Rate My Professor Ruben Katigbak

Born in Manila, Philippines, Katigbak earned a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy from the University of Santo Tomas and pursued postgraduate studies in theology at the Loyola School of Theology before leaving the seminary. Later, he obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration from the University of Auckland in 2017. His professional journey began with eight years of seminary training with the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, interrupted by his father's death, after which he supported his family through volunteer work and as chief of staff at the Makati Rotary Club, overseeing education, health, nutrition, economic and community development, youth development, environment, and emergency relief efforts. Three years post-seminary, he married Rosemarie and immigrated to New Zealand in October 1998. Starting with a position at Wendy's, he advanced in student accommodation at the University of Auckland, serving as night auditor, porter, assistant manager at Railway Campus, and residential manager at O’Rorke Hall for 13 years. He joined the University of Otago in 2020 as Warden at Arana College, bringing over 20 years of experience in fostering students' social and academic growth through pastoral care. Katigbak regards his role as a vocation, rooted in faith and a commitment to treating students as family.