By Mike Baños
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY-To celebrate the decades long celebration marking the 100thyear of Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan (Xavier Ateneo), it has unveiling a Centennial Logo representing 100 years of excellence, service, and faith, in the tradition of the Society of Jesus.
“The logo transcends mere design. It embodies the long and rich history of our university, deeply rooted in the Jesuit ideals of education, reflection, and action. It reflects the legacy of those who have come before us, and the vision we carry forward into the next century,” noted Fr. Mars P. Tan, SJ, XU President.
Since its establishment in 1933, Xavier Ateneo has served as a home for generations of Xavier Ateneans, fostering their growth and formation. It has been the foundation for future productive citizens and leaders who embody the values of excellence and service to society and the Church.
It is not an exaggeration to say that the history of Cagayan de Oro City is closely intertwined with that of Xavier University, as many of our graduates serve as leaders and influencers in the local communities, Fr Mars added.
He reminded those present how all their achievements are built upon the dedication of all those who came before—the Jesuit founders, the administrators, faculty, staff, and the countless students whose lives have been transformed by a Jesuit education.
He stressed how this centennial serves as a call to action for everyone: to continue a shared journey with renewed passion, to strengthen our resolve to make a difference, and to deepen our commitment to the principles of justice, equality, and service.
Xavier Ateneo Centennial Logo promoted in various media. Photo credits: Xavier Ateneo
The XU Centennial
Prior to the unveiling of the logo, Xavier Ateneo Centennial Chair Fr Frank Dennis B Savadera SJ related how the university will turn 100 years in 2033, being founded by Archbishop James Hayes, SJ on June 7, 1933.
To mark this milestone, XU President Fr. Tan created the XU 100th Year Steering Committee, imagining a huge celebration to be marked with socio-cultural, historical, academic, formation-related and fun events.
One hundred years is a rare achievement. Xavier Ateneo is one of God’s many gifts to the people of Mindanao. Let the stewards of this gift be always grateful and humble as we brave new frontiers. We look forward to a bright future not only for our university, but as well for the community of Northern Mindanao that we serve, Fr Tan added.
The Centennial Steering Committee has been tasked to plan activities and commemorations annually for the next 10 years, highlighting the legacy of Xavier University, its resolve to leapfrog into a new era of growth, and drumbeating the big celebration in 2033.
A general framework has been proposed along the central theme: ONE XAVIER …ONE (On to a New Era.) This envisions a Mode of Revisiting the Past celebrating the history, identity, the mission, traditions and values of Xavier Ateneo as a vibrant educational institution, and articulating XU’s Collective Aspirations for the future.
“To symbolize our journey forward, we are launching an image of our XU Centennial Celebration, that we can call an Icon or an Artifact of our Shared Dreams, “ Fr. Savadera noted.
During the same event, Fr Antonio Moreno SJ, shared vignettes from the school’s storied past recalling “Xavier Ateneo@100: Tales of Thanksgiving, Trials and Triumphs,” that framed the context of its coming Centennial.
The Centennial Logo
“The use of the infinity symbol formed by the two zeros in “100” immediately conveys the idea of timelessness and endless possibilities. This is a strong metaphor for the school’s longevity—celebrating 100 years but also looking ahead to an infinite future of growth, development, and education,” said Angel Nikito Borres, an XU alumnus and part-time faculty who designed the logo, explaining the concept behind the Xavier Ateneo Centennial Logo.
The fluid nature of the infinity loop communicates a sense of ongoing development, implying that the school’s future is dynamic and full of potential, as it transitions to a new campus with modern infrastructure.
The infinity symbol is universally understood and holds significance in many cultures. By incorporating it into the logo, the design would resonate with a broader audience, symbolizing the school’s reach, inclusivity, and its ever-growing global community of students, alumni, and faculty.
The duality of the logo, which can be interpreted as both “100” and the infinity symbol, is a clever way to encapsulate both the school’s past and its vision for the future. This shows that while the school has reached a significant milestone, its journey is far from over.
