One of the most inspiring persons I have worked with is Dr. Alran Bengzon. After decades of dedicated work, he is finally leaving service with the Ateneo. He first came in as Dean of the Graduate School of Business. Not a few people remarked what is this medical doctor trying to do, running a business school. He proved more than equal to the task as he led the AGSB to become the top business school in the country with innovative programs and inspired changes. He went on to organize two more schools in the University he loved: the School of Government and the School of Medicine and Public Health. In the process, he has left a legacy of institutions that will train and mold leaders in three areas dear to his heart: health, governance and business – pillars in nation building, which has always been one of his battle cries. Given more time, he and Fr. Ben Nebres would probably have gotten around to also putting up a STEM School in the University.
Dr. Alran did great things because he always dreamed big. I loved coming to his meetings where he would take us to fantastic flights of dreams and visions and then challenge us on how to transform these to realities. His dreams and visions were deeply rooted in his spirituality and his patriotism, his love of God and love of Country. Whatever he did, he did with great passion with which he infected people around him.
I envy him that even in his advanced age, he still working his magic and inspiration to accomplish great things. When it came for us to part ways, there were no great goodbyes. We simply just drifted away. But he has always been a part of me since then.
One of the hallmarks of working with a great man like Dr. Bengzon is that everything just seems to fall into place – eventually. Given the great visions he draws up for and with us, everything seems to be but a step in their gradual unfolding. There were great difficulties and obstacles along the way. But in time, everything got done and the work was accomplished.
For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5: 17-19