48th University Service Awards special features: Fr Alberto Ampil SJ

Image

Since 1978, Ateneo de Manila University has been honoring its employees with the University Service Awards, recognizing their dedication and commitment to the University’s mission. Now in its 48th year, the University Service Awards continue to celebrate employees from all units whose service contributes to the growth and strength of the Ateneo community.

We’re excited to introduce some of this year’s awardees, who will share their stories, favorite places on campus, and reasons for staying at Ateneo.

Meet Fr Bert of Ateneo de Manila Junior and Senior High School and a 40-year service awardee.

Why Ateneo?
I had no choice. At first, I didn’t want to study at Ateneo, but who can resist a mother’s wish? And so I was enrolled at the Ateneo at Plaza Guipit, got to know the Jesuits, liked what they did to me and for me, - and so applied to teach at the High School after graduating from college in 1953. 

During my interview with the Principal , Father Lochoehler SJ, - squinting and looking down at me through his rimless eye-glasses, asked: “And what makes you think, Mr. Ampil, - you can teach at the Ateneo?”

A bit flustered by the challenging tone, and having no teaching experience to boast of but my stint as a weekly faithful in the ACIL, - I could only blurt out, with brave naivete’,

"Well. I’ve seen how you Jesuits handle students here at the Ateneo, - and I think I can do the same!" 

Looking back, not a very good answer for one applying to teach at THE Ateneo. Medyo brash. Even naïve. But a week later and at 18, I found myself assigned to teaching Latin, Religion, and English to 12-year-olds, whose future sons and daughters I now work with and work for as parents of the High School!

What keeps you going?
I’d like to believe, paraphrasing a fellow Jesuit Fr. John Delp, - that if because of you - a little bit of love, a little bit of hope, a little bit of joy has entered the life of another, - then your life will have had some meaning. We will never really know exactly what we have done has made a difference in the life of another. But I’d also like to believe that what we do at the Ateneo, the big things as well as the little things, are all part of a great Movement of Grace, and we are, each of us, no matter what we do at the Ateneo, valued partners in the unfolding of the Divine Will. How can one not keep Do-ing, and Go-ing?

Favorite memory at work
Hearing the shouts of joy (and relief?) of students after the Last Bell of the Day. I feel I’ve done my share in contributing to the Joy of that moment. Always leaves a quiet silence and smile within.

Favorite spot on campus
The lawn outside the JR, overlooking the valley. And the thought, - there is a world out there, waiting for us to come down the hill.

Most important lesson you’ve learned

Love people and care for them. They’ll care for you and love you back. Care for and love the Ateneo. Ateneo will care and love you back. Ateneo is The People of the Way.