Alumni Update Letter July 2014

Alumni Update Letter July 2014

DEAR FELLOW SILLIMANIANS AND FRIENDS:

July, being University Christian Life Emphasis Month (UCLEM), kicked off with the theme: “In Christ Alone,” reinforcing the foundation upon which Silliman education is rooted. The whole month celebration drew wisdom from Acts 4:11-12:  “Jesus is ‘the stone you builders rejected which has become the cornerstone.’ Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among mortals by whom we must be saved.”

Most popular during UCLEM is the tradition of the Galilean Fellowship. Students are hosted in homes of faculty, staff and alumni after class hours where together they reflect on scriptures of the Bible and share life experiences. In the 1940s to the late 1970s, when American missionary faculty were still serving the University, the Rosel juice (reddish pink in color) and home-baked cookies were served as refreshments during Galilean Fellowship. Today, Silliman enjoins students from different religious affiliations to be one during UCLEM as a community of faith. 

ImageSU Graduates Continue to Interest Employers

NetworksLab NOKIA was recently in campus on a recruitment campaign among our graduates in Computer Studies, Information Technology, and Computer Engineering. NetworksLab’s Research and Development Manager, Mr. Zaldy Rosel, emphasized the vast career opportunities for Silliman graduates in this field. “After employing 2 graduates of Silliman, top management decided to send a team to personally recruit Silliman graduates.” 

There has been an increased interest to recruit Silliman graduates brought about by the yearly University-sponsored Job Fair. The 2014 Silliman Job Fair last March brought in 45 participating companies, and a number of which came from the top 1,000 corporations in the country. 

OSA Medallion Donning in Manila

ImagePast Outstanding Sillimanian Awardees in Manila and nearby areas were recently donned with their OSA Medallions in a Ceremony of Sacred Trust during the Sillimanians In Metro Manila (SIMM) fellowship night at the Heritage Hotel in Pasay City. The Medallion donning was held in the presence of Silliman University President Dr. Ben S. Malayang III and SAAI Director Atty. James K. Raterta.  The OSA Medallion recipients were Gen. Mamerto S. Bocanegra (Military Service 1973); Atty. Emilio C. Capulong, Jr. (Human Rights and Social Justice 2005); Mr. Gonzalo O. Catan, Jr. (Science and Technology 2006); Atty. Miguel R. Romero (Government Service 1997); Dr. Genevieve Ledesma-Tan (Education 1998); and Mrs. Naomi Bueno-Velez (Missionary Nursing 1971).

Dr. Edilberto D. Redoña (Rice Research and Development 2006) designated Mr. Paul Cornelio T. Maturan to receive the OSA Medallion on his behalf. Mrs. Jessica Arquiza-Regalado, daughter of the late Outstanding Sillimanian  Dr. Lino Q. Arquiza (Education 1972), received the OSA medallion on behalf of her family. 

The OSA medallion is a symbol of the Outstanding Sillimanian Awardees’ scared trust to carry on a life dedicated to the ideals of the Via, Veritas, Vita. For our Outstanding Sillimanians who have gone ahead of us, the OSA Medallion is turned over to the next of kin. 

The OSA Medallion donning ceremony was first held at the Silliman University Church last August 25, 2013. OSA Medallion donning ceremonies in Davao City and General Santos City, in cooperation with the respective alumni chapters, have also been held. 

OSA Dr. Romeo P. Ariniego Art Collection on Exhibit

ImageThe art collection of Outstanding Sillimanian Dr. Romeo P. Ariniego will be on exhibit on August 19, 2014, at 5 o’clock in the afternoon at the Foyer of the Claire Isabel McGill Luce Auditorium. 

Dr. Ariniego’s collection is of paintings by well-known Filipino artists which include Jose T. Joya, H.R. Ocampo and Emmanuel Garibay. Some of Dr. Ariniego’s sculpture collection will also be on display. 

