The Ateneo De Manila University on Thursday mourned the passing of its alumnus — former President Benigno Simeon ‘Noynoy’ Aquino III.

Aquino died at the Capitol Medical Center in Quezon City. He was 61 years old.

“Ateneo de Manila University is one with the Filipino nation in mourning the death of former President Benigno Simeon Cojuangco Aquino III, the 15th President of the Philippines and a distinguished Ateneo alumnus (GS ’73, HS ’77, AB Eco ’81),” the university said on Facebook.

The University of the Philippines also sent messages of condolences to the Aquinos.

“President Danilo L. Concepcion and the UP community condole with the country on the loss of former Senator and the 15th President of the Republic of the Philippines (2010-2016), Hon. Benigno Simeon Cojuangco Aquino III,” the school said.

UP said that Aquino was a “strong supporter” of the higher education sector.

“He also understood the importance of high-value scientific research and innovation in the country and supported the various research initiatives within UP and collaborations between UP and the government sector,” it said.

The University of Santo Tomas, Bicol University, Ateneo de Naga University, Tarlac State University also expressed their sympathies to the Aquino family.