Ateneo Law School holds Special Academic Convocations for Class of 2020 and 2021

When the Class of 2020 and 2021 were conferred with their academic degrees in online conferment ceremonies held last July 2020 and July 2021 respectively, the ALS administration promised that, as soon as circumstance would allow, actual physical ceremonies will be held. After all, it would only be fitting to fully celebrate the culmination of the law school years.

And so, on April 3 and 10, 2022, following health and safety protocols, the ALS held Special Academic Convocations for the Class of 2020 and 2021. The graduates were able to wear their academic regalia, come up the stage and be given their due recognition.

Echoing what Fr. Jose Ramon Villarin, S.J., former University President who had given the Commencement Address for Class of 2020, Fr. Roberto Yap, S.J., University President, reminded the graduates, “Magpakatao bago magpaka-abogado, magpakatao habang nagpapaka-abogado”. In treating the profession as a vocation, he called on the graduates to be champions for human dignity and the common good. Vice President John Paul Vergara reiterated as much when he reminded the Class of 2021 that each of them has the opportunity to positively impact the lives of people.

The Class of 2020 and 2021, according to Dean Jose Maria Hofileña, have learned to wait. They waited to be able to take the bar examinations which were postponed several times. They waited to be able to physically receive their hard-earned diplomas. And it was fitting that they be celebrated in these ceremonies.

Indeed, there is much to be grateful and hopeful for the Class of 2020 and 2021.

Class of 2020 Special Academic Convocation - https://www.facebook.com/ateneolawSC/videos/2146460372196559/

Class of 2021 Special Academic Convocation - https://www.facebook.com/ateneolawSC/videos/399999631601378/