LPU Confers Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa on Chief Justice Gesmundo
October 12, 2023
Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo receives the Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa, from the Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU), represented by Atty. Roberto P. Laurel (left) University President, and assisted by Ms. Devy M. Galang (right) University Registrar Director, Teaching and Learning Innovation Center, during LPU’s 71st Commencement Exercises at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City on October 12, 2023. (Courtesy of the Supreme Court Public Information Office)
Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo is conferred a Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa, by the Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) during the University’s 71st Commencement Exercises held today at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.
“While, modesty aside, I had been conferred such degree by other universities, nothing would compare in joy and honor to receiving one from my alma mater, our alma mater, which has not only given me an education, but also molded to who I am today,” the Chief Justice shared. He also took the opportunity to thank the Lycean community: “Sa inyong lahat, ang aking buong-pusong pasasalamat—kasabay ng aking pangako na pagsisikapan kong maging karapat-dapat sa napakalaking karangalang ito.”
Chief Justice Gesmundo earned his Bachelor of Science in Economics degree from LPU in 1977. In 2007, the LPU named him as its Outstanding Alumnus.
Speaking before his batchmates through this honorary degree, from the College of Arts and Sciences, College of International Relations, College of International Tourism and Hospitality Management, Juris Doctor, Graduate Studies, and Expanded Tertiary Education and Equivalency Program, the Chief Justice also shared this reminder to the graduates: to see these things and not try to help is reprehensible and to accept the world as it is and not try to change it for the better is just cowardly.
He added: “Like me, you will find, after leaving LPU, that bigger challenges, higher stakes, and harder paths await—but with the values instilled in us by our alma mater–gratitude and humility; honesty and trustworthiness; patience and perseverance; respect and kindness; and a deep and abiding sense of social responsibility, guided by the compass of doing all things Pro Deo et Patria, you will never lose your way.”
Lastly, Chief Justice Gesmundo also called out the law graduates present: “As you prepare for life in the legal profession, I would like to emphasize the very first lesson that is taught in law school: that lawyering is service. It is a service to others in need of justice. It is a service to others in search of truth. While lawyering will certainly not leave you penniless, money is not its end. Its ultimate goal has always been, and will always be, public service and the administration of justice.”
Joining the Chief Justice were Associate Justices Rodil V. Zalameda, Samuel H. Gaerlan, Ricardo R. Rosario, Jhosep Y. Lopez, and Jose Midas P. Marquez.
The LPU honorary degree is the fourth to be conferred on the Chief Justice. Chief Justice Gesmundo has received honorary doctorate degrees from the Philippine Christian University, Manuel L, Quezon University School of Law, and the Centro Escolar University. (Courtesy of the SC Public Information Office)
Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo delivers the Commencement Address during the 71st Commencement Exercises of the Lyceum of the Philippines University at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City on October 11, 2023. (Courtesy of the Supreme Court Public Information Office)
Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo addresses all the graduates of the Lyceum of the Philippines University during its 71st Commencement Exercises at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City on October 11, 2023. (Courtesy of the Supreme Court Public Information Office)
