Sapientia et Eloquentia: The Ambassador Lecture Series kicks off with talk by British ambassador to the Philippines

On 18 March 2024, the Office of the Assistant Vice President for University Partnerships and Internationalization (OAVP-UPI) launched the first installment of Sapientia et Eloquentia: The Ambassador Lecture Series, its newest undertaking featuring talks on politics, economics, and current world issues and events, by visiting dignitaries and consuls. 

The Ambassador Lecture Series aims to broaden students’ perspectives on history, governance, culture, and the arts while building on the 4 Cs of an Ateneo education—competence, compassion, conscience, and commitment.

British ambassador to the Philippines and Palau, Her Excellency Ambassador Laure Beaufils, was the inaugural speaker. Joining the Ambassador was Country Director of the British Council Ms Lotus Postrado as well as other British Council representatives. Upon their arrival at Ateneo de Manila on Monday afternoon, they met with various university officials for a courtesy call at the Ben Chan ArtSuite in Areté. 

Present were University President Fr Roberto C Yap SJ, Vice President for Higher Education Dr Maria Luz C Vilches, Vice President for Basic Education Fr Joaquin Jose Mari C Sumpaico III SJ, Vice President for Mission Integration Dr Benjamin Gerardo T Tolosa Jr, Assistant Vice President for University Partnerships and Internationalization Ma Cristina M Alikpala, MA, as well as the Deans of the different schools. 

Ambassador Beaufils then proceeded to the JJ Atencio Lighthouse for New Learning at Areté’s George S.K. Ty Learning Innovation Wing for a discussion with students and faculty, many of whom were from the School of Social Sciences. 

The next event in the Ambassador Lecture Series will feature His Excellency Lee Sang-hwa, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Philippines, to be held on 16 April 2024. Event details will be announced over the coming weeks.