Through the efforts of Mr. Gilbert Laxamana, an alumnus of both Ateneo de Zamboanga University Batch 1975 (Grade School) and Adamson University, a special connection was made between the two institutions. Mr. Laxamana, who is celebrating his Golden Jubilee this year, helped facilitate a benchmarking visit last April 25, 2025. Accompanied by the Adamson University’s Director of Office for Institutional Advancement, Dr. Eva A. Dulay, they graced their humble visit at the Ateneo de Zamboanga University to meet with the Alumni and Career Excellence Office Director Mr. Conrado “Shing” Balatbat to discuss the best practices that AdZU has been implementing for alumni engagement.
Prior to the benchmarking activity, the administrators and directors of Adamson University paid a courtesy visit to Fr. Rene Tacastacas, SJ, Vice President for Higher Education, who was the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) at the time, to formally express their intent and appreciation for the collaborative engagement
Following this, the benchmarking session took place, where both directors exchanged ideas, sparking mutual interest and a shared eagerness to learn effective strategies for making alumni engagement more dynamic and engaging. Dr. Dulay shared her experiences from both national and international efforts to establish alumni charter groups. Her sustained interest in AdZU’s innovative alumni engagement practices was evident as Mr. Balatbat guided her through the university’s key accomplishments, best practices, and ongoing initiatives in alumni relations.
Accompanying Dr. Eva Dulay was Fr. Rowen Z. Carlos, CM, Director of Integrated Community Extension Services at Adamson University, who took a particular interest in AdZU’s community development and service efforts, engaging in meaningful discussions with both the AdZU Advancement Office and the Center for Community Extension Services.
This engagement highlights the importance of building networks and sharing best practices, fostering not only rapport and meaningful connections but also a collective vision centered on unity and active participation.
