SU alumnus sets up Academic Excellence Award in Nursing

Alumni Update March 3 – 9, 2025

Silliman University (SU) alumnus Poincare C. Alilaen, a retired clinical research scientist specializing in leukemia drug development, has established an Academic Excellence Award in Nursing through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed on March 7, 2025, at the SU Boardroom Annex. The award, which recognizes outstanding students in nursing theory and practice, offers financial incentives to top-performing Level 1 to Level 4 students.

Reflecting on his college years, Alilaen fondly recalls being a two-time recipient of the Leroy Yolton Scholarship for Best in Nursing Theory and Best in Nursing Practice in 1986 and 1987. Inspired by this recognition, he hopes to motivate future nursing students to excel in both theory and practice through financial incentives.

A proud alumnus, Alilaen graduated from SU High School in 1977 and earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, major in Management, from SU in 1981. Known as “Dong” among close friends, he later pursued a career shift, earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from SU in 1988. His dedication to the field was further recognized when he ranked 6th in the Philippine Nursing Licensure Examination.

The MOA signing was attended by Dr. Betty Cernol-McCann, SU president; Dr. Margaret U. Alvarez, vice president for Academic Affairs and Research; Dr. Theresa A. Guino-o, College of Nursing dean; Ruben N. Bokingo, Alumni and External Affairs director; Ms. Glynnis Jean C. Casiño, officer-in-charge for Strategic Partnership and Enterprise Development; Dr. Edna Gladys T. Calingacion, Office of Student Services dean; and Dr. Warlito S. Caturay Jr., Office of Media and Public Affairs chief.