Alumni Profile

History Background

Our History and Evolution
The association was originally founded as the “Assumption Business Administration College Alumni Association” (ABAC Alumni). Our first office was located at what is now the International Student Center at Dr. Choop Plaza. Later, the name was updated to the “Assumption Business Administration College Alumni Association” (ABACA using the Thai abbreviation ส.ศ.อ.บ.), with the office moving to the 2nd floor of the Martin de Tours Building.

Following the Ministry of University Affairs’ approval for the college to transition into a full university, we officially became the “Assumption University Alumni Association.” (AUAA) Our current (at the time) headquarter is located on the 3rd floor of the Queen’s Tower (Q Building).

The Founding Vision
The initiative to form the association began with Prof. Dr. Choop Karnchanaprakarn, the Director of ABAC at the time. On March 3, 1979, he convened a meeting with representatives from Classes 1 through 6 to discuss the foundation of an alumni network. Although the initial plans stalled, the idea was revitalized in 1983 by Rev. Bro. Prathip Martin Komolmas and Ajarn Bancha Skuldee (then of Student Affairs), along with representatives from Class 9. They reconnected with previous participants and held a decisive meeting on May 25, 1983.

Ultimately, the committee appointed Mr. Suthep Lauhawatana (President of Class 1) as the interim President, supported by a committee of presidents from nearly every graduating class. Their primary mission was to drive the formal establishment of the association to completion.

By 1987, after years of preparation, Mr. Suthep determined that the association was ready to be officially inaugurated. It was envisioned as a central hub to connect all 15 graduating classes that existed at the time.

The committee refined the draft bylaws originally created by Ms. Apinyar Chandrarungsi’s team in 1983, Mr. Kasem Kornseri (Class 2 President) was tasked with designing the association’s crest. Rev. Bro. Prathip Martin Komolmas (President) and Rev. Bro. Cyril Vilangilli (Vice President for Administration) selected the Latin motto that appears on the crest: Integritas, Unitas, Scientia—which translates to Integrity, Unity, and Knowledge.

Objectives

The AUAA serves as a central platform for alumni to:
• Foster social connections and networking among graduates.
• Provide professional support, such as organizing training sessions and seminars.
• Act as a coordinator between the university (ABAC), alumni, current students, and the business sector.
• Engage in charitable activities and promote Thai culture and traditions.
Note: The association remains strictly non-political, prohibits gambling, operates on a non-profit basis, and is committed to upholding public morality and Thai heritage.

Activities and Milestones

Since its inception, the AUAA has remained dedicated to its core mission through various initiatives, including:
• Trojan Night Party: Hosting graduation celebrations for each year’s new alumni.
• Philanthropy: Providing 5–6 annual scholarships to the Ruamchit Normklao Foundation for Thai Youth.
• Student Support: Funding “The Last Orientation” for graduating seniors across all faculties every semester.
• Charity Golf: Organizing major tournaments, such as the 1997 Prime Minister’s Cup (Gen. Chawalit Yongjaiyuth) and the 1998 “ABAC Spirit” Golf Tournament (Mr. Chuan Leekpai), to support various needy foundations.
• Endowment Fund: Organizing charity bowling in 1999 and donating 1,000,000 THB to the Endowment Fund in honor of Rev. Bro. Bancha Saenghiran.
• Financial Services: Collaborating with KBank to launch the “ABACA-VISA Card” for alumni and faculty.
• ABACA Rally: Organizing the 1997 King’s Cup Charity Rally from Bangkok to Cha-am to benefit the Chaipattana Foundation.
• Networking: Hosting monthly class reunions and large-scale gatherings like the 1998 “ABAC Thailand The New Millennium” event at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC), which saw over 1,000 attendees.
• Alumni Directory: Producing a digital CD-ROM directory for distribution among members.
• Academic & Cultural Events:
• The “Back to Broadway” musical to support the University’s Academic Development Fund.
• “TV Wathee” (Talk Show/Debate) events to inspire students on the importance of international languages.
• The “National Economic Agenda” Dinner Talk featuring Dr. Supachai Panitchpakdi in 1998.
• Collaboration: Co-founding the Confederation of St. Gabriel’s Alumni Associations of Thailand (CGA) and participating in the CGA-KBank Visa card program to fund educational scholarships.
• Centenary Celebration: Participating in the 100th-anniversary celebration of the Brothers of St. Gabriel in Thailand.

Ref: ABACA Profile Magazine; Vol.April-June 2002