Not one to forget his humble beginnings, Dr. Ariniego has made conscious efforts to give back.  He has been very generous to Silliman University, especially through scholarships, having been a working student in his college days. Dr. Ariniego is donating a substantial number of his art collection to the University. 

This art exhibit is made possible through the selfless effort of the Sillimanians In Metro Manila (SIMM) headed by Mrs. Edna C. Mijares, outgoing alumni chapter president, and the Silliman University Cultural Affairs Committee. The exhibit will run until September 2, 2014. 

GETTING TO KNOW OUR 2014 OUTSTANDING SILLIMAN AWARDEES

This year we have 2 Outstanding Sillimanian Awardees: Jenny Lind Romano Aldecoa-Delorino in the field of Government Service in the Judiciary and Pamela E. Yang Windle in the field of Nursing. The awarding will be on August 28, 2014, 9:30am during the 52nd Outstanding Sillimanian Awards Convocation at the Claire Isabel McGill Luce Auditorium. 

Jenny Lind R. Aldecoa-Delorino                                               

ImageDuring her college days, Jenny Lind R. Aldecoa-Delorino was a prominent campus figure who was a recipient of many awards including Most Popular Freshman, University Talent Award and Most Outstanding Junior Student Award.  She graduated from Silliman University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science (magna cum laude), a Certificate in Southeast Asian and Philippine Studies in 1981, and Bachelor of Laws (cum laude) in 1985.

Currently, she is the Deputy Court Administrator of the Supreme Court.  Prior to her rise to this second highest position in the Office of the Court Administrator, she served the Court of Appeals in different capacities as a private secretary, Court Attorney II, and Court Attorney V.  She then joined the Supreme Court as Court Attorney VI and was later appointed as Judge of the Dumaguete City Regional Trial Court, Branch 37.  Subsequently, she served as the Presiding Judge of Makati City and Vice-President for Internal Affairs of the Philippine Judges Association before her promotion as Assistant Court Administrator.

Throughout her professional career, she has demonstrated unequivocal regard for the law and deep commitment to uphold justice.  Her indomitable spirit has been tested many times when she had to decide on controversial cases and clean up her chambers of corrupt practices.  Despite pressures and criticisms, she was able to dispense justice fairly, a proof of her incorruptible nature, which she attributes to her core: her unwavering faith.

While she is uncompromising when it comes to upholding her principles, Judge Aldecoa-Delorino remains “…gentle and humane in matters that deserve compassion,” acknowledges Atty. Mikhael Lee L. Maxino, dean of Silliman College of Law.  This is evident in her unwavering support for projects that benefit the less fortunate.  For years, she has generously lent her talent to good causes, earning her reputation as the singing judge.  Everybody who knows her work would concede that she is as competent in the court as she is on stage, a talent nurtured by her family – the famous Aldecoa Family Singers.

A true-blue Sillimanian, she continues a legacy of pursuing excellence and living the ideals of Via, Veritas, Vita.  She is the fourth in the Aldecoa family to be honored as Outstanding Sillimanian.  Her grandfather, Venancio I. Aldecoa Sr., was given the award in the field of education in 1969, and her father, Justice Venancio D. Aldecoa Jr., was bestowed the honor in the field of government service in 2007. An aunt, Caridad Aldecoa-Rodriguez, was also honored in the field of Historical Research in 2001.

With all her accomplishments, Judge Aldecoa-Delorino is grounded by the strong support and love of her spouse, Chito, and their daughter, Jemima Carina.

Pamela Yang Windle                                                    

ImageAn alumna of Silliman University College of Nursing, Pamela Yang Windle has dedicated her life to the promotion and enrichment of nursing care.  Since obtaining her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1973, she has sought continuous professional development, consequently obtaining a Master of Science degree in Nursing Administration from Texas Woman’s University in Houston, Texas and certificates in post anesthesia and ambulatory perianesthesia nursing.  She is Nurse Executive Board-certified and is a fellow of the American Academy in Nursing.

