Who is a NEGROSALLIAN? Those who have graduated from, studied or worked at University of St. La Salle or St. Joseph School - La Salle (formerly St. Joseph’s High School), are NEGROSALLIANS - Taga-Negros nga Lasallian.
TIPON NEGROSALLIANS SA AMERIKA is the 2nd USLS Alumni Roundup and 1st St. Joseph School - La Salle (formerly St. Joseph’s High School) Alumni Roundup aimed at reaching out to these Lasallians in 5 major cities of the United States of America in celebration of the 100th year of Lasallian presence in the Philippines.
The Alumni Roundup Team of TIPON NEGROSALLIANS SA AMERIKA was composed of: Br. Raymundo B. Suplido FSC Ph.D., President of USLS and St. Joseph School - La Salle, Mrs. Lourdes Hiponia, Director for Planned Giving and Alumni (SJS-LS), Mr. Cugie Loarca, USLS Alumni Relations Director and Mr. Rhoderick K. Samonte, USLS External Relations Director.
1st Leg - July 15 was in New York, held at the Philippine Consulate Building in 5th Ave. This was organized by Rosalie Doctora-Divall of C’85 with her group of alumni. About 50 alumni of University of St. La Salle and St. Joseph School - La Salle attended, coming from various batches in the 60’s to new graduates of 2010 and from different colleges.
2nd Leg - July 16 was held at the New Jersey residence of Betty L. Lovett of SJS-LS ’82, who organized it with her group as a nice garden social party for Lasallian alumni in the area. A lechon with the many cakes and barbeque made it even nicer!
3rd Leg - July 17 was in Chicago, organized by Ray & Christine Dumdum of C ’89 & ’92, together with Marjorie Falsis-Mallari C’89 and Meriel Alvia Teelucksingh C'89. About 15 alumni from USLS & SJS-LS came, joined by 2 DLSAA Chapter officers, John Marc Sianghio and Michael Saavedra.
4th Leg - July 22 was in San Francisco, held in the Brothers’ Community at the Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory, a school run by the Christian Brothers for many years, as requested by the Archbishop of San Francisco. It’s located near St. Mary’s Cathedral. About 20 Lasallian alumni attended, belonging to different batches from the 60’s to the 90’s. Among them was Rupert Suarez GS ’61, who was given his Golden Jubilarian medal by Br. Ray Suplido FSC, as part of the Honoring Rites last July 1 - 59th Foundation Day at USLS for the Golden Jubilarian Class of 1961 - GS/HS/Col.
5th and last leg - July 24 was held at La Salle High School - Pasadena, in Los Angeles area. This was organized by the SJS-LS & USLS group of Ariel Pabon, Dan Derayunan and Alton Pabon, together with many alumni of the Los Angeles area. A big crowd of more than 60 Lasallian alumni and their families from both SJS-LS & USLS attended the afternoon gathering. Ray Sancho C’61 was later given his Golden Jubilarian medal by Br. Ray Suplido.
In all of these alumni meetings, Br. Ray Suplido gave an update of La Salle in the Philippines and particularly USLS & SJS-LS. He emphasized the importance of the celebrations of La Salle schools for this Centennial Year in 2011, as well as the events leading to next year 2012, when USLS celebrates its 60th Diamond Jubilee. Rhoderick Samonte showed the video presentation of the various activities and events of USLS. Cugie Loarca followed with the invitation to all Lasallian alumni to come home and join any of the many events lined up for 2011 and 2012, including the UMAEL gathering on October 26-30, 2011 of Lasallian alumni from all over the world!
Ms. Lourdes Hiponia appealed to the SJS-LS alumni about the needed expansion of their school library and many generously responded.
Most of our alumni during these various meetings expressed their joy and gratitude that their Alma Mater remembers them and they felt reminded that they are important members of the Lasallian Family, not only of their Alma Mater, but also of all La Salle schools world wide! It added pride in their hearts to be called Lasallians! It was indeed a tour in the Spirit of One La Salle! Animo La Salle! |