Appointment of Dr Benjamin Gerardo T Tolosa Jr as Vice President for Mission Integration (Memo U2324-069)

Dr Tolosa is no stranger to the Ateneo community. Having worked and taught in the University since 1983, Benjie brings with him a wealth of experience as a seasoned faculty and administrator steeped in Jesuit tradition and Ignatian values. Benjie is Professor of Political Science, Development Studies, and Economics. Since 2016, he has served the University as Associate Dean for the Core Curriculum overseeing the development, implementation, and evaluation of the undergraduate core curriculum – the heart of Ateneo Education. The new curriculum incorporated the changes brought about by the K-12 basic education reform and the new requirements of the revised CHED General Education (GE) curriculum, while ensuring the distinctive Ignatian character of Ateneo education in its curricular framework and integrated formation program. Dr Tolosa was chair of the Political Science Department (2001-2007), and founding Director of the Development Studies Program (1987-1994). He was also a Senior Fellow and Project Director of the Pugadlawin Political Education and Engagement for Democratization Project of the Ateneo School of Government (2008-2015). Among his fields of interest in teaching are international political economy, global governance, and the politics of development.

Benjie holds a PhD in Political Science from the University of Minnesota, US (2001), an MA in Development Studies from the University of East Anglia, UK (1987), and an AB in Economics (Honors Program), Magna Cum Laude, from Ateneo de Manila University (1983). 

While assuming his new post as VPMI, Benjie will continue to serve as Associate Dean for the Core Curriculum until the end of his term on 31 May 2024, to help facilitate the transition to the new University structures. 

On behalf of Ateneo de Manila, I would like to thank Benjie for his availability and generosity in assuming this important responsibility of leadership.

Under the supervision of the President, the Vice President for Mission Integration is primarily responsible for instilling, nourishing, and promoting the core values and principles of Ateneo de Manila University, as embodied in the teachings of St Ignatius of Loyola and the Society of Jesus, among members of the Ateneo community.

In promoting and developing a thriving culture based on Ignatian Spirituality and its integral component of generous service to God and to society, the Vice President for Mission Integration shall be responsible and accountable for:

1. the holistic formation of the members of the Ateneo community in the following aspects of development and formation: spiritual, psychological, social and physical; and,
2. ensuring that the University stays faithful to its mission of rendering meaningful service to society.

We take this opportunity to express our gratitude to Dr Leland Joseph R dela Cruz for guiding the Mission Integration (MI) cluster as Officer-in-Charge since August 2023, and to the late Mr Rizalino D Rivera for shepherding the MI cluster during the nascent stage of its development.

I would also like to thank the Search Committee for their dedication and thorough conduct of the search process: Fr Roberto Exequiel N Rivera SJ (Chair), Fr Joaquin Jose Mari C Sumpaico III SJ, Dr Edna P Franco, Mr Rene Salvador R San Andres, Atty Giovanni F Vallente, and the Office of Human Resource Management and Organization Development which provided the secretariat services.

Let us support our new Vice President for Mission Integration with our cooperation and prayers.