Ateneo Law School holds 77th annual commencement exercises

Last 23 July 2023, the Ateneo de Manila University School of Law held its 77^th Annual Commencement Exercises at the Hyundai Hall, Arete, Ateneo de Manila University. 166 students obtained their Juris Doctor degrees, and 5 students obtained their Master of Laws.

In his introduction of the commencement speaker, Atty Jose Maria G Hofileña, Dean of the School of Law, welcomed Honorable Associate Justice Ramon Paul L Hernando as “a beloved brother in the faculty of the Ateneo Law School.” Dean Hofileña described Justice Hernando as “…being a man of generosity willing to share his finite time and indivisible self with the future generation of leaders of this nation and with those who desperately seek justice.”

In his commencement address, Associate Justice Hernando began by expressing his appreciation for the opportunity to speak before the graduating class. He noted that one of the highlights of his teaching profession was being a faculty of the Ateneo Law School. He recognized the ability of Ateneo Law graduates citing his experience with his own staff. He congratulated the graduating class for persevering in their studies. As the Chairperson of the 2023 Bar Examinations, he reminded them to continue to be diligent in their preparations for the bar examinations.

Justice Hernando then proceeded to expound on the study and pursuit of the law. He stated the importance of the social purpose of the law. In his view, the law cannot be separated from the human element. The law has a heart, and its heart is justice, according to Justice Hernando. Beyond the bar examinations, he encouraged the graduating class to live, breathe, do, and inspire justice. At bottom, Justice Hernando explained, lawyering is a profession of compassion. He also encouraged the graduates to follow the Jesuit principle to “go where there is greater need” which would demand self-sacrifice. Justice Hernando also shared that true freedom, according to St. Ignatius, is not putting oneself at the center.

As a final note, Justice Hernando, quoting lyrics from Taylor Swift’s song, “Change”, stated that the graduating class should hold on to their faith and he will see them as champions in the 2023 bar examinations. Above all, he challenged everyone to be champions of social justice.

In his message to the graduating class, Fr Roberto C Yap SJ, University President, stated that “graduation marks the start of your work on this lifelong mission toward promoting the rule of law and a regime of truth, justice, freedom, equality, and peace.”  Fr Yap also hoped shared his hope for the Class of 2023, “…I hope that the same qualities that helped you through law school, the lessons, experiences, and values that you gained here at Ateneo Law, will be the lessons, experiences, and values that you will lean on as you walk with the poor, with the marginalized and excluded, and those whose dignity has been violated. In your mission for reconciliation and justice, allow your Ateneo education and Ignatian values to be your anchor and wellspring.”

The Commencement Program was preceded by the Baccalaureate Mass which was also held at Hyundai Hall.