Alumni batches from 1954 to 1999 reunite for first Jubilarians’ Night

On 29 July 2024, class representatives and their batchmates from 1954 to 1999 reunited for the first Jubilarians’ Night at Room 101, Faber Hall, Ateneo de Manila University.

The Office of University Development & Alumni Affairs (OUDAA) spearheaded the Jubilarians’ Night 2024 to mobilize and encourage alumni to celebrate their Ateneo milestone anniversaries and launch the YUGTO University Scholarship Program. It also informed the alumni batches of what support the OUDAA can provide them. In attendance were Ateneo de Manila University President Fr Robert “Bobby” Yap SJ, Ateneo Junior High School (AJHS) Principal Ms Genalyn “Gen” Sanvictores, Ateneo Senior High School (ASHS) Principal Ms. Rosanna Borja, Office of Admission and Aid (OAA) Director Dr Jose Ma Edito “Jo-Ed” Tirol, University Athletics Office (UAO) Director Mr Em Fernandez, and OUDAA Director Fr Norberto “Kit” Bautista SJ.

Fr Kit Bautista, SJ started the program with a prayer and opening remarks where he introduced what the OUDAA does and its services.  Interspersed in the event was an Ateneo video highlighting the university’s identity and history.  This delighted the HS ‘59 alumni who pointed at the screen when they saw their old classrooms at Ateneo. OUDAA Advancement Head Dr Norman “Oman” Tanchingco then launched the YUGTO University Scholarship Program, a university-wide scholarship fundraising project. The Yugto video showcased scholars who are grateful for being given an opportunity to study at Ateneo.

The different units were given time to present their scholarship proposals to the jubilarians. The first speaker was OAA Director Dr Jo-Ed Tirol, who shared the stories of OAA scholars such as Ateneo de Manila University 2024 College Valedictorian Karen Joy Perez and incoming 4th year AB Communication Student Stephanie Marie Isidro. He also mentioned the OAA’s services for scholars, such as medical subsidies, bereavement support, and food allowance. Ms Gen Sanvictores, Principal of AJHS, next delivered a presentation in which she provided current scholarship and enrollment data as well as her unit’s moonshot aspirations. She also introduced Nathan James Ballatan, a Jaime V Ongpin (JVO) Foundation scholar who shared his experiences as a recipient of an Ateneo education. Finally, UAO Director Mr Em Fernandez stated that his office hopes to recruit additional ASHS Athletic Scholars to better prepare them as Atenean student-athletes. He also revealed the number of scholars per sport and how many were from Ateneo’s Basic Education units.

To finish the program, Fr Bobby Yap SJ concluded his speech by sharing that he would not be the current university president if Ateneo had not awarded him a scholarship including accommodations.  Socials and dinner followed, allowing Jubilarians to network and socialize with one another. 

The Jubilarians’ Night was a success, with 65% attendance among invited alumni.  Hopefully, following the event, they will actively support the YUGTO University Scholarship Program, resulting in a more inclusive and diverse student body. AMDG!