UP president to keynote Oct 26-28 alumni homecoming in N.J.
UP’s 21st president Danilo Concepcion
UP President Danilo Concepcion will keynote the 19th Grand Reunion and Convention of the University of the Philippines Alumni Association in America, according to Nelsie Parrado, president of the UPAAA.
The event will be held October 26-28, at the Renaissance Woodbridge Hotel in Iselin, New Jersey. Concepcion is attending the event with the president of the UP Alumni Association, UP System, Atty. Ramon Maronilla and Prof. Ranjit Rye, director of UP Alumni Relations.
Parrado said Prof. Rye will be coming with a “wish list” of possible projects to benefit the UP System. “This can serve as a basis for considering projects that can be undertaken collaboratively by UPAAA and the many UPAA chapters in the US, for a much bigger impact and effectiveness,” she said in a statement.
The Organizing Committee composed mostly of the UPAAA Board of Directors and UPAA New Jersey Chapter led by president Johnny Ferrer, has laid out varied and interesting activities to make the theme, “Renew, Reflect, Rejoice,” meaningful, relevant, and memorable.
Dr. Fred Agnir, Comelec Chair, issued a call for nomination of candidates for the elective UPAAA Board positions. The nominations for the slate must be in writing and must certify that the nominee accepts the nomination and is qualified in accordance with the UPAAA Constitution and By-Laws.
Among those nominated for outstanding alumni are, from left: Consul General Theresa Dizon-De Vega, artist Lenore Lim, and immigration lawyer Lourdes Tancinco
Accomplished alumni were nominated by their peers to the Committee on Awards, under the chairmanship of Dr. Francis Sy, past president of UPAAA.
The 2017 UPAAA Distinguished Alumni are Rev. Federico I. Agnir, EdD, Pastoral Ministry & Education; Laureano D. Asico, DVM, Science and Technology; Cosme R. Cagas, MD, Pediatrics and Community Empowerment; Roy Coloma, Culture & Arts; Elizabeth Fong-De Leon, MD, Neonatology and Community Service; Ma. Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega, Public Service & Good Governance; Aida Gamboa, Music Education; Fr. Gregory Ramon Dacer Gaston, SThD, Leadership & Service; Cynthia J. Jameson, PhD, Chemistry & Science Education; Lenore R. S. Lim, Arts & Community Service; Evelyn Mandac, Music; Susan Pineda Mercado, MD, MPH, Global Health; Patricio P. Reyes, MD, Neuroscience & Public Awareness; Ana Maureen Rouhi, Leadership in Science Communication; Simeon A. Sevandal, Jr. MD, Medical Mission and Humanitarian Award; JorshinelleTaleon-Sonza, PhD, MFA, Literature & Education; Alexander Sy, MD,MBA, Pulmonary Medicine & Medical Education; Nathaniel L. Tablante, DVM,MPVM, MS, Public Health; and Lourdes Santos Tancinco, LLB, Law.
Chosen as the UPAAA Outstanding Alumni Groups are Mu Sigma Phi Foundation and UPAA Wisconsin. The Special Family Recognition Award will be presented to the Feliciano Family. The Service Recognition Award will be given to Dr. Juanita Santos Nacu, who is the immediate past president of UPAAA.
There will be a welcome reception and a showcase of alumni talents, as well as a Gala Dinner to honor the alumni and alumni organizations nominated for their professional accomplishments and distinguished community service.
The call for attendance and participation is still in full swing. For information on registration and hotel accommodations, visit www.upaainamerica.org or call Nelsie Parrado at 201-960-7965.
© 2017 The FilAm
