Back to the Hill with Fr Bill - A legacy that welcomes us back: A scholar’s homecoming

Every Ateneo scholar’s journey begins with an act of generosity. For many, that generosity bore a face and a name: Fr William “Bill” H Kreutz SJ.

Fr Bill is a former Director of the Office of Admission and Aid (OAA), who dedicated much of his life to ensuring that young men and women, regardless of circumstance, could pursue their education at Ateneo de Manila University. He deeply believed in the transformative power of education, not only as a path towards a better future, but also as the formation of persons for and with others. 

Beyond his work at OAA, Fr Bill was also the founding force behind the Ateneo Alumni Scholars Association (AASA). His vision was clear: to build a community where scholars, past and present, could support one another, give back, and carry forward the same generosity that once opened doors for them. In doing so, he helped create a lasting network of scholars who remain united by gratitude and service.

With this, last 17 August 2025, at the Church of the Gesù, all alumni scholars gathered for a day of gratitude and celebration to mark Fr Bill’s 90th birthday. The day began with a campus tour at 9:00 am, followed by a Thanksgiving Mass. 

After the Mass, all alumni scholars were invited to enjoy lunch and a short program at the Gonzaga Cafeteria. The campus tour was warmly led by scholar volunteers from the OAA, who guided the guests and alumni through familiar pathways now marked by change. Along the way, participants were introduced to Ateneo’s newest renovations to buildings and different spaces that reflect the university’s ongoing commitment to growth and innovation. 

The program opened with remarks from OAA Director, Dr Jose Maria Edito “Jo-Ed” Tirol, who spoke about Ateneo’s mission of forming “persons for and with others” and reminded scholars of their responsibility to carry forward the generosity they have received. He also announced the launch of activities leading up to the first Grand Alumni Scholars Homecoming this November.

The invited scholar alumni then took the stage to share their personal journeys and how their scholarships have changed their lives. 

Eugene Dela Cruz, a Fr William H Kreutz SJ Endowment Scholar and recent Economics-Honors graduate, recalled his transformation from a boy struggling to survive on the streets of Tondo to a student of Ateneo, urging fellow scholars to use their successes to open doors for others. Raul Montemayor (BS Management Engineering ‘77) reflected on the grace of scholarship in his own life, sharing how it shaped his work with farmers and emphasizing the role of educators and mentors — like Fr Bill — in forming scholars into leaders for others.

The heartfelt testimonies paved the way for a joyful celebration of Fr Bill’s 90th birthday, complete with song, cake, and candles. In his own message, Fr Bill shared stories of Ateneo’s early scholarship programs and reminded the community of the “ripple effect” of generosity, lifting not just individual scholars, but families and even the future of our nation.

Mr Rhoderick “Heaven” Torres, Board Member of AASA, provided a report on the current state of the Ateneo Alumni Scholars Association. As of 2025, there have been almost 11,000 scholars who have graduated from Ateneo. Through their help, AASA has been able to support 248 scholars since 1990. To push themselves further, they aim to support 75 scholars this school year.

Afterward, guests and alumni enjoyed fun-filled games that brought laughter and camaraderie, reminding everyone of the value of returning and staying connected as one community.

To close the program, all joined in singing the Song for Mary, a tradition that anchored the day in faith and gratitude. Scholars were once again invited to gather this coming 8 November 2025, for the first-ever Grand Alumni Scholars Homecoming — a celebration of legacy, community, and the enduring generosity that binds the Ateneo scholar family together.