Alicia Anne B. Lantican, BS Biology major in Genetics, will  deliver the valedictory address during the CAS Testimonial Program on June 20, 2018 at D.L. Umali Freedom Park. She is graduating as the college valedictorian with a GWA of 1.2417.

A consistent topnotcher in her batch during her four years in UPLB, Alicia, received the Outstanding Student Award year after year from both the CAS and the Institute of Biological Sciences (IBS). She was awarded the Academic Excellence in the Biological Sciences honors given by the Phi Sigma Society Alpha Chi Chapter of UP on April 2, 2018 and became its member on May 12, 2018. Earlier, she was inducted as a member of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society UP Chapter on May 22, 2017.

Supervised by Dr. Maria Genaleen Q. Diaz, she worked on her undergraduate thesis titled “Differential Gene Expression of ASIL1, BHLH95 and E2F2 Transcription Factors in Developing Endosperms of Normal Makapuno and Lono Coconuts (Cocos nucifera L.).”

Born and raised in Batong Malake, Los Baños, Alicia is the youngest of two children of   Emmanuel S. Lantican and Nacita Biagtan Lantican. Her mother is a professor in microbiology at IBS, while her father is a cardiologist in different hospitals in Laguna such as Los Baǹos Doctors Hospital, Calamba Medical Center, and Healthserv Los Baǹos Medical Center.

Alicia qualified to various schools of medicine including UP College of Medicine, St. Luke’s College of Medicine with full scholarship, and De La Salle Health Sciences Institute with Dean’s Scholarship Award. She plans to pursue her Doctor of Medicine degree at UP College of Medicine.

In elementary, she graduated with honors at Morning Star Montessori School, Inc. and, in secondary level at UP Rural High School, as salutatorian. Aside from academics, Alicia also engaged in sport activities such as joining the UPLB Women’s Volleyball Team in the second semester of AY 2017-2018. Her hobbies include listening to KPOP like SHINee and Girls Generation and watching Youtubers such as Marzia and Simon and Martina.

“I would describe my stay in UPLB as unforgettable,” she said. “I learned and experienced knowledge, beyond the scope of the classroom, from great professors. I formed connections and memories with valuable people. I could work with other talented people and create something amazing together.”

She added: “And that the things we create should not be just for ourselves but for the world to see. Learning that I could use my skills, talents and knowledge for a purpose greater than my own made my stay in UPLB worthwhile.” ■