truly a great honor leading the College from its birth in 2019, working in partnership with the outstanding and very distinguished law faculty, and caring for the first 4 batches of excellent BUCL students. What a wonderful 8 years (4 as Board of Regents and 4 as Founding Law Dean) at Bicol University!” he wrote.
Bartolata appointed as new BUCL Dean
In his acceptance speech, Atty. Joseph L. Bartolata said that accepting the role as the new BUCL Dean is an opportunity. He acknowledged the significance of the position, recognizing the need to reflect, improve, and sustain best practices, introduce innovations, and pursue quality legal education.
“The task of producing lawyers for humanity is a journey that will never end,” Bartolata stated, humbly accepting the designation as the new dean.
Guests, BU officials convene on 1st BUCL recognition rites
Atty. Norly P. Reyes, Vice President for Administration and Finance gave a welcome remark explaining the significance of the day’s triduum events. Hon. Catherine T. Manahan, the Associate Justice of the Court of Appeals served as the Guest Speaker. Dr. Baby Boy Benjamin D. Nebres III, BU President gave a message that served as a challenge to the pioneer batch. The other officials present were Dr. Ma. Julieta B. Borres, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Atty. Alex B. Nepomuceno, Dean of the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy and founding faculty; Atty. Ledilla Lilibeth H. Llagas, one of the Founding Faculty Members of BUCL; including Dr. Arnulfo M. Mascariñas, the 8th President and now Professor Emeritus, who advocated and pushed for the establishment of the BUCL.
The event was facilitated by Howard Tuanqui, a JD 4 student. | by Arnold C. Noda, MPS-1 BUCPRO
Photos by Julia Mae Mendez, CPRO Affiliate