Lethbridge Polytechnic Names Mary Lou Masculino Valedictorian for Fall 2025

Mary Lou Masculino has been announced as the valedictorian for the Fall 2025 graduating class at Lethbridge Polytechnic. The Computer Information Technology (CIT) student expressed her surprise and gratitude upon receiving this recognition, describing the moment as “surreal.”

In a meeting with Registrar Marko Hilgersom, Masculino learned about her achievement, saying, “At the back of my mind, I kept asking myself if I was understanding the situation correctly. It was such an unexpected and amazing honour.”

Background and Academic Journey

Originally from the Philippines, Masculino moved to Lethbridge in July 2023 as an international student. She previously worked in IT audit and compliance and decided to return to school to strengthen her foundational skills in technology.

Masculino highlighted the practical aspects of her studies, stating, “For me, it struck the right balance between lectures and hands-on laboratory sessions. Getting to work directly with computers, routers, firewalls, and more helped bridge the gap between theory and real-world application.” This hands-on experience, she believes, has prepared her and her classmates for their future careers.

Recognition and Future Plans

Timothy Frantz, a CIT instructor and the individual who nominated her for valedictorian, praised Masculino’s dedication and professionalism. “Mary Lou was a leader in the classroom. She was seldom vocal, but her example of attention to detail and delivering more than asked for inspired her classmates,” he said. Her commitment to excellence has set a high standard for her 71 peers.

In addition to her studies, Masculino serves as a research assistant in the University of Lethbridge’s Department of Neuroscience. Following her graduation, she plans to return to the IT audit and compliance field and is considering pursuing further industry certifications.

Masculino will lead the procession of graduates and deliver a speech at the Lethbridge Polytechnic Convocation Ceremony, scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 18, 2025. This event marks a significant milestone in her academic journey and showcases her accomplishments in the field of technology.