University administrators, Jesuit priests, alumni, students, donors and guests gathered at the Little Theater on December 2, 2010 for two significant events: the launching of the X75+ Coffee Table Book, and the Fr. Matteo Ricci Endowment Fund.    

The X75+ Coffee Table Book, commemorates the successes and struggles of Xavier University from its beginnings in 1933 until its Diamond Jubilee in 2008. Dedicated to the memory of Fr Miguel Bernad SJ, the memorabilia was received on behalf of the Bernad family by Dr Anselmo Mercado, nephew of Fr Bernad.

The event also launched the Fr. Matteo Ricci Endowment Fund to help existing scholars of the University and to fund more scholars in the future.

Xavier University President Fr. Jose Ramon T. Villarin, S.J. expressed the desire of the University to increase its number of scholars from the present 15% of the total student population in the tertiary level to 20-25%.  He emphasized how Xavier has been blessed.

“We’re not alone; this University has been graced, Fr Villarin said.”

He pointed out that despite globalization and the growth of economies, he didn’t want Xavier and Northern Mindanao as a whole to ‘grow’ like all the other big places in the country where environment and peace are compromised. 

“We should grow wisely,” Fr Villarin remarked underscoring his message by showing a music video of the Atenista Ako Movement, a campaign advancing the Atenean ideal of social responsibility.    

Scholars and donors were given the limelight during the event. Alumnus Eric Brua who was a scholar during his studies at Xavier shared about the sacrifices and pleasures of having to maintain a quality point index of 3.4. Ridwan Landasan, third year AB International Studies student and a Henry Howard scholar, narrated how he came from a remote island in Sulu where education is virtually non-existent. 

“Being a scholar is a gift from God”, he said. Blessed with many opportunities, Landasan plans to give back to his hometown.

Ma Bella Victoria Quimpo, executive director of the Del Monte Foundation Inc., spoke on behalf of the donors. She expressed her gratefulness for having the opportunity to help others especially the students. Del Monte Foundation now has 62 scholars in Xavier and there are plans to reach out to more worthy students.