The 7C's
At the end of their basic formation, Ateneans are expected to embody the School’s core values: competence, conscience, character, compassion, community, culture, and Christ-centeredness—the seven (7) C’s.
COMPETENCE
- demonstrates academic excellence
- is well-rounded
- is open to growth and learning
CONSCIENCE
- discerns prayerfully one’s actions and decisions
- commits to do what is good and right
CHARACTER
- appreciates and develops one’s God-given gifts
- accepts one’s shortcomings and strives to improve oneself for the better
- takes responsibility for one’s actions
- appreciates the value of order, harmony and efficiency in life
COMPASSION
- fueled by love and service of others
- shows genuine love for the poor and marginalized
COMMUNITY
- leads others for the good
- collaborates with others
- strives to contribute to nation-building
- deals with God’s creation with care and respect
CULTURE
- embraces one's Filipino and Ilonggo identity, values, customs and tradition
- appreciates the Chinese-Filipino heritage and has the facility of the language
- engages oneself in dialogue with other cultures
CHRIST-CENTEREDNESS
- exerts efforts to be the other Christ in words and deeds
- exhibits a genuine love of the person of Christ by committing oneself to His mission
- does everything for the greater glory of God
- recognizes Christ in every individual
KEY VALUES IN ATENEO DE ILOILO’S IGNATIAN (ATENEO DE ILOILO-SMCS) EDUCATION
The Ignatian values described below are inseparable charisms derived from the lived experience of Ignatius, and thus are part of the living Ignatian tradition all Ateneans will continue to shape. They are a means, not an end. They are strategies and standards in accomplishing the transformation of our world and ourselves.
Finding God In All Things
St. Ignatius of Loyola taught others to experience life attuned to God’s activity in everyday circumstances. Finding God in all things is an invitation to encounter God’s presence in each moment, to become aware of God’s beauty in everything and to notice God’s action in all the events of our lives through an ongoing process of personal discernment. As such, every academic discipline provides hope to encounter the Divine.
Cura Personalis
Latin meaning, “care for the person” or “personal care,” Cura Personalis is having concern and care for the personal development of the “whole person” and dedication to promoting human dignity. This includes being open to and accepting of a person’s personal, physical, psycho-emotional, social, religious, and spiritual development. It also describes the type of care we give as educators, fomators, and students. We give not only of our knowledge, expertise, skills, time, talents, and resources, but also of ourselves. The care given, and the care received, is “personal care,” not “institutionalized care.”
Magis
Latin meaning the “more” or “the greater good,” Magis embodies reflection and discernment: “What is the best choice in a given situation, of several good choices, to better glorify or serve the Lord? Choosing between options encountered in life with a primary focus of being “God centered.” It is being “allergic” to mediocrity or having this endless desire to do greater things for what is good, right, just, and beautiful. “Magis” does not mean, however, “to always do or give more to the point of personal exhaustion.” It is a value centered to Ignatian spirituality and encompassed by the Latin phrase, Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam (AMDG), meaning “For the Greater Glory of God,” which is the motto of the Society of Jesus.
Men and Women for and with Others
A spirit of giving and providing service for those in need, and recognizing that all humans have physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. In 1973, Father Pedro Arrupe, S.J. (previous Superior General of the Society of Jesus), put it this way: “Men and women who will live not for themselves, who cannot even conceive of a love of God, which does not include a love for the least of their neighbors, and who are completely convinced that a love of God, which does not result in justice for all, is a farce.” Father Peter-Hans Kolvenbach, S.J., also a former Superior General of the Society of Jesus, describes our goal to form leaders who are “men and women of competence, conscience and compassionate commitment.” This value also embodies mutuality and equality among those who are serving and being served.
Faith That Does Justice
All individuals (faculty, staff, students, parents, guardians, alumni, and other ADI-SMCS stakeholders) are encouraged to seek justice for all God’s creatures, especially the poor and marginalized. According to the Gospel, our goal is to work for the betterment of society as a whole. This is what “A Faith That Does Justice” actually means. We aim to form change agents–reflective individuals who are able to take responsible action on moral and ethical issues and who will be change agents in society, “contemplatives in action.”