April 8, 2009

Down from the hill

Graduation ceremonies at the Loyola Heights campus of the Ateneo de Manila University are always Thursday to Sunday of the last week of March. Thursday is for the Grade School, Friday is for the John Gokongwei School of Management and the Loyola School of Science and Engineering, Saturday is for the Loyola School of Humanities and School of Social Sciences, and Sunday is for the High School. The guest speaker for the two Loyola Schools graduations was Chris Lowney, former Jesuit turned investment banker turned author. The title of this post is from the university's school hymn, always sung at the end of the graduation ceremonies. After spending so many years learning and training, the day has come for these young men and women to end their isolation. I hope they do well for themselves and for their families, and I also hope that they never forget one of the most important values that the university tried to teach them: service for others. I think this world sorely needs more of what Mr. Lowney calls "heroic leaders."

Ateneo de Manila Loyola Schools graduation 2009

13 comments:

  1. OlivierApril 8, 2009 at 9:31 PM

    "service for others" est une belle devise, en effet espérons qu'elle mène leurs chemins dans leur nouvelle vie
    " service for others " is a nice currency, in effect let us hope that she leads their ways in their new life

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  2. HalcyonApril 8, 2009 at 9:44 PM

    So are you on vacation this week? We're getting Good Friday off which is really quite rare! Christmas is usually the only religious holiday we get off here in the US.

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  3. VPApril 8, 2009 at 9:51 PM

    "Former Jesuit turned investment banker turned author": that's a career! Very interesting post, I definitely agree with you and Mr. Lowney.

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  4. LowellApril 8, 2009 at 10:53 PM

    Very meaningful post, Hilda, and your commentary is right on! I hope what you hope comes to fruition!

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  5. LoisApril 9, 2009 at 12:15 AM

    A very beautiful post Hilda and what a lovely place for the ceremonies!

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  6. Cezar and LéiaApril 9, 2009 at 12:17 AM

    Magnificent words!Like you, I do hope they never forget these important values that the University taught them!Beautiful!
    God bless you
    Léia

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  7. LowellApril 9, 2009 at 4:06 AM

    Hi Hilda -

    We have left an award for you at The Villages Daily Photo (http://thevillagesdailyphoto.blogspot.com), which you can pick up at your leisure.

    Have a wonderful day!

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  8. MoApril 9, 2009 at 6:51 AM

    You are so right. Lets hope they become the kind of leaders we need.

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  9. Ken MacApril 9, 2009 at 8:45 AM

    i like the warmth of this large hall.

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  10. PJApril 9, 2009 at 9:05 AM

    Graduation is always a time of such high hopes, so much effort from so many people to get these young students to the finish line.

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  11. Kodak PicturezzzApril 9, 2009 at 1:12 PM

    I'm loving your Manila photos.

    Cheers.

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  12. magiceyeApril 9, 2009 at 4:34 PM

    indeed!

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  13. GeorgeApril 10, 2009 at 10:21 PM

    What an interesting post. 'Down from the hill' is a great description of the transition from school to the real world.

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