On a day steeped in tradition and celebration, 23 March 2024 was filled with anticipation and pride as the Convocation and Conferment of the Juris Doctor Degree took center stage at the Fr. Francis Gevers Hall in Saint Louis University (SLU). The solemnity organized by the SLU SOL Alumni Association marked not only the achievements of the Law graduates but also honored the esteemed legacy of the SLU School of Law, commemorating its 70th anniversary.
The event commenced with a processional, accompanied by the entry of colors, setting a tone of solemnity and reverence. The SLU Glee Club, invoking a sense of harmony and inspiration, delivered the invocation followed by the national anthem.
As the audience settled, Dr. Felina P. Espique, the SLU Vice President for Academic Affairs, presented the distinguished Juris Doctor graduates. Each graduate’s journey symbolizes perseverance, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence, reflecting the core values instilled by SLU.
The highlight of the event was the Conferment of the Juris Doctor Degree, a pivotal moment for the graduates as they transitioned from Bachelor of Laws (LLB) graduates into becoming Juris Doctor (JD) degree holders. This is pursuant to the Legal Education Board’s Memorandum Order No. 19, Series of 2018, which ushered in a transformative change, removing the distinction between LL.B. and J.D. degrees in the Philippines. This Resolution adopted the “Juris Doctor” degree as the universal degree for all graduates of the basic law course in the country.
Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, CICM, PhD, esteemed President of SLU, led the ceremony, accompanied by Dr. Espique and Atty. Jerico G. Gay-ya, the Dean of the School of Law. As each degree was bestowed, a sense of accomplishment and pride radiated throughout the hall, marking the culmination of years of rigorous study and preparation.
Following the Conferment, Atty. Shellah Yzanne P. Merced, the Vice President for Administration of SLU, led the graduates in the Pledge of Loyalty, emphasizing their commitment to uphold the values of their alma mater. This was shortly followed by the Alumni Oath of Allegiance, led by John Paul A. Martin, Treasurer of the SLU Law Alumni Association.
The event transitioned seamlessly into the 70th Anniversary Celebration of the School of Law, a momentous milestone that underscored decades of excellence in legal education.
Fr. Sales reflected on the school’s rich history and its enduring commitment to shaping future generations of principled legal practitioners. “As a Catholic University, Saint Louis University has always pursued academic greatness that never forgets good virtues; hence, our core— Missio et Excellentia. This, I believe, is among the things that sets our School of Law apart from other universities offering the law degree,” Fr. Sales said. “We underscore on our students to study well, to pass and even ace the Bar exams, but we also remind them to aspire to become genuine Louisian lawyers like you. Lawyers who, after obtaining excellent legal education and holistic Christian formation, become dedicated to the service of the community and to playing a part in nation-building— by conscientiously and courageously working for justice and the rule of law.”
Atty. Socrates A. Padua, President of the SLU Law Alumni Association, echoed his sentiment, emphasizing the profound impact of the school on its alumni and the legal community at large as he welcomed the new Louisian Juris Doctors, saying, “As we celebrate a new name to the Law Degree we all toil to achieve, we look back to the remarkable 70 years of SLU School of Law…The School of Law, true to its mission, is dedicated to providing not just exceptional legal education but also to nurturing Christian, ethical, and competent professionals,” he added.
The event further honored the legacy of the SLU School of Law with a moving message from Retired Judge Iluminada P. Cabato, a distinguished alumna from the Class of 1979, the event’s guest speaker. As she shared her experiences as a law student, she affirmed that there is no better way to celebrate the 70th year of SOL than a homecoming of its beloved Alumni. Ret. Judge Cabato said that this is a perfect avenue to “recollect the milestones of our alma mater, to reminisce our experiences as then students, to renew ties with our classmates, friends, and professors, and to establish linkage with our fellow alumni.” Her words resonated with the new Juris Doctors, serving as a testament to the enduring values and principles instilled by their alma mater.
The ceremony concluded with the recognition of former deans, bar topnotchers, exemplary bar passers, distinguished alumni, and batch jubilarians, underscoring the collective achievements and contributions of the SLU legal community.
Former Deans
Dean Francisco Reyes
Dean Frederico Cabato
Dean Felix Claustro
Dean Galo Reyes
Dean Edgar M. Avilla
Dean Ceasar G. Oracion
Dean Hilario Justino F. Morales
Dean Jason R. Barlis
Dean Lilybeth T. Sindayen-Libiran
Dean Christine Angelica B. Elveña
Dean Jerico G. Gay-ya
Bar Topnotchers
Atty. Silvina Q. Mamaril-Roxas (10th Place 1988 Bar)
Atty. Nadia Christine L. Mendiguarin (15th Place 2017 Bar)
Atty. Anton Luis A. Avila (8th PLace 2019 Bar)
Atty. Eric P. Exiomo (18th Place 2022 Bar)
Exemplary Passers (2020-2021 Bar Exams)
Atty. Eric Karl Nicholas M. Aguilar
Atty. Michael Vincent A. Bautista
Atty. Elijah Roland A. Cosalan
Atty. Johanne Margarette R. Macob
Atty. Joanne Vhale C. Milan
Atty. Charlene Joy W. Millares
Atty. Deborah Micah O. Perez
Atty. Joan D. Tamayo
Atty. Victoriano III R. Torio
Distinguished Alumni
Atty. Maria Lulu G. Reyes
Atty. Mary Inglay Capuyan-Fokno
Atty. Elmer O. Datuin
As the event ended, graduates and guests alike gathered for pictorials at the Giant Steps with NAVI, the official mascot of SLU, capturing memories of a day marked by achievement, tradition, and enduring spirit of Saint Louis University. (Article by Rita Mae Lopez, UIO Intern | Photos by EJ Doña and Justhine Plana, UIO Interns)
