Celebrating Employee Milestones: 47th University Service Awards (Part 2)

Every year, Ateneo de Manila University hosts an awards ceremony to recognize employees who have reached a milestone in their years of service to the university. The first University Service Awards was held in 1978, in which 34 employees were honored. This year, on the 13th of March, the University will hold the 47th University Service Awards at the Ateneo Junior High School Covered Courts.

In a 3-part feature, we asked our service awardees to share their thoughts about their work in Ateneo and their experiences while working here. Let’s tune in to their responses as they share their stories on why they chose Ateneo, what keeps them going to have reached their milestone year, their favorite memory at work, a favorite spot on campus and an important lesson they learned throughout their years in Ateneo.

Part 2 features Antonio Medina and Dr Norman Dennis Marquez.

You may read Part 1 and Part 3 here.

Antonio Medina (20-year awardee)

Central Facilities Management Office, Administration Cluster

Bakit Ateneo?
Malapit ang lokasyon ng Ateneo sa aking tirahan at nag-aalok ng maraming benepisyo, hindi lamang para sa akin kundi pati na rin sa aking pamilya.

Ano ang dahilan sa iyong pagpapatuloy?
Ang dahilan kung bakit ako nagpapatuloy sa aking trabaho ay para sa magandang kinabukasan ng aking pamilya at mga anak. Nais kong maitaguyod ang kanilang pag-aaral at matiyak ang kanilang maayos na hinaharap. Bukod dito, masaya ako sa aking ginagawa at pinahahalagahan ko ang samahan namin ng aking mga kasamahan sa trabaho.

Paboritong alaala sa trabaho?
Ang mga taong malalapit sa akin at tumulong upang mapalawak ang aking kaalaman sa trabaho ang siyang naging inspirasyon at sandigan ko. Sila ang pinaghuhugutan ko ng lakas, dahilan kung bakit narating ko ang antas ng aking propesyon ngayon

Paboritong lugar sa campus?
Sa Gesù, araw-araw kong ginagampanan ang aking gawain sa paglilinis ng paligid ng simbahan. Habang ginagawa ko ito, tanaw ko ang mga punong nakapaligid at naririnig ang huni ng iba’t ibang ibon. Nagiging pagkakataon ko rin ito upang makapagdasal bago simulan ang aking trabaho.

Siyempre, hindi maiiwasan ang mga pagsubok sa buhay, lalo na pagdating sa gastusin sa pag-aaral ng aking mga anak. Ngunit ipinagdarasal ko sa Kanya na matugunan ang mga problemang ito at bigyan ako ng lakas upang harapin ang bawat hamon.

Pinakamahalagang natutunan?
Marami akong natutunan sa Ateneo, lalo na sa paghahanda ng mga gamit para sa misa sa simbahan ng Gesù, pag-operate ng sound system, at iba’t ibang gawain na bahagi ng aking tungkulin.

Dahil dito, taos-puso akong nagpapasalamat sa Ateneo sa oportunidad at kaalaman na aking natamo. Maraming salamat po! AMDG!

Dr Norman Dennis Marquez (30-year awardee)

Office of the Assistant Vice President for Health, Care, and Well-being, Mission Integration Cluster
School of Science and Engineering

Why Ateneo?
Ateneo has offered me countless opportunities to discover myself, explore the world, and define my mission. In this community, I have met classmates who have become lifelong friends, mentors who have shown me the true meaning of passion for teaching and learning, and colleagues who have inspired me to serve with extraordinary generosity. My faith has also been challenged and deepened here, guiding me toward a commitment to always choose the loving path for the greater glory of God.

What keeps you going?
There have been disheartening moments and discouraging outcomes that make it challenging to show up for work. However, more often than not, there are experiences that lift my spirits, motivate me to face each day's challenges, and send me home with a grateful heart. The passionate voices of students during case presentations, the sparks of hope in their eyes as they engage in community projects and relief operations, the infectious smiles of coworkers bidding me farewell after a tough day, and the surprise treats left on my desk by anonymous patients—especially on dreary mornings—serve as reminders of the positive aspects of my work. I feel honored to stand as a primary sponsor at the weddings of former students, to consult with and learn from colleagues who were once students and newcomers in the workplace, to enjoy spontaneous feasts and shared laughter with my officemates, and to engage in endless conversations with mission companions over bottomless drinks. Indeed, recounting these stories from work during Sunday lunches and celebrations brings joy to my family, especially my nephews and nieces

Favorite memory at work?
I have so many stories of true magis and genuine cura personalis. One story I will share is not necessarily a favorite, but it combines many of my responsibilities as a teacher, administrator, and companion-in-mission.

In one of our service-learning engagements, I brought several students to Ormoc City, Leyte, where they worked within the rural health system. About an hour after they were deployed to the farther barangays, a devastating 6.5 magnitude earthquake hit the province. As I waited for the first wave of aftershocks to subside, I couldn’t help but imagine the many scenarios that could unfold in the aftermath.

By God's grace, all of them were safe, and we gathered them back to our home base. I immediately called their families to reassure them that their sons and daughters were unharmed. Later that night, as we processed our experiences together, the students were distraught because none of their friends had checked on them despite the widespread media coverage. While dismissing this as a millennial complaint would have been easy, the insights they shared hit me deeply. One said, “Ito pala ang pakiramdam ng mga taga-probinsya kapag ang mga taga-Maynila ay di nababahala sa mga dinaranas nilang sakuna.” Another said, “Now, I know how it feels when one is so afraid and alone and no one comes.”

Strong aftershocks continued throughout the night and for several days afterward. Despite the fear, the students committed to staying and continuing their work, with their parents' consent. There were so many lessons to learn from that experience on multiple fronts. I felt humbled and deeply grateful for the opportunity to witness their courage, empathy, and resilience.

Favorite spot on campus?
The College/LS Covered Courts may not be my favorite place, but they hold a special significance in my heart. These courts served as the backdrop for some of the most memorable moments of my campus life. As the head of the relief operations for the Ateneo DReaM Team for several years, I had the privilege of witnessing the generosity of our community unfold in this very space. During those times, the courts often offered more challenges than the classrooms, pushing us to develop creative solutions and apply what we had learned in relevant ways. In moments of crisis—ranging from typhoon Ondoy to Yolanda, Pablo, Sendong, and many others—the courts transformed into an equal playing field. Everyone, regardless of rank or background, came together to make a difference, if only for a brief moment.

Most important lesson you’ve learned?
I have come to understand that mission is something to be discerned and shared. We are called to participate in a mission that extends beyond our willingness and readiness. Companionship is an integral part of this mission. Just as Jesus had the apostles, Ignatius had the Compañía de Jesús. Throughout my 30-year professional journey, I have been blessed with companions who have kept me grounded and sane. They have made my journey more meaningful and joyful. I feel God's presence in our mentors, co-workers, and students.

In the same way, we invite God to reach others by listening with compassion and serving with passion. I am deeply thankful for the many companions-in-mission I have encountered over the years. This gratitude fosters humility, which leads to magnanimity and genuine service.

The interviews have been edited for length and clarity.