Ateneo de Manila University celebrates its sesquicentennial anniversary tonight. The line-up is crazy. They’ve been preparing for this for years, and for someone who’s been in the Ateneo (yes, I said the) for more than half his life, going back is like coming home. Some are more enthusiastic than others, but all in all, it’s always good to remember the past and look to the future.

From Ateneo Law School student, Miko Samson:

On the Sesquicentennial of the Ateneo de Manila University

On December 10, 2009, the Ateneo de Manila University turned 150 years old. Having been able to witness the build-up to this day through the events of the past few years, and being a senior in one of the Ateneo’s constituent units during this sesquicentennial year, and more importantly, having grown up at the Ateneo, I find myself driven by some sense of duty to reflect on what this might mean. So while I’ve been doing it for quite some time, let me speak Atenean today. Pardon me if this piece seems particularly endless–it seems to be quite characteristic of people of this academic pedigree to be verbose and long-winded.

Continue reading here.

From Ateneo graduate (batch 2008 Valedictorian) and lecturer, Leloy Claudio:

Eagle without talons? Nation-building and the Ateneo de Manila University

The celebration of the sesquicentennial of the Ateneo de Manila University presents an opportunity to celebrate not only the immense contribution the institution has made to Philippine society, but also to consider what more the university can do in light of its frequently articulated goal of building the nation. University President Fr. Bienvenido Nebres outlines his general approach to nation-building which he derives from Dr. Jose Rizal, the Ateneo’s most prominent alumnus. The Rizal that Nebres draws from is not the firebrand who sparked the first nationalist revolution in Asia – the hero who spoke the truth to power amidst massive injustices. His Rizal is the one exiled in Dapitan – the gagged Rizal forced to channel his energies towards community-building projects like the building of schools and the improvement of irrigation systems.

Continue reading here.

PHOTO CREDIT
Philip Sision via Fabilioh.com