Ateneo de Manila University and Dr Rosita G Leong forge historic partnership: Naming ceremony marks milestone for the School of Social Sciences

In a momentous event held on 8 December 2024, at the Leong Hall, a memorandum of agreement (MOA) was signed between Ateneo de Manila University, represented by its President, Fr Roberto C "Bobby" Yap SJ; and philanthropist Dr Rosita G Leong. This agreement formally inaugurates the naming of the university’s School of Social Sciences as the Dr Rosita G Leong School of Social Sciences.

The Leongs’ journey with Ateneo includes notable projects such as the Ricardo Leong Center for Chinese Studies, the Ricardo & Dr Rosita Leong Hall, the Leong Initiative for Internationalization Endowment Fund, the Dr Rosita Leong Hub for Primary Physicians Endowment Fund, and the Ricardo Leong Institute for Global and Area Studies. These initiatives reflect the family’s commitment to fostering global understanding, interdisciplinary research, and accessible healthcare education.

The event opened with remarks from Dr Marlu Vilches, Vice President for Higher Education, who set the tone for the occasion by emphasizing the significance of the partnership. “Today, we take this occasion as a solemn one, filled with gratitude for the person who has allowed to lend her name to the school with the full trust that the school will take care of that name. The school, in return, equally trusts that the namer, Dr. Rosita G. Leong continues to uphold the School vision and initiatives. Today marks the seal of responsibility from both the named and the namer so that the birth of this new identity called Dr Rosita G. Leong School of Social Sciences will blossom through time and withstand any kind of adversity that may blow its way into the center,” she said.

Responding on behalf of Dr Rosita Leong was her son, Mr Richard Leong, who highlighted the lifelong commitment of his parents to support Jesuit education, particularly that of Ateneo.

A Legacy of Leadership in Social Sciences

The naming of the Dr Rosita G Leong School of Social Sciences represents a new chapter in the University’s storied history. The school, already recognized for its excellence in addressing complex social issues using interdisciplinarity, translocality, and the problem-solving mode , is now further poised to expand its mission of educating social science practitioners dedicated to serving society through heroic leadership.

Looking Ahead

The Dr Rosita G. Leong School of Social Sciences aims to enhance its academic programs, research, and community engagement initiatives. This vision aligns closely with Ateneo’s mission of forming individuals who strive for the greater glory of God and the service of others.

The event was graced by the presence of former Ateneo Presidents, Fr Bienvenido "Ben" Nebres SJ, and Fr Jose "Jett" Villarin SJ; former SOSS Dean, Fr Jose "Joey" Cruz SJ; as well as Dr Czarina Saloma-Akpedonu, current Dean of the School of Social Sciences; and members of the faculty and staff of SOSS. Family and friends of Mr Ricardo and Dr Rosita Leong also joined the celebration, adding warmth and significance to the occasion.

Fr Bobby Yap SJ closed the event with an inspiring message, “It is our hope and prayer that the Dr Rosita G Leong School of Social Sciences will be a special place, a home to Ateneans who will assume significant roles as problem solvers and change makers responding to local and global realities.”

The signing ceremony concluded with a symbolic unveiling of the new school’s name. This new milestone underscores the enduring bond between Ateneo de Manila University and the Leong family, whose generosity continues to shape the future of education in the Philippines and beyond.