45th University Service Awards: Celebrating Milestones in Service (Part 2)

On 23 March 2023, the University will hold the 45th University Service Awards at the Ateneo High School Covered Courts, honoring 471 employees. 

In a 4-part feature, we asked some of this year’s awardees to answer three questions:

What made you stay in Ateneo?

What are you most thankful for as an employee at the University?

How would you describe the Ateneo work environment to a new employee?

Part 2 features Erika Luiza I. Rivera from the Office of Human Resource Management and Organization Development, Gema B. Rementina from the Central Accounting Office, Fermin E. Omotoy Jr from the Central Facilities Management Office, Ma. Fe D. Soliman from the Office of the President, and Reagan D. Berganio from the Information Technology Resource Management Office

I stayed in Ateneo because of the people. I'm fortunate to be part of a competent and nurturing team. They've taught me so much and accepted who I am, and I always strive to treat others with the same warmth and respect that I was shown. 

I joined Ateneo because I was given a chance to pursue what I wanted to do in my career. I'll always be thankful to the University for providing me with this opportunity.

In many ways, working in a university is different from working in other organizations, and at times it takes some getting used to. But if you allow yourself to be open, you'll find that Ateneo can be a comfortable place to work in. It offers a community of supportive team members and a set of Ignatian values that can guide you not only in your professional life but also in your personal journeys. 

One of the many reasons I stayed in Ateneo for 35 years is the people. May it be my boss or co-workers, they treated me like family. Another reason, which is probably the most important to me, is that I wished to make my daughter and two sons graduate from Ateneo—I’m glad my kids could fulfill that.

I am most thankful for the opportunity to work at Ateneo. Ateneo has been part of my life. My father, Mang Rudy, worked in LS-Physics Department, and my family was living off primarily with his salary. To show our gratitude, my 3 siblings and I worked in Ateneo: Jocelyn (Lantin) is a faculty at the Filipino Department in Ateneo High School, Jerold is also in the High School, and Jun works in the Cashier’s Office. 

If there is one thing I’d like to say to anyone, the Ateneo work environment is supportive, nurturing, and welcoming.

I learned various jobs I could not do before. Above all, I get along well with my co-workers.

I'm thankful for my Ateneo employment because I've given my family a good life and provided for my children's education.

If I describe the work environment, it would be challenging, supportive, and rewarding.

I stayed in Ateneo because of the pleasant environment and how employees are treated as family. 

I am grateful to be in a community that lends ears to listen, hands to help, and hearts that understand and appreciate me.

To new employees, I wish to share with them that Ateneo is a place where people are committed and passionate about working and getting things done.

What made me stay in Ateneo through these years are the people—the sense of community and belongingness.

I’m thankful for the opportunity to work at Ateneo, for I was able to hone and share my skills. 

If I were to talk to a new employee, I would describe Ateneo as a second home that provides excellent service.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity. 

You may view Part 1 here