The Ateneo Alumni Scholars Association (AASA) culminated another successful academic year with a Thanksgiving Event held last Saturday, June 14 at the PLDT-Convergent Technologies Center at the Ateneo Loyola Heights Campus.
The event mainly celebrated the achievements and graduation of the 14 AASA Class 2025 scholars, with one graduating with summa cum laude honors, six graduating magna cum laude, two graduating cum laude, two earning honorable mentions, and one chosen as the Program Awardee for English Literature!
After prayer, Eugene dela Cruz (4-AB Economics Honors) started the program expressing his gratitude for making it to the Ateneo despite all odds. He acknowledged how the opportunities brought by his AASA scholarship helped him grow and thrive as a student, and gave him and the other scholars confidence and hope to face the future.
Following this, a president’s report was presented by AASA President, Ms Lorna Datiles-Fabian, who discussed the SY 2024-25 accomplishments of the AASA, primarily that of supporting 65 scholars and exceeding the collection target of P13.5M! The report was then followed by a hearty lunch and the introduction of the 14 graduating AASA scholars.
Alum Scholar and AASA Endowment donor, Francisco Sebastian, an AB Economics – Honors Class ‘75 scholar and current Chairman of GT Capital Holdings Inc. and Vice Chairman of Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company, delivered the Benefactor’s Speech. He shared the impact and importance of his Jesuit education throughout his career, and encouraged the graduating scholars to serve with a heart.
The Benefactor’s Speech was followed by a scholar’s response, delivered by Angeline Marie D. Braganza (4-AB Communication). Angel had her speech right after her own AASA benefactor, Mr. Sebastian. She shared about her unique journey from Bacolod to Ateneo, and emphasized the importance of taking chances and grabbing opportunities despite being scared and fearful about outcomes. Graduating Magna cum laude is evidenced by her success as an AASA scholar!
Father Bill Kreutz, SJ, AASA Founder, ended the program reflecting on Mr. Sebastian’s speech, emphasizing the constant need for “cura personalis” and issuing a call for Alumni Scholars’ involvement in current socio-political situations. Fr. Bill encouraged everyone to make choices that value nation-building ahead of self-interest in the pursuit of career excellence.
The program ended with AASA Scholar, Rommielle Morada, leading the “Song for Mary” bringing an end to the wonderful event celebrated together with university administrators, Alumni Scholar Donors and guests.
