Sillimanians in Europe celebrate SU’s and alumni chapter’s anniversaries

Sillimanians in Europe celebrate SU’s and alumni chapter’s anniversaries

Alumni Update October 14 – 20, 2024

Sillimanians in Europe and around the world gathered in sunny Malta last October 3 – 6, 2024, for the 4th Euroflock, in celebration of Silliman University’s 123rd Founders Day and of the 12th anniversary of the Silliman University Association of Alumni and Family in Europe – SUAAFE-GABS (Germany, Austria, Belgium, The Netherlands, Luxemburg, and Switzerland) as an alumni chapter.

The four-day alumni gathering included a welcome dinner with a Maltese cultural show, a tour of the Valetta Cathedral, the Blue Grotto, Hagar Quim Temple, St. Paul Catacombs, Mdina, The Silent City, Mosta Dome, the Cities of Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua. A day tour of the Camino Island caves, Blue Lagoon and Gozo culminated the last day allotted for sightseeing.

Silliman University (SU) Alumni and External Affairs Director, Ruben N. Bokingo, represented the University and was a guest speaker during the “Under the Sea” themed Gala Night at the Water Front Hotel in Sliema, Malta, October 5, 2024. In his message, Director Bokingo challenged Euroflock attendees to “engage with fellow Sillimanians who walked the same halls we all did, and champion initiatives that align with the values we hold dear, guided by the Via, Veritas, Vita. Let us remember that our commitment doesn’t end when we leave the halls of Silliman, roam the world o’er near and far. It continues as we carry the values instilled in us—integrity, resilience, and innovation—into our careers and lives.”

Director Bokingo also emphasized Sillimanians’ commitment to give back not only to their alma mater but to the community as well. “Beyond the walls of our beloved alma mater, our commitment extends to our communities. We are a diverse group, coming from different backgrounds, cultures, and careers, but we share a profound responsibility to give back. Let us leverage our experiences and successes to uplift those around us. Whether it’s through volunteering, mentoring, or simply being a positive force in our neighborhoods, our contributions can create ripples of change that extend far beyond our immediate circles,” Director Bokingo added.

Mr. Adlai J. Amor, newly elected President of the Silliman Alumni Association, Inc. (SAAI), also gave updates during Euroflock’s Gala Night. In the pipeline are two new projects SAAI will be pursuing in partnership with Silliman University. These are the proposed Outstanding Sillimanian Awardees Wall and a new Alumni Hall Building. Mr. Amor also presented SAAI’s Certificate of Recognition to SUAAFE-GABS and was received by outgoing Chapter President Rosemarie Calunod-Wohl.

The newly elected officers of SUAAFE-GABS are Maria Fe Abadies-Grimm (President), Xenia Catacutan (Vice President), Darianne Kullick (Secretary), Avital Weidner (Treasurer 1), Rechel Wehr (Treasurer 2), Livia Barot Zerna (Auditor), Yesa Caira Catacutan (PRO), Asuncion “Shony” Millan (Social PRO), and Grace Ada Genge (Adviser).

The next Euroflock will be in Greenwich, London onSeptember 17 – 19, 2026.

A group photo during the “Under the Sea” themed Gala Night at the Water Front Hotel in Sliema, Malta.

 

(L-R) Ruben N. Bokingo, SU Alumni and External Affairs Director, pose with fellow Sillimanians, Yesa Caira Catacutan, Asuncion “Shony” Millan, Livia Barot Zerna, Avital Weidner, Rechel Wehr, Darianne Kullick, Xenia Catatcutan, Maria Fe Abadies-Grimm, Grace Ada Genge, and Adlai J. Amor, SAAI President.

 

US based Sillimanians join “Under the Sea” themed Gala Night.

 

Sillliman alumni enjoy the tour.

 

Sillliman alumni enjoy the tour.

 

Hardworking SUAAFE-GAB members take a pose while touring the sights in Malta.

 

(L-R) Adlai J. Amor, Alicia Reijnierse, and Grace Ada Genge.

 

Alumni Affairs Director Ruben N. Bokingo and newly elected SAAI President, Mr. Adlai J. Amor, address the Euroflock attendees during the Gala Night.

 

SUAAFE GABS outgoing chapter president, Rosemarie Calunod-Wohl, receives from SAAI President, Mr. Adlai J. Amor, SUAAFE GABS Certificate of Recognition as an alumni Chapter.

 

SUAAFE GABS members from the Netherlands and Germany.

 

Euroflock attendees from the Philippines and the United States of America.

 

Water Front Hotel Chef interacts with Euroflock attendees.

 

Maltese cultural show during the Euroflock Welcome Night.

 

Maltese cultural show during the Euroflock Welcome Night.

 

(Standing L-R) Livia Barot Zerna, Joseph Uy, Janette B. Abella, Grace Ada Genge, Blanche D. Wysopal and Dr. Erwina Frances B. Jalandoni. Seated L-R) Adlai J. Amor, Ruben N. Bokingo, and Dr. Ireena B. Jalandoni.