UPAAA Presents Board of Directors for 2022-2023, Distinguished Alumni and Jubilarians at the Virtual Reunion and Convention

This year is the biggest and most unique Grand Reunion and Convention (GRC) for the University of the Philippines Alumni Association in America (UPAAA). This event will have a virtual format and alumni from all over the world are expected to participate. This year’s theme, “ARISE: Pagbangon at Parangal,” will showcase a virtual presentation of the newlyelected members of the Board of Directors, Distinguished Alumni in various fields and a parade of Jubilarians. This event is scheduled on October 22-24, 2021. Please register at https://upaaagrc2021.vfairs.com.

The newly-elected Board Directors will commence their duties officially on January 1, 2022, and they are: Marilou Cabrera Areno (AZ), Walfredo “Wally” Cruz Arias (TX), Lisa Boquiren (CA), Jovenia “Joy” Soriano Celo Md (NJ), Carol Esguerra Colborn (AZ), Maria Cristina “Cristy” Torres Colmenar (CA), Manuela “Minnie” Corpuz-Castillo (NJ), Meg Vergel De Dios Daupan (PA), Jose “Jun” M. David, Md (NY), Aileen Ligot Dizon, Esq. (TX), Cici Camille Ebersole, JD, MBA, PHR, SHRM-CP (TN), Dina Barros-Ellorin (CA), Monet Garduno Gatchalian, Md (AZ), Maria Elma Gacho Greenwood (TN), Heidi Capuyan Kirby (Washington, DC), Daisy “Chi” Briones Macadaeg (NJ), Ana Isabela Quimpo Parcon (NV), Joy Pasamonte-Henry (CA), Zenaida Estoque Ply (CA), Elizabeth Ablaza Reyes (AZ), Colleen Marciel Fontelera Rosales, PhD. (IN), Racquel “Kellie” Lalo Sabas (CA), Pamela Martin Santos (Washington, DC), Joe Santos (CA), Zenaida Mendoza Sarmiento (IL), John A. Siazon (CA), Ryan T. Tejero (TX), and Winston C. Umali, Md (NJ).

Seventeen Distinguished Alumni Awardees, including a husband-and-wife team, will be presented in 16 different categories, and they are: Alcide B. Alforque (Theater & Performing Arts Training for Filipino Americans), Celso M. Antiporda, MD (Anesthesiology & Community Empowerment), Edgardo L. Arcinue, MD (Entrepreneurship & Employment Creation), Lucenia A. Arcinue, MD (Entrepreneurship & Employment Creation), Cecile D. Azarcon-Inocentes (Music), Benito S. Bautista (Film Making & Promotion of Filipino Cinema), Silverio B. Cabellon, Jr. MD (Vascular Surgery & Medical Education), Nora B. Caberoy, PhD (Science & Technology), Susan C. Echiverri, MD (Pediatric Genetics), Jose C. Pamintuan, MD (✝) (Cardiology & Healthcare Leadership), Clint E. Ramos (Costume & Production Design), Amadea M. Rivera, RN, BSN (Nursing & Community Service), Modesto S. Rivera, III MD (Urology & Medical Missions), Felicitas F. Santiago MD (Healthcare Readiness in Military Medicine), Aida N. Soriano, MD (Gender Equality & Women Empowerment), Cornelius I. C. Turalba, MD (Radiation Oncology & Community Empowerment) and Mariano G. Yogore III, MD, JD (Pathology & Medico-Legal Jurisprudence).

Another highlight of the 2021 GRC is the virtual parade of UPAA Jubilarians. A dedicated presentation is being organized for all the honorees. In a most recent update, UPAAA is being honored as recipient of the “2021 UPAA Distinguished Service Award for an Alumni Chapter” bestowed by the University of the Philippines Alumni Association (UPAA) based in Diliman. This recognition is conferred by UPAA to an organization that excelled in service to the university, community and country. UPAAA, Inc. under president Daisy M. Rodriguez and her team of leaders on the 2020-2021 board made this organization stand out among all the other UPAA chapters. It has served the university and the community through its expanded scholarship program, financial support for needy students, support for international students studying in the US, and donations to victims of disasters in the Philippines. It has also led advocacies for Anti-Asian Hate and Racial Discrimination through a global forum. A well-deserved honor for UPAAA, Inc.

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