Scholars of the Henry Howard Scholarship program and staff from the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid with director Glenda Orlanes (seated 5th from left). Beside her is Henry Howard Scholarship Director Bonie Bagis-Guerra

For the first time, the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid held an orientation for all Henry Howard scholars on June 8. Present were the director of the Henry Howard Scholarship program Bonie Bagis-Guerra, and current Howard scholars and alumni.

The scholars got to know one another and were apprised of the Henry Howard Scholarship program, particularly on requirements and compliance.
Henry Howard, the benefactor, first came to Xavier University in 1974 as a high school American Field Service (AFS) exchange student for one year. He has fond memories of XU and the Philippines in general.

“I came to very much appreciate and cherish my one year with the Cabarabans, at Xavier University High School, in Cagayan, in Mindanao, and in the Philippines.  I have thought about my friends here, Xavier, Cagayan, Mindanao, and the Philippines every day since 1975 and I have returned nearly 40 times since 1975,” Howard writes in his letter to the scholars, which was read at the orientation.

“I cannot think of a more deserving goal than educating the youth of Mindanao and Sulu at the world class Xavier University that otherwise would not have an opportunity to achieve a quality college education,” he says of the founding of the Henry Howard Scholarship program.

The scholarship program has graduated 44 scholars since it started in 2001. It has supported 100 students’ tuition, dormitory, food, books, clothes, uniforms and annual home or parental visit travel expenses. This year marks the 100th Howard scholar at XU.

“You, as a Howard scholarship student, have been given a unique opportunity and I expect nothing less than your best effort to succeed at Xavier University and for you to graduate with very good grades,” Howard continues in his letter.  

“Additionally, later on in your career when you are successful (10 or 20 years after you graduate), I expect you to give back to society by sponsoring one student from Mindanao at Xavier University in the same way you are being sponsored today.”