Celebrating AdZU’s milestone in his leadership
Ateneo de Zamboanga University (AdZU) bade a bittersweet farewell to its outgoing University President, Fr Karel S. San Juan, SJ, as the university celebrated his despedida party on Tuesday, February 21, 2023 at the Multipurpose Covered Court 1.
The party entitled Noche de Agradecimiento or “thanksgiving” was filled with video montages from different units of the university and messages paying tribute to Fr. San Juan who served the institution for almost a decade.
One of the highlighted events of the night was presenting Fr. San Juan the K.A.R.E.L. award which was given by the different units of the AdZU community. The following corresponding letter awards are given namely: Kaibigan ng Bayan by the junior high school unit, Aguila by the grade school unit, Resiliency by the college unit, Excellence from the senior high school unit, and the Leadership award given by the central services unit.
Furthermore, in his speech, he expressed appreciation towards the AdZU community. “My heart is full, my thoughts, my spirit is bursting with joy and gratitude.” said Fr. San Juan.
Fr. San Juan also took the opportunity to deliver his farewell address, thanking everyone for their support and cooperation during his term as president. He expressed his pride in the university and its achievements and shared his hopes for the future of AdZU.
“Thank you for that energy, that love, it will see me through. It will create the joyful moments of my life in the future.”…“The tears that I shed tonight are tears of joy and thanksgiving, tears of love.”
Reminiscing about his journey of service in the institution, Fr. San Juan stated that his experience in handling the work for the past nine years in AdZU was the most difficult thing that he has ever done in the past five decades of his life.
“God gave me this mission, God blessed me with this mission, and God blessed me with you…Tonight I realized that it is most loving, it’s really about love.” Sharing his greatest learning and realization he also made mention about the essence of living together under one community, the Ateneo community with unity and peace.
“You made me a blessed person tonight na hindi ko makakalimutan (that I will never forget) ever.” He stated before concluding his message.
A video greeting to the outgoing president featured several public figures. Some of them were former senator Bam Aquino, senator Risa Hontiveros, former senator Kiko Pangilinan, and Fr. San Juan’s favorite singer, the mega star Sharon Cuneta. Herminia San Juan, the mother of Fr. San Juan was among them.
Moreover, a symbolic turn over of the university seal was held at the concluding end of the program, also welcoming the incoming university president of AdZU Fr. Guillrey “Ernald” Anthony Andal, SJ.
Fr. San Juan has been the president of Ateneo de Zamboanga University since November 23, 2013 and has overseen the university’s growth and development during his tenure. The program was filled with music, dance performances, and cultural presentations, showcasing the rich diversity of the Zamboanga community. The atmosphere was festive and filled with warmth and appreciation for Fr. San Juan’s leadership and contribution to the university.
