Ateneans, Jesuits from all over the Philippines, guests, friends, and family gathered to officially welcome the 4th president of the Ateneo de Zamboanga University, Fr Karel Santos San Juan SJ on November 23, 2013 at the University Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the Fr Eusebio Salvador SJ Campus.
In attendance were Honorable Patricia B Licuanan PhD, chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education, officials of the Zamboanga City government headed by Mayor Maria Isabelle C Climaco-Salazar, Provincial Superior of the Philippine Province of the Society of Jesus, Fr Antonio F Moreno SJ, and ADZU Board of Trustees under the leadership of by Engr Efren Y Wee D Eng. Also present were the former presidents of the university Fr Ernie Carretero SJ and Fr William Kreutz. Fr Karel’s mother, Mrs Hermina S San Juan during the ceremony.
In his Inaugural Address Fr Karel identified three strategic thrusts for the university – building a stronger Ateneo through institutional excellence, forming a stronger city and nation through engaged citizenship, and realizing a stronger Ateneo community values and spirituality through integrated formation. In partnership with Ateneo’s lay administrators, young faculty and staff members, and its eager student leaders, the new president shall focus on three ways of proceeding: stability, creativity, and leadership.
Inspired by the vision of Pro Deo et Patria, Fr Karel expressed his excitement for the new task that lay ahead of him, which he accepted in faith and obedience. As the Ateneo de Zamboanga University forges ahead beyond its one hundred years of existence, we continue to serve the Filipinos in this part of the country through leadership by partnership in the service of God and country.
{xtypo_download}Investiture Souvenirs Program (pdf){/xtypo_download}
