May Bayona Celiz-Rogers President, CPUAA Midwest USA Host of the CPU 10th Global Reunion

By: Ryan Tejero

The recent success in the hosting of the 10th Global Alumni Reunion here in Chicago by Iloilo’s pride – Central Philippine University (CPU) was mounted by the CPU Alumni Association of the Midwest, USA. Two years of preparation since it was last held in Long Beach, CA, this year’s event had many highlights that surrounds the theme: “Fostering CPU Legacy; Let the Central Spirit Shine.” This event was held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Rosemont, IL. The Chicago hosting offered a lot of opportunities for attendees to explore the numerous tourist spots of the Windy City. There were alumni-participants from the Philippines and other countries who graced this global reunion.

CPU President Ted Robles, who was present during the event, expressed his message, “it is hoped that this is just a start of more opportunities to strengthen ties…. may the Central Spirit continues to shine and provide more avenue for alumni to renew friendships and to help CPU in her quest to provide quality education and promulgate Christian faith.”

Atty. Von Lovel Bedona, who is the Chairman of the CPU Board of Trustees inspired fellow alumni that, “This gathering of Centralian alumni from all over the world is a demonstration of the Central spirit that continues to be alive among us despite being planted in different places.”

In her words as President of the CPU Federation of Overseas Alumni Associations, Inc., Flora Cudiamat said, “CPU provided us with an excellent Christian education for life that prepared us for the realities of the world and the future. Wherever we are, Centralians stand out. Let the flame of the Central Spirit within us continue to burn and light up our corner of the world.”

Over-all, CPUAA Midwest (CPUAAM) did a great job in making the event truly memorable. This is the second time that Chicago has hosted the global reunion. In 1998, Chicago hosted it, and by far was considered the most attended global reunion. CPUAAM is at the top rank of the best givers to its Alma Mater. It has been known to be an outstanding chapter for its generosity and benevolence, and for caring and feeding of its constituency. It’s alumni community is composed of a short-list of dedicated and committed leaders and members. Its current President is May Bayona Celiz-Rogers. She completed all of her studies in CPU: Elementary in 1963; High School in 1967, and BS in Nursing in 1972. May is married to Dr. B.H. Gerald Rogers. They have two children: Bert Rogers and Rebecca Rogers, who is married to Derek Sabres.

In her welcome speech, May encouraged every alumni in the ballroom to celebrate one another, celebrate their Alma Mater, and give thanks for the commonality of having their Christian heritage. She inspired everyone present about the CPU legacy of providing exemplary Christian education for life. She cannot thank enough CPU by giving her an education, the training and the Christian values that helped her overcome the many challenges she had in her personal life. As she completes her final term this year, May’s primary goal remains to reach out to fellow alumni in the Midwest area, especially the younger generation to rally behind the activities of CPUAAM.

After, Chicago, the next global reunion in 2020 will be staged in the campus of CPU in the Philippines. Preparations are already in the pipeline, which is anticipated to be the largest global reunion of Centralians across the globe.

May Bayona Celiz-Rogers delivering her words of welcome.

More than 500 CPU alumni attended the 10th Global Reunion here in Chicago.

Reuel Nunez, BSC 1951, was honored during the Gala Night for his outstanding achievement as the recipient of the US Congressional Gold Medal for World War II veterans.