Introducing The Campus of the Future & Advancement Office Campaign
By Tito Mike
Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan (Xavier Ateneo) held its 1st ever MOVE FOR MORE Run and Walk—a milestone event dedicated to introducing the Campus of the Future, and the “Move for More” campaign of Xavier Ateneo’s Advancement Office.
Xavier University Festival Days
“MOVE FOR MORE is the 5year campaign of the Advancement Office to strengthen partnerships and innovations for the Campus of the Future,” explained Xavier Ateneo Director for Advancement Anna Katrina D. Tiukinhoy-Piol.
“Move – an action word “to go in a specific direction”, “make progress”; “develop in a particular manner or direction”, “a change of place”, – to take action toward a goal or aspiration; and More – “a greater or additional amount or degree of, and add value to in the Atenean context,” she noted.
Starting Line (photo courtesy of Mary Globien)
The Fun Run & Walk aimed to gather the Xavier Ateneo Community and its partners as it celebrates its 90th year, and to kick off the construction of the Campus of the Future.
“As one Xavier Community, we come together and take action as we move forward with our mission and vision, thereby allowing us to do more – do MORE as a University, do MORE for the community, do MORE as a global contributor. We enjoin the entire Xavier Community in this historic event as we MOVE together as one unit to a place for MORE,” Ms. Kitty said.
It was one of the highlight events of the three-day Xavier Festival Days, an annual school tradition featuring this year games and attractions like food and artists stalls and stores, the XU Psychology Society’s Horror House, the XU Ateneo Mountaineering Society’s Rappelling and Wall Climbing, concerts by the Xavier Philharmonia and live bands during the Tugtugan and Music Fest, Christmas Carol Contest, K-Pop Dance Contest, , and student showcases like the X-Hibit show, Dulaang Atenista’s “No Prob It’s Improv” at the Museo de Oro Gallery, and Padayeem Comedy Night at the Magis Canteen.
Senior 5K Uphill Run & Walk Finishers.
The MOVE FOR MORE Run and Walk was held on December 2, 2023 with two contingents; a 5 kilometer Uphill Run & Walk from the Downtown Divisoria Campus to the Campus of the Future site in Manresa; and a 2 kilometer Fun Run & Walk from the Basic Education Complex in Pueblo de Oro, both linking up in the Manresa Campus for a program where developments of the New Campus were shared to the participants.
5K Uphill Run & Walk participants (XU Comms Office0
“The New Campus symbolizes our readiness for the future as we celebrate our centennial (100) year in 2033,” ” announced Fr Mars P. Tan, SJ during the program following the event held at the site of the future church of the Manresa Campus.
“Faith and steadfastness brought us here. In 2021, we received the Vatican’s approval of this momentous project, which signals the turning of a vision to reality; in 2022 to 2023, we obtained the necessary permits, clearances, and local approvals for this project to begin.”
He related how the Xavier Community would soon experience the 21-hectare future-ready campus with over 25 hectares of protected forest and animal sanctuaries, and its complementary 14-hectare Manresa Township.
Zumba stretch (photo courtesy of Mary Globien)
“Different zones on this campus will highlight the various aspects of total formation/education of each Xavier Atenean: academic, social development, sports, spiritual, and engagement with the public,” Fr. Mars noted.
Furthermore, the new campus would have large green spaces, bike lanes, upgraded facilities and equipment, renewable sources of energy, digital connectivity, new academic programs, that would house and provide support to the many innovations of the university – academic, research, technology, social engagement, and formation.
Thus, the new campus is the vehicle for XU to become more innovative and responsive to 21st century educational challenges, he added.
“This is God’s gift to Xavier Ateneo, a gift we share not only with Cagayan de Oro City but to the whole region of (Northern) Mindanao. We are ready for this dream’s fruition. Together, let us witness the beginning of the future. Join XU and make this dream come true!”
Fr Mars also acknowledged the invaluable contributions of the university’s partners: Cebu Landmasters Incorporated (CLI); AVP Construction, the site developer; Aidea Architectural Firm; and the entire Xavier Ateneo Community.
The event was sponsored by CLI as Co-Presenter; Toyota Cagayan de Oro, SM City CDO Uptown, the SM Store, and La Bella Luna as event sponsors, and Sari Sari (kape, komunidad, atbp.), Noble’s Seafoods & Grill, Thai Me Up!, Nia ra jud! and Una Mela, as partner establishments.
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