The Ateneo de Zamboanga University College Admissions and Aid Office, in collaboration with the School of Liberal Arts Communications Department and the Office for Advancement, officially launched the Fr Jose T Bacatan SJ Scholarship Fund on December 6, 2024, at the College Lobby, Salvador Campus, La Purisima.
Fr Jose “Pepe” Bacatan SJ, who founded AdZU’s Communications Program in 1978, was celebrated as a visionary whose work in education and the field of communication continues to inspire. The scholarship fund honors his unwavering commitment to nurturing the next generation of Ignatian communicators, providing financial assistance to students who dare to dream despite the challenges they face.
In his keynote address, University President Fr Ernald M Andal SJ emphasized the profound purpose of the scholarship. “Scholarships are a way of really being able to provide that needed resource for our students. And truly, it could be a lifeline as we launch this Father Bacatan scholarship for Communications students,” he said. Fr Ernald also highlighted the scholarship’s aim to form students who are not only skilled communicators but also compassionate storytellers and people of integrity. “Sabi nga ni St Francis, preach God’s goodness, use words when necessary. That means using your life as the main medium of communicating this truth. And so in our school, it’s also about not just forming skills, it’s also about forming talent, becoming discerning and critical thinkers who ask the right questions and challenge assumptions. It is about being compassionate storytellers who amplify voices that often go unheard,” added Fr Ernald.
Fr Ernald concluded with a message of hope and a call to action, “I also express great hope that after this, we could truly, truly honor Fr Bacatan, not just by raising funds for scholarships, but by living on the values that he has so lived and had endeared him to so many, and have now honored him with this scholarship fund. So I wish that we could continue to cooperate, and that this would be the start of something really big for the Communications Department.”
The Director of the AdZU Admissions and Aid Office Ms Jennifer Reyes, Director of the Office of Advancement Mr Ralph Chua, Dean of the AdZU School of Liberal Arts (SLA) and Chair of Communications Department Robin De Los Reyes PhD, Director of the University Communications Office (UCO) Ms Leah Panaguiton, and a relative of Fr Bacatan Ms Khristine Rabara, were also present at the event.
In this day and age where information can be easily warped and manipulated, effective and responsible communicators are needed more than ever. Through the Fr Jose T Bacatan SJ Scholarship, young Ignatian purveyors of truth can rise and meet the challenges of the times. It symbolizes AdZU’s commitment to shaping communicators who will serve as beacons of truth and compassion, ensuring Fr Bacatan’s vision lives on.
Donors are welcome to be part of this initiative. For more information, please contact the College Admissions and Aid Office via email at admissions@adzu.edu.ph or call (062) 991-0871 local 2212.
We thank everyone for joining the event and supporting the goal to power expression and pursue excellence. More photos here— https://photos.app.goo.gl/J3pb7cXeQE35Sa6f6
