SU to honor eight Outstanding Sillimanians during 125th Founders Day
Silliman University will honor eight distinguished alumni with the Outstanding Sillimanian Award (OSA) during the University’s 125th Founders Day celebration, recognizing their exceptional contributions in their respective fields and their embodiment of Silliman’s enduring values.
The conferment of the awards, approved by the Silliman University Board of Trustees upon the recommendation of the Silliman Alumni Association, Inc. (SAAI), forms part of the University’s milestone celebration anchored on the theme, “125 Years of Legacy: Remembering with Gratitude, Moving Forward with Hope” (Colossians 2:6–7).
The 2026 Outstanding Sillimanian Award recipients are:
- Edwin M. Caliolio, Ll.B. — for Community and Business Leadership
- Juancho C. Campañano, Rev. Dr. — for Healthcare Chaplaincy
- Cris Jude Lacsican — for Inclusive Finance
- Edwin Somera Mananquil, CDR, USN — for Military Policy and Leadership
- Junice Lirza Demeterio-Melgar, M.D. — for Advancement of Women’s Health
- Albert M. Salamanca, PhD — for Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience
- Cristina S. Taniguchi — for Visual Arts
- Merlie Alunan-Wenceslao — for Revival of Regional Literature
Formal conferment of the awards will take place on August 28, 2026 at the Claire Isabel McGill Luce Auditorium. Additional information on the awardees and their accomplishments will be released in the coming weeks.
The Outstanding Sillimanian Award remains the highest recognition bestowed upon Silliman alumni. Since its inception in 1962, the award has been conferred on 269 alumni whose achievements have brought distinction to their professions, communities, and alma mater. Candidates nominated by alumni chapters undergo a rigorous evaluation process involving three screening committees before receiving approval from the Board of Trustees.
The University and the Silliman Alumni Association are also reviewing the OSA nomination and selection process, including the number of awards to be conferred, with proposed revisions expected to take effect beginning the 2027 award cycle.
As Silliman marks 125 years of service and excellence, the recognition of these eight alumni highlights the University’s continuing legacy of producing graduates who make meaningful contributions to society while carrying forward the values and spirit of Silliman.
