“I invite you, our AdZU community, and those who believe in what we do: uphold the principles guiding our educational mission: education as common good, education for social change, and education for solidarity and kinship.”
Excerpt from Fr Guillrey Anthony “Ernald” M Andal, SJ’s speech during the Investiture ceremony
We greet this most wondrous day with much jubilation and exaltation.
The Ateneo de Zamboanga University gathered as one family to bear witness to another pivotal point in the school’s history. We usher in a new era and officially welcome Fr Guillrey Anthony “Ernald” M Andal of the Society of Jesus as the 5th University President.
The Academic Convocation for Fr Andal’s Investiture into this most important post was initiated with a special Eucharistic Celebration earlier today, June 18, 2023, 3 PM at the University Church of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Salvador Campus, La Purisima. The Zamboanga City Auxiliary Bishop Moises M Cuevas officiated the Mass with the past AdZU Jesuit presidents and other members of the clergy in attendance.
Following this was the official proceedings of the ceremony starting with a processional march of the event’s most important personalities. Mr Pedro Rufo Soliven, Chair of the AdZU Board of Trustees together with the previous University President Fr Karel S San Juan, SJ symbolically turned over the University Mace to Fr Andal. Thereafter, the presentation of the Presidential Medallion was conducted by the Very Reverend Father Primitivo E Viray, Superior of the Philippine Province of the Society of Jesus with the assistance of Fr Andal’s parents, Dr Reynaldo Andal and Dr Erlinda Andal.
Formally introducing AdZU’s new president was Reverend Father Joel E Tabora, SJ, President of Ateneo de Davao University and closing the event with his forwarding message was Father Arnel T Ong, SJ.
Reception was held 6 PM, at the Multi-Purpose Covered Courts 1 (MPCC 1).
The AdZU Community offers its full support to Fr Andal as he enters this brand-new chapter in his Jesuit mission. We will be with you every step of the way and graciously shelter you as your new home for the coming years. There is much hope and excitement to the future exploits of the administration under your leadership.
We also thank all who came to share in this momentous celebration – to Fr Ernald’s family and friends and to all our special guests and dignitaries.
May the flame of animo and the grace of God the Almighty bless your efforts and fuel your resolve, Fr Ernald. The love of the AdZU Community is always here to empower and strengthen you. Rest assured that we truly will take care of each other.
