In Loving Memory of Dr. Apple G. Alvarez, RN, MN, PhD, DNS

In Loving Memory of Dr. Apple G. Alvarez, RN, MN, PhD, DNS
Academic Coordinator – Ateneo de Davao University, School of Nursing

It is with deep sorrow and heartfelt gratitude that we bid farewell to Dr. Apple G. Alvarez, RN, MN, PhD, DNS, our beloved Academic Coordinator of the Ateneo de Davao University – School of Nursing (SON). Her unexpected passing leaves an unfillable void in the hearts of all who had the privilege to know, work with, and learn from her. Her legacy, however, will continue to inspire and guide the entire SON community for generations to come.

Dr. Alvarez was more than an academic administrator — she was the pillar of the nursing school, the soul of the academic structure, and the silent strength behind many of the school’s proudest accomplishments. A brilliant scholar and a visionary educator, she shaped the curriculum with deep care and intent, ensuring that every component of the program served not only the professional standards of nursing but the moral and human values at the core of Jesuit education.

Throughout her years of service, Dr. Alvarez was known for her unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity, and compassion. She held every student to a high standard, not out of rigidity, but because she believed in their potential and wanted to see them rise. She infused her leadership with kindness and fairness, always ready to listen and offer guidance, whether it was a student struggling with clinical rotations or a faculty member navigating academic challenges.

She was not just a mentor to many — she was a second mother, a confidante, and a trusted friend. Her wisdom was matched only by her warmth. It was not uncommon to see her walking the halls of the nursing building offering a reassuring smile or sharing quiet words of encouragement that had lasting impact. Many alumni and current students can attest that they would not be where they are today without her steady presence and belief in their capabilities.

As a researcher and scholar, Dr. Alvarez also made significant contributions to the field of nursing education, pushing the boundaries of traditional pedagogy and exploring innovative methods of instruction, learning, and care. She advocated for evidence-based practice and the holistic development of nurses — not only as caregivers, but as leaders, advocates, and change-makers in society. Her passion for nursing transcended the classroom; it was a vocation deeply rooted in service, love, and justice.

To her colleagues, Dr. Alvarez was a compass and a collaborator. She offered mentorship, fostered unity, and upheld the values of professionalism and ethical conduct. Her calm demeanor, sharp intellect, and collaborative spirit cultivated a work environment where every member of the faculty and staff felt valued and heard.

The grief of her passing is profound, but it is interwoven with immense gratitude — for the time we had with her, for the lessons she imparted, and for the enduring legacy she leaves behind. Her life was a testament to servant leadership, intellectual rigor, and boundless compassion. In mourning her loss, we also celebrate the extraordinary life she lived and the many lives she touched along the way.

As we navigate the days ahead without her physical presence, we hold on tightly to her memory. We will continue to uphold the standards she set, to nurture the dreams she planted, and to live out the mission she so passionately embodied.

To our beloved Dr. Apple G. Alvarez — thank you for everything. Your light will never be extinguished. You will forever be a part of the Ateneo de Davao School of Nursing family. Rest in peace and eternal glory.

With deepest sympathy and boundless respect,
The Ateneo de Davao – School of Nursing Community