DR. MIRIAM E. Pascua, formally assumes the presidency of the Mariano Marcos State University at an investiture ceremony today, Sept. 20, at the Teatro Ilocandia.

Commissioner Nenalyn P. Defensor of the Commission on Higher Education, the newly appointed chair of MMSU’s board of regents, will present the university mace and academic medallion to the second woman president of this state university. She will be assisted by the two gentleman-vice presidents, Dr. Heraldo L. Layaoen of the administration, planning and external linkages, and Dr. Stanley C. Malab of the research, extension, and business affairs.
Earlier in the program, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Former Acting President Nancy GB. Balantac will officially welcome guests, faculty, staff, students, and friends of the university in this significant affair that will start at 3 p.m.

CHED Commissioner and Former MMSU President Saturnino M. Ocampo Jr. will take his part in the program through a salutation to the woman at the helm of the university.

Before the investiture rites, President Pascua will be formally presented to the public by Faculty Association, Inc. President and Regent Andres Y. Tungpalan.
After her investiture address which will center on developing MMSU further into an institution “where nothing but excellence is acceptable”, President Pascua will be honored through a 30-minute cultural performance dubbed, “Panagraem” – an Iluko term meaning “to honor”. Staged by the cultural arm of the Physical Education and Sports Development Office headed by Prof. Arsenio T. Gallego, “Panagraem” is a folkloric fusion-piece that brings together musical sounds in varied textures, techniques, and traditions out of vocal and instrumental modes in old and new styles blended as a theme and structure – all to salute the new helmswoman of the university.

Presidents of higher education institutions, officials of CHED, members of the board of regents, and family and friends of the president are expected to attend this special occasion that will yet mark as another important milestone in the colorful history of MMSU.