THE 38th University Service Awards (USA) recognized 366 employees who have worked in the Ateneo for five years and above. 187 of these awardees are from the Loyola Schools.

The USA was held in the Ateneo High School Covered Courts on February 18.

The awards also featured several speeches from prominent figures such as Board of Trustees Chairman Ernesto Tanmantiong, 25-year service awardee and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Josefina Hofileña, and University President Jose Ramon Villarin, SJ.

Words of integrity

Tanmantiong opened the program by relaying some of his personal insights on the hard work the awardees have done over the years, and what is yet to come.

“The Ateneo that is meant to emerge will be entirely up to us,” he said.

Hofileña recalled the experiences she had in her 25 years of service, explaining that she sees the Ateneo as more than a workplace.

“As we look back at the 25 years in the Ateneo, we see more than a career. What we see are the faces of those who inspired us, and whose presence has given us a reminder that what we do here has meaning when we remember who we serve,” said Hofileña.

“As we participate in the mission to form others, we too, are formed,” she added.

Meanwhile, Villarin addressed the audience by talking about the importance of finding one’s advocacy in life and using it to serve others.

“My advocacy is whatever I do that makes me realize that my life has not been in vain, that my life has made a difference in someone else’s life,” he said.

Moreover, he wholeheartedly thanked the employees for choosing to stay and serve the Ateneo.

“On behalf of the Ateneo de Manila, taos puso, marami pong salamat (On behalf of the Ateneo de Manila, with all my heart, thank you very much),” said Villarin.

Editor’s note: Full story to follow.