On 17th June 2015, the Université Catholique de Lille (UCL) bestowed on Fr. Bienvenido Nebres, SJ a Docteur Honoris Causa, citing his personification of their motto “in fide ad scientiam” – in faith and science. In honoring Fr. Ben, UCL highlighted his 18-year stewardship of the Ateneo de Manila University from 1993-2011, his successes in the field of mathematics and his work with Gawad Kalinga.
Fr. Ben was joined by Fr. Jett Villarin, current President of the Ateneo de Manila, as well as fellow Jesuits, Frs. Pierre de Charentenay, Oliver Dy and Marc van Nieuwenhove. Also present were a number of Ateneo alumni and faculty based or travelling in Europe.
The occasion also celebrated the ten-year fruitful partnership of UCL and the Ateneo. (Debbie Tan)