A Mentor and A Friend
Let me tell you about an excellent mentor and friend —Fr. Francisco “Kiko” Glover, SJ. For years, right up until the COVID pandemic, I’d always make a point to go home to Davao every January, especially around the 11th. Why that date? It’s Fr. Glover’s birthday, and those of us who were Management Engineering (ME) students from Ateneo de Davao would gather for our annual get-together. Honestly, we picked the date because we all wanted to celebrate him—a mentor and a friend.
For many of us, Fr. Glover was like our North Star. He had this way of bringing us together, no matter how busy we all got. Former ME students based in Davao would always coordinate with him, and he never missed a reunion. Just like our college days, he was always present, ready to listen to our stories and hand out advice when we needed it most.
Our get-togethers weren’t grand affairs—just simple lunches or dinners where we’d catch up on life. When Fr. Glover was still energetic, he’d invite us into his physics laboratory to show off his latest gadgets and experiments. His love for science was contagious, and honestly, we kept learning from him even as adults. Some of us even brought our kids along, hoping they’d get a taste of what it was like to learn from him.
One thing that always stood out? The way he made physics come alive. Seriously, in his lab, he was in his element—turning tricky experiments and theories into something we could all understand and enjoy.
Academic Leadership and Impact
As head of the ME program at Ateneo de Davao University since its inception in 1975, Fr. Glover shaped a rigorous curriculum that combined advanced mathematics, physics, computers, business and the humanities. His expertise in physics and commitment to academic excellence left a lasting impression on students, many of whom found themselves exceptionally well prepared in technical subjects. He was of course supported by the best Science, Math, English, and Philosophy teachers Ateneo de Davao handpicked for the program. The program’s demanding nature fostered a strong foundation, often exceeding the expectation of similar degrees.
Looking back, it’s kind of funny to think that as ME majors, we took so many advanced Math and Physics subjects that it almost felt like we’d earned a separate degree in those fields! There were times I honestly felt like I was graduating with a BS in Physics.
When I moved to Metro Manila, I remember chatting with a physics major about some complicated topic. They were surprised at how much I knew and asked where I learned it all. I just said, “I was a Management Engineering grad—we learned all that in college.” Now that I think about it, I could’ve added, “Yeah, I learned physics from a priest!”
Pursuit of Excellence
My academic journey began in Chemistry, but I transitioned to the ME program upon my Math teacher’s recommendation and with national state scholarship approval. Fr. Glover and the faculty set high standards, encouraging us to excel. I won’t lie—the first year was tough. It took a while to adjust.
But after a few months, I managed to become the top student in my class until graduation. I still remember fondly when my teachers and schoolmates congratulated me after seeing my name at the top of the list on the bulletin board.
Maintaining top grades was essential, not only for personal achievement but also to retain my scholarship, which was critical for my continued education.
Advisor and Spiritual Guide
Fr. Glover was more than an academic advisor; he was a spiritual mentor who supported students’ personal and professional growth.
We’d regularly gather as a class to listen to his talks and get his advice. He was committed to helping us grow—not just as students, but as people. What made him stand out was his constant willingness to help. It wasn’t just me—he always seemed to know when any of his students needed support, and he was there for us every time.
An Extraordinary Act of Kindness
There’s one experience I’ll never forget. When my brother passed away, our family simply didn’t have the means to give him a proper burial. It was heartbreaking—not just losing him, but also not being able to honor him the way we wanted.
I turned to Fr. Glover for comfort. When he heard what we were going through, he asked if I needed financial help. I told him yes, and without hesitation, he gave me the money we needed. I’ll be forever grateful to him for that act of kindness. It meant the world to my family and me.
Teaching Philosophy
Throughout my time as both student and colleague of Fr. Glover, his commitment to discipline and mastery was clear. His practice of daily quizzes, initially daunting, instilled a habit of consistent study and deep understanding. Ther approach influences my own teaching methods in later years.
Legacy
Fr. Glover’s passing in 2021 was a significant loss. Because of the pandemic we couldn’t visit him or pay our respects in person. His legacy endures through the lives he touched and the values he imparted.
Today is his 101st birthday, and although he is no longer around to celebrate with his ME students, I like to think he’s still with us, keeping an eye on me and my batch mates from above.
Happy Birthday Fr. Kiko Glover!
