October 1, 2005 Greetings from the Ateneo de Davao! September 24, 2005 was a really special day for the Ateneo de Davao University. It was the inauguration of Fr. Antonio S. Samson, S.J. as President [for the second time] of AdDU. The day started with a 9 am Inauguration Mass with the Most Reverend Fernando Capalla, DD, Archbishop of Davao, as presider. Bishop Ireneo Amantillo, Bishop-Emeritus of the Diocese of Tandag [Surigao del Sur] was also present, as was our Jesuit Provincial Superior, Fr. Daniel Patrick L. Huang, S.J. All the other Ateneo Presidents: Fr. Bienvenido F. Nebres, S.J. (Ateneo de Manila), Fr. Joel E. Tabora, S.J. (Ateneo de Naga), Fr. Jose Ramon T. Villarin (himself newly inaugurated as President of Xavier University) and Fr. William H. Kreutz, S.J. (Ateneo de Zamboanga) were present. A good number of priests, both Jesuits and non-Jesuits, concelebrated at the Mass held in the University Chapel. The inauguration program proper followed in the 7th floor auditorium of Finster Hall. Commissioner Luningning M. Umar represented the Commission on Higher Education. Mr. Paul D. Dominguez, Chair of the Ateneo de Davao Board of Trustees gave the opening remarks, and Very Rev. Daniel Patrick L. Huang S.J., Provincial Superior of the Jesuits in the Philippines, the closing remarks. Fr. Samson delivered his inaugural address as the tenth President of the University. The full text of his inaugural address "Towards a Greater Ateneo de Davao" may be viewed at our webpage: www.addu.edu.ph Below are some pictures of the memorable event. Our thanks to Mr. Omar Lim, Kalasag photo editor for sharing the pictures in this epost. More pictures of the Inauguration are available for your viewing at http://www.addu.edu.ph/gallery/samson_inauguration/ A brief biodata of our new President: Fr. Antonio S. Samson, S.J. was born on November 1, 1938 in Manila to Dr. Jose G. Samson and Mrs. Evarista Sandoval Samson (both deceased). Fr. Samson entered the Society of Jesus in May, 1958, and was ordained a priest in March, 1973. Before his theological studies and ordination to the Priesthood, Fr. Samson taught as a scholastic regent at the Ateneo de Davao High School from 1963 to 1965. Some of our alumni had the young Fr. Samson as their class teacher. Fr. Samson obtained his M.A. Chemistry in 1967 and his Ph.D. Chemistry in 1969, both at Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA. In 1963, he obtained his M.A. Philosophy from Berchmans College, Cebu City. He was an Ateneo de Manila University A.B. Chemistry cum laude and class valedictorian in 1958. Fr. Samson was President, Xavier University, 1993-2005; President, Ateneo de Davao University, 1986-1993; President, Davao Medical School Foundation, 1986-1993; and Executive Vice President, Ateneo de Manila University, 1977-1986. Congratulations to Fr. Antonio S. Samson, S.J. on what he fondly calls his "re-" inauguration as President of Ateneo de Davao University. May God bless him as he leads the University Community "Towards a Greater Ateneo de Davao". God bless you and your loved ones always. Fr. Renato C.
Ocampo, S.J.
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On
stage during the formal inauguration program at the auditorium on
the 7th floor of the Finster Hall with AdDU School of Arts and Sciences
Dean Nilda J. Ginete as emcee. Seated (l-r) Commissioner Luningning
M. Umar of the Commission on Higher Education; Most Reverend Archbishop
Fernando Capalla, DD; Fr. Antonio S. Samson S.J.; Rev. Daniel Patrick
L. Huang S.J., Provincial Superior of the Jesuits in the Philippines;
and Mr. Paul D. Dominguez, Chair of the Ateneo de Davao Board of
Trustees
Fr.
Samson receiving the University Medallion from Fr. Huang S.J., Jesuit
provincial and from Mrs. Lourdes Samson-Quiogue, sister of Fr. Samson
(left photo); and Fr. Samson delivering his Inaugural Address (right
photo)