05 November 2013
MEMO TO: THE ADZU COMMUNITY
RE: WELCOME TO THE SECOND SEMESTER!
Thank you for your warm welcome as I started my term as your new President last October 7, 2013. I would like to thank Fr. Willy Samson, SJ, who served as University Officer-In-Charge President from June to October 2013. Thank you, Fr. Willy, for your generous, strong, and inspiring leadership of the AdZU these past challenging months.
We know that such challenges continue. The weeks in September when our city was subjected to violent conflict and massive destruction are still fresh in our minds and hearts. The heavy rains and floods this early October caused another major disruption. Many AdZU families were affected. People are still recovering from the terrible stress and trauma of this dual calamity. The city is in the middle of a tremendous process of rebuilding and recovery. Many households are still displaced, waiting to rebuild their homes. Many still need our help in healing, in restoring hope and trust in each other, in early recovery.
AdZU’s response to this crisis has been laudable. Hundreds of volunteers braved the conflict and helped in emergency relief operations. We salute you! We have cooperated well with adjustments in learning and teaching through alternative classes. AdZU continues to be of service to the city and the community in the rehabilitation process. Many of us have dedicated a lot of time and energy for all these. We thank everyone who gave much of themselves. You live out our school’s spirit of Magis and service to society.
As we respond outside, we shall continue our work in the University with greater focus and commitment. To do so is to generate the hope we need to move forward. We shall continue to pursue our goals of academic excellence, institutional strength, integrated spirituality, and engaged citizenship, with renewed energy and spirit. We shall also work together to keep our campuses safe and secure.
We therefore unite once again as a community, animating the great spirit of hope, for our city, for our people, in the service of God, AMDG. Animo Ateneo! Animo Zamboanga! Welcome back to your home! Welcome back to Ateneo!
Karel S San Juan, SJ
University President
Memo: 13-14:37
