“The spirit of Ateneo, the spirit of AdZU, sustained us through those difficult more than two years. And there’s a lot to be grateful for. There’s a lot to be happy and joyful for.”
Fr Karel S San Juan, SJ, University President
For the first time since two years of strict protocols and lock-downs due to the pandemic, the Ateneo de Zamboanga University had its annual Institutional Recollection and General Convocation last Friday, September 2, 2022, 9 AM at the Multi-Purpose Covered Courts 1 (MPCC 1).
With Fr Edryan Paul J Colmenares SJ as the recollection master, everyone in attendance paused and reflected upon the past years. The COVID-19 pandemic shook us from the ground up. It is a great upheaval – the greatest of the many crises we have faced as a community. Fr Ed invited everyone to ask themselves, did we come out of the crisis better persons? What did we learn? How were we changed?
Ending the university recollection is the traditional celebration of the Holy Eucharist at around 11 AM.
The different units of AdZU proudly presented their newly appointed members and recruits during the General Convocation held in the afternoon. Everyone applauded these men and women who are now part of our growing Blue Eagle family.
Fr Karel S San Juan, SJ delivered an inspiring and rousing speech to the faculty and staff detailing the colorful journey the Ateneo has gone through since the ravages of the pandemic. From the opening of face-to-face classes to the many achievements acquired by notable offices and University units, it was a story of success and victories – hope triumphing over despair and desolation. The school also welcomed the next AdZU president, Fr Guillrey Anthony “Ernald” M Andal SJ.
The AdZU community also expressed its love to the workmates and fellow employees who have passed away. They will be remembered fondly and forever remain in everyone’s hearts.
The event culminated in the community singing of El Animo Ateneo – AdZU’s battle hymn and charging cry. With this, we look forward to another school year full of possibility and promise. Let us all face the future together – with Animo Ateno and the soul of magis, and cura personalis.
