Magis and Simplicity of Life

Every year, the Office of Admission and Aid (OAA) awards outstanding graduating scholars who excel not only in academics but also in other aspects of the Ateneo way of life. These scholars are genuine incarnations of excellence in academics and service of faith that all Ateneans are enjoined to show by their deeds. Among these outstanding scholars, we also distinguish a select few who embody this excellence in a most exemplary way. We define excellence by appealing to the virtues that St. Ignatius of Loyola, Founder of the Society of Jesus, so esteemed – Magis (in academics and service) and Simplicity of Life.
 
During the Get-together of Benefactors and Class 2019 Scholars last May 25  at the Hyundai Hall, Areté, the OAA was proud to present the 2019 St. Ignatius Award for Most Outstanding Scholar, upon the nomination of their peers, to five excellent scholars: 
 

Magna cum laude
 
Committed to answering the call to do and be more, this young lady exudes excellence in all she does. Her fellow scholars consider her a well-rounded Atenean as she manages to outstandingly juggle her organizational responsibilities as ORSEM Head this School Year 2018-19, and in Ateneo CODE, ACMG, ACIL and MEA, among others amidst her tough academic requirements. She is recognized for how “big her heart is,” as she embodies the Ignatian virtues in a life of simplicity and service to others. Her exceptional academic standing is proven both by her constant placing in the Dean’s List and her well-earned degree in Management Engineering and a minor in Development Management. Her dedication to excellence has also been duly recognized through the various awards that she has received including as one of the champions in the 2018 IIBD International Case Competition and in the JP Morgan Chase & Co. Corporate Challenge. Notwithstanding her many achievements, this young lady remains humble and always ready to extend a helping hand.
 

Jude Martin V. Amiscaray, BS Management Engineering
Magna cum laude
 
What makes this scholar distinctly extraordinary is his passion for social development and service to others. While many struggle to balance organizational roles and academics, he manages to consistently perform excellently in both, gaining him respect and admiration from his fellow scholars. Aside from his commitment to excel in the numerous projects he organized, his exceptional leadership skills could truly be traced to his founding of KaBUHAYan, an organization that advocates for the empowerment of micro and small scale enterprises. His dedication to further this advocacy was recognized during the Loyola Schools Awards for Leadership and Service as the organization’s project of Kabuhayan Session was judged as the Most Outstanding Project of 2019. Many admire his hard work and diligence and consider him truly an inspiring Atenean.
 

Katreena Dachelle C. Chang, BS Management Engineering
Program Awardee for Management Engineering, Magna cum laude
 
Her fellow scholars look up to her because of the excellence she embodies both in academics and extracurricular activities. She is a model student in that she consistently performs and excels in her studies while balancing both her organizational duties as a tireless leader in Celadon and a participant in various competitions in and out of the country. Her commitment to achieve great things has made her and her team to be awarded Global Champions in the recent 2019 CFA Institute Research Challenge held in New York, USA, besting over 6,000 students from some 1,100 universities around the world. She is one of the few who can be brilliant and down-to-earth at the same time. Beyond her many accomplishments, her humility and simplicity continually inspire many. She is truly an exemplar of the spirit of magis.
 

Gabrielle Frances R. Leung, BS Physics
Recipient, Mulry Award for Literary Excellence,
Program Awardee for Physics, Magna cum laude
 
Recognized by her peers as an accomplished scholar, this young lady is known for maintaining an excellent academic standing while demonstrating admirable leadership in her organization. Her brilliance in handling a challenging BS Physics degree and a minor in Creative Writing, and her dedication in serving as the (2017) Editor-in-Chief of Heights are proof of how she constantly aims for excellence. With her integrity and hard work, she was given a chance to be an intern at the Climatology Lab of Tokyo Metropolitan University last June. She is a notable writer as evidenced by the workshops she has attended and numerous works that have been published under her name. How she manages her time with all the work on her hands is truly just remarkable.
 

Reycel Hyacenth N. Bendaña, AB Management Economics
Program Awardee for Management Economics,
Cum laude, Ateneo de Manila University Class 2019 Valedictorian
 
Animated by a fervor that inspires admiration from fellow students, this young lady embodies magis as she constantly pours her whole heart towards service and excellence. Her passion to help and provide support to the voiceless makes her the servant-leader many look up to. She is known as a “champion for just causes, for the underdogs, and the downtrodden.” What makes her stand out is how she works hard for everything and, at the same time, encourages others to do the same. Her leadership efforts were duly recognized as the Sanggunian ng mga Mag-aaral ng mga Paaralang Loyola ng Ateneo de Manila which she headed, was awarded as the 2019 Most Outstanding Student Group during the Loyola Schools Awards for Leadership and Service. Despite her many achievements, she remains always ready to reach out to others.
 
These five students are ideal examples of what it means to live a life of magis and be a person for others, remaining humble, gracious and ready to serve where they are needed.