Six Decades of the Ateneo College Scholarship Program

Ateneo's first batch of scholars on record came to the university in 1960. Six decades later, around 8000 students have graduated through some form of scholarship. To mark this milestone, a thanksgiving for scholarship benefactors of the Loyola Schools was held at Areté last August 3, 2019.
 
Donors of endowment funds and the college's consistent benefactors came together for this rare gathering. They were joined by University President Fr. Jose Ramon T Villarin SJ, Vice President for the Loyola Schools Dr. Maria Luz C. Vilches, PhD, Office of Admission and Aid Director Dr. Jose Maria Edito K. Tirol, PhD, Office of University Development Mr. Arnaldo D. Del Rosario, past OAA Directors, other university administrators, past and current chairmen and board members of the Ateneo Scholarship Foundation, Inc., and select alumni scholars.
 
The event began with a Thanksgiving Mass. Fr. Nemesio S. Que, SJ, a former OAA Director, was the Main Celebrant. This was followed by an exhibit on the Ateneo College Scholarship Program's beginnings and early years. The exhibit, which was set-up at the second, third, and fourth floor lobbies of the George SK Ty Innovation Wing of Areté, also featured information on the different types of donations and scholarships, current data on alumni scholars, and the achievements of the program for the past six decades.

The exhibit highlighted a listing of all scholarship awards and endowments, which was meant to recognize the numerous individuals, families, alumni scholars, alumni groups, foundations and corporations whose whole-hearted support allowed the Ateneo College Scholarship Program to be where it is today.
 
The formal program opened with a Message from the OAA Director. Dr. Tirol shared how the generosity of donors allows scholars to pursue opportunities that would have otherwise been impossible. Mr. Antonio R. Moraza then shared on how his story as a benefactor began 8 years ago, and how fulfilling it is for him to meet his scholars and to continue to support the scholarship program.
 
Select members of the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Foundation Music Ministry, two of whom are alumni scholars, serenaded the crowd with a musical intermission.
 
Ms. Ma. Cecilia T. Gonzalez-Soriano then shared her journey as a recipient of a scholarship grant and as a benefactor. The formal program was capped off with a Message from the President. Fr. Villarin shared on the difference that a benefactor's generosity makes on the lives of scholars, and thanked, on behalf of the University, each and every donor who have supported the scholarship efforts of the college.

In photo (L-R): Mrs. Maria Angelita Tanchanco, Mr. Rolando Tanchanco, Fr. Villarin, Mr. Moraza, Dr. Tirol, Dr. Vilches, Mrs. Soriano, Mr. Edmundo Soriano
 
This thanksgiving for scholarship benefactors of the Loyola Schools, which is also a celebration of six decades of the Ateneo College Scholarship Program, was named Gracias. This word may mean grace, and it may mean thanksgiving. Indeed the university is thankful for the grace that the Lord has given the program, its benefactors, and all the scholars who have received the gift of generosity. We give thanks to our benefactors and for our benefactors. We give thanks for the Ateneo College Scholarship Program: its first six decades, the next six, and beyond.