242 MMSU graduate school, medicine, and law graduands receive hoods ahead of commencement rites
By Jareason Fabre
In a solemn rite symbolizing the transition from student to scholar and professional, 242 graduate school, medicine, and law students of Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) received their academic hoods this morning, June 10, at Teatro Ilocandia. The Hooding Ceremony was held ahead of the university’s 48th Commencement Exercises.
The ceremony was preceded by a Baccalaureate Mass, bringing together graduates, university officials, faculty members, and families in prayer and thanksgiving for the completion of their academic journey.
Of the 242 graduate and professional students, 182 were from the Graduate School, 44 from the College of Medicine, and 16 from the College of Law, marking their successful completion of advanced and professional studies and their readiness to join their respective scholarly communities.
University officials, led by MMSU President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano, Jr., members of the Academic Council, faculty advisers, families, and guests gathered to celebrate the graduates' achievements.
A time-honored academic tradition, the donning of the hood represents the culmination of years of rigorous study, research, and professional preparation. During the rite, each graduate receives an academic hood from their adviser or program chairs, signifying their formal transition into a community of scholars and professionals committed to advancing knowledge and serving society.
The College of Law conferred degrees on 16 Juris Doctor graduates, while the College of Medicine conferred degrees on 44 Doctor of Medicine graduates, as they begin their professional practice and service.
The Graduate School produced 35 doctoral graduates, composed of 13 Doctor of Philosophy in Linguistics, one Doctor of Philosophy in Rural Development, and 21 Doctor of Education degree holders.
Master’s degree graduates came from a wide range of specializations. In the Master of Arts in Education program, there were 24 major in Social Studies, 15 in Technical-Vocational Education, nine in Educational Management, eight in Science Education, eight in MSEPP/MSEPPK/PEHM, seven in Physics, six in Biology, six in Language and Literature, three in Special Education, two in Early Childhood Education, and two in Wika at Panitikan.
Other graduates included 10 in Mathematics, one in Ilokano Studies, and one in Library and Information Management.
In other graduate programs, there were 13 Master in Health Care Management graduates, seven in Master in Management (Strategic Management), four in Master of Arts in Public Administration, four in Master of Science in Biology, four in Master in Information Technology, three in Master in Management (Financial Management), three in Professional Science Masters in Renewable Energy Engineering, two in Master of Arts in Nursing major in Medical and Surgical Nursing, and one in Master of Science in Rural Development.
In an interview, Graduate School Dean Dr. Doreen Domingo said this year’s batch is the largest so far. She encouraged the graduates to wear their hoods as a symbol of their achievement and as a reminder to continue their studies and use what they have learned to serve the people and the country.
College of Law Dean Brian Jay Corpuz and College of Medicine Dean Patrick Peralta also expressed pride in their graduates, saying they are ready to take on the challenges of the legal and medical professions.
President Manzano likewise congratulated the graduates for their hard work that led them to the ceremony, saying their success reflects the university’s mission of producing competent professionals, transformative leaders, and responsible citizens. He encouraged them to be the best in their fields, doctors who care for and heal those in need, lawyers who stand for justice, and scholars who continue meaningful work and research that truly serve the people.
The 242 graduates will formally receive their degrees later today during the 48th Commencement Exercises at the MMSU Sunken Garden.
Jun, 10, 2026 05:44:pm
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