The three-day homecoming of ADZU was a huge success. The homecoming gets even better since this year’s edition gathered close to 4,000 alumni from all over the world who came and took part in the activities slated for the grand celebration.
Last year’s Jubilarian and Honorees were the graduates from the Grade School, High School and College batches of 1951 (Diamond), 1956, 1961 (Golden), 1966, 1971 (Ruby), 1976, 1981 (Silver), 1991, 1996, 2001 and 2006.
The three-day celebration started off at 6:00 in the morning of December 2 with a golf tournament at the Zamboanga Golf Beach and Country Club. This was in partnership with the Siu Hua Yu Memorial/Pan Kada Dia Feeding program of the Office of Scholarships while the registration was simultaneously done at the Fr. Eusebio Salvador, SJ campus of the Ateneo de Zamboanga University and its grade school grounds. It was followed by a Mass with Rev Fr Chito Araneta as the main celebrant and concelebrated by ADZU president, Fr Antonio F Moreno SJ. During the Mass, Fr Araneta shared his experiences and moments while studying in the university.
Meanwhile, the torch parade proved to be one of the highlights of the grand homecoming followed by the fellowship night held at the backfield of the university grounds. The fellowship night is the biggest annual gathering event where the alumni, faculty, staff, guests and students converge to celebrate the spirit of the Ateneo. Entertainment was provided with a song rendition from the High School Jubilarians who also sponsored the fireworks display.
Then it was the awards ceremony which was held on the second day of the homecoming where the exemplary achievements of our alumni were given recognition. It was held at the LRC garden.
The Blue and White Ball which was held on Sunday, December 3 marked the culmination of the 3-day affair where the alumni and guests were in their formal attire. The ADZU concert band serenaded the guests through their song rendition from the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. The oath-taking of the newly elected officers was also held.