At St. Luke’s Medical Center in Houston, Texas, Ms. Windle is well-known for her passion and commitment as a nurse manager.  Staff nurses, student nurses, and ancillary staff who have worked with her cite her innate qualities as a leader: nurturing, inspiring, and enabling. In fact, several patient care assistants under her mentorship have succeeded in establishing their own nursing careers.

Despite her busy schedule, Ms. Windle continues to contribute to scholarship by researching evidence-based practices.  Her works are well received in professional settings and have been published in peer-reviewed journals.  She is also generous with her time, presenting her research in different conferences and encouraging colleagues to be involved in research, an advocacy she is bent on cultivating.

Naturally caring, she finds delight in community service.  She volunteers at the local food bank, civic organizations, and hospitals.  She is also a strong supporter of service through professional organizations.  She inspires other nurses to pursue advanced degrees, which enable them to be better participants in informing nursing practice and health policy.

Embodying excellence, she has not only achieved success in her public life but in her private life as well. For 33 years, she and her husband, David, a certified public accountant, have had a successful marriage and have become good models for their children who have made a mark in their respective fields: their daughter, Cynthia, is a Chief Financial Strategic Planner in Los Angeles and their son, Mark, works with the American Red Cross in Washington, D.C.

BALIK TALENT LECTURES

Silliman University College of Nursing Batch of 1981 in cooperation with the Silliman University College of Nursing and SUCN Alumni Association International (SUCNAAI) is sponsoring the 7th Balik Talent Lecture on Older Population: Trends, Issues, and Challenges. This will be on August 22, 2014, 8am – 5pm, at the Claire Isabel McGill Luce Auditorium. 

Alumni resource speakers for this Balik Talent Lecture are the following: Dr. Nancy J.V. Bohannon on Obesity and Diabetes in the Older Population, Dr. Nela Pineda-Marcon on Nursing Care-Psycho Geriatric Patient, Suzalin R. Llena on Nursing Practices and Challenges in Long-Term Care and Rehabilitation, and Laura Garcia on Quality of Life – Elderly Patient. Dr. Angel C. Alcala will also grace the occasion as Special Guest Speaker.  

During Founders Day, Balik Talent lectures are highlighted activities on campus. Our alumni who have acquired vast knowledge and experience in their respective fields of expertise return to the campus by giving back through the Balik Talent lectures. These activities are coordinated by the Silliman University Alumni College headed by Dr. Edna Gladys T. Calingacion, concurrently Dean of Students. The Alumni College organizes, facilitates, and monitors lectures, seminars, and workshops given by alumni who offer to do such academic activities in the University and who are invited by the academic units. 

IN MEMORIAM: Mary Rose Lamb Sobrepeña (HS 1948) on July 3, 2014; Rosalind T. Camara (BJ 1975) on July 3, 2014; Fortunato V. Fortugaleza (BSA 1955 former student) on July 4, 2014; Dedita Parreño-Cacdac (BSN 1967) on July 5, 2014; Rouellyn Kaye C. Pateño (ECS 2003; Elem 2009; HS 2013; BSIT 2014 former student) on July 9, 2014; Apolinar D. Laranjo (ETC 1951) on July 10, 2014; Lourdes Bucago-Bonotan (former Early Childhood teacher) on July 13, 2014; Della Consing-Galvez (HS 1940) on July 14, 2014; Sofia A. Ravello (former P.E. teacher) on July 17, 2014; Francisco B. Alar (BBA 1962) on July 18, 2014; Concepcion Tan-Escarda (BSE 1948) on July 21, 20; and Noel R. Tan (LLB 1958; former member SU Board of Trustees) on July 24, 2014. 

Thank you for always being there for dear old Silliman.  

President Ben S. Malayang III has requested this office to update you regularly about the happenings on campus. We are also interested in knowing what you and your alumni chapters are doing.

Please keep in touch and update your file with our office if you have not done so. We would truly appreciate it. You may reach the President’s Office through this email address: [email protected]. You may also contact the Alumni Affairs Office through this address: [email protected]

Sincerely, 

The Officers and Staff of the Alumni and External Affairs