Tag: alumni association activities

Agustin Pulido: A Distinguished Centralian

A testimony of commitment to faith and excellence – Dr. Agustin A. Pulido continues to inspire a generation of Centralians.

Dr. Agustin A. Pulido, nicknamed “Gus,” was born to the couple Agustin Pulido, Sr. and Sol Aguilar-Pulido on March 20, 1932 in Cadiz, Negros Occidental. He was brought up by his parents to follow their footsteps as educators. His mother and father were both teachers who believed that “it runs in the family.” For Dr. Agustin A. Pulido, it is an experience that strengthened him to become one excellent educator.

He started his education with a younger brother in a primary school in Cadiz. He was a consistent honor student, until World War II broke out in 1941. He transferred residences with his family several times during the war. They stayed in Isabela with his aunt but later moved to Escalante.

He finished his secondary education in Bacolod City then took up his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry at Silliman University, Dumaguete City. He graduated in 1953, magna cum laude. He pursued his Master of Science in Chemistry from U.P. Diliman in Quezon City. He obtained his Doctor of Philosophy (Physical Chemistry) from Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA.

Turning his back to far more lucrative roles as an educator and researcher elsewhere, Dr. Pulido assumed the presidency of Central Philippine University on September 8, 1971, a post vacated by the passing away of senior friend and fellow Christian, Dr. Rex D. Drilon, the first Filipino president of CPU. He shelved his expertise, as a chemistry professor, to assume a position, which he declared “required a different and higher level of chemistry.”

After 25 fruitful years as President of CPU, Dr. Pulido retired in 1996. Immediately after that, Silliman University’s Board of Trustees chose him to be their 11th President.

Dr. Pulido has served as member of the CPU and SU Board of Trustees and CPU Corporation. He has also served as Dean, Department Chair, Professor and Associate Professor at the University of the Philippines in Iloilo City. He has carried out duties in different committees in these three universities. In other institutions, he has served as Chair, as Vice Chair, and/or as a member. After Dr. Juanito M. Acