AASA 2023 Thanksgiving Event: Celebrating Generosity, Hope, and Gratitude

The opportunity to come together, face-to-face, on the other side of a terrible pandemic, after three alienating years; it is a milestone worth celebrating with gratitude. And so, last June 24, 2023, the Ateneo Alumni Scholars Association held its annual Thanksgiving Event to celebrate the blessings of life, community, generosity, and hope.

The event began at 5:00 PM with a Holy Mass held at the Ateneo College Chapel, presided by Fr. Bill Kreutz, SJ, founder of the AASA, and concelebrated by Fr. Ben Nebres, SJ, Fr. Ting Samson, SJ, Fr. Kit Bautista, SJ, and University President, Fr. Bobby Yap, SJ.

Fr. Bill chose a special gospel for the event, emphasizing its final verse during his Homily: “What you have freely received, in turn, freely give.” He reminded those gathered that thankfulness is expressed in many ways, but in its best state, carries with it the willingness to do something to lift or make things better for others. Fr. Bill encouraged everyone to follow the example of Jesus, a man for others, in that, as “we have received the gift [of scholarship]; we can share the gift.”

The Mass ended at 6:30 PM, after which, the guests proceeded to CTC 413 and 414—the venue for the main event. 

The new President of AASA, Ms. Ma. Lorna Datiles-Fabian, gave the Opening Remarks, acknowledging the presence of special guests and donors, the AASA Board of Directors, Alumni Scholars, and current AASA scholars. Ms. Fabian also introduced the members of the Board of Directors, including its newest member, Ms. Karen Tonido. 

The immediate past AASA President, Dr. Ronald Cruz, presented the President’s Report in which he noted that AASA has graduated 214 scholars from 1991-2023; sixty-two AASA scholars were enrolled in SY 2022-2023, the highest number of enrolled AASA scholars in a school year; there are now 16 AASA Endowments as of June 2023.

After dinner, Mr. Heaven Torres, a member of the board, introduced the undergraduate AASA Scholars. It was one of the high points of the evening as the donors, alumni scholars, and guests got to know a little more about the AASA freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors going into their fifth year (or super seniors) scholars. After this, Leanne Trinidad, a graduating AASA scholar, sang “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus during the intermission.

Immediately after, AASA President, Ms. Ma. Lorna Datiles-Fabian, her predecessor, Dr. Ron Cruz, and the University President Fr. Bobby Yap, SJ were invited onto the stage for the acknowledgement of Top Donors and announcement of Endowments. AASA scholars Carl Julian Marcelo and Catherine Antipuesto were acquainted with their benefactors, Mr. Victor Tanjuakio and the Javillonar Family, respectively. Select endowment donors were also invited onto the stage for a special recognition:

  • Mr. Enrique Guevarra for the AASA-St. Marie Eugenie of Jesus Endowment,
  • Dr. William Emmanuel S. Yu and Ms. Anna Theresa L. Benedicto-Yu for the AASA-Fr. Jett T. Villarin, SJ Endowment for Science Majors,
  • Mr. Rafael Odes M. Abaño, III for the AASA-Martha Mari Abaño Endowment,
  • Mr. Rafael Oliver M. Abaño, Jr. for the AASA-Rafael I. Abaño, Sr. Endowment, and
  • Ms. Lani Elena Abaño-Bate for the AASA-Fr. Angel Moreta, SJ Endowment.

Mr. Rafael Odes M. Abaño, III was the  family’s representative to deliver the Benefactor’s Message.  He shared his inspiring story as a “promdi” scholar, and how his three other siblings were likewise blessed to be able to receive scholarships to study in the Ateneo. It was Fr. Angel Moreta, a close family friend, who convinced Mr. Abaño’s mother to allow him and his twin brother to study in Manila. He said that without Fr. Moreta’s efforts to secure a much needed support for lodging, they would not have had the courage to move to the city. This is the reason why they chose to honor Fr. Angel Moreta for their 3rd Endowment gift to the University.

Dr. Ronald Cruz and Ms. Lidel Bajao, members of the Board of Directors, presented the 20 Graduating AASA Scholars, highlighting that this year boasts the second-highest number of graduating scholars in AASA history— 16 of whom finished with flying colors. In this part of the program, the Board of Directors conferred the ‘Exemplary Service Award’ to Louie Antoine Ma. R. Constantino for his exceptional dedication and invaluable contributions to AASA. It was the first-ever award given to a student in the 36 years of AASA.

Myra Arce, Summa cum laude and Political Science Program Awardee delivered the Scholar’s Response, wherein she shared her and each AASA scholar’s story during the past four years–stories of hardship, perseverance, and humble successes. Myra said that scholars thrive because they are built by the kindness and love given by the university and the fellow scholars who came before them. Promising to share the very education and home in which she and the graduating batch were able to find solace, she thanked the AASA community with heartfelt sincerity. Read her complete speech here.

The founder of AASA, Fr. Bill Kreutz, SJ, delivered the closing message, reminding the students to continue the tradition of being scholars for scholars as they “go down the hill,” leading to a fitting close to the event – everyone singing the “Song for Mary,” led by Ms. Anna Benedicto-Yu, member of the board of directors.

A total of 102 guests, consisting of University officials, AASA alumni and enrolled scholars, and AASA donors and benefactors attended this joyous and hope-filled celebration.

The livestream of the AASA 2023 Thanksgiving Event may be viewed on the Official Ateneo Alumni Scholars Association Facebook page.

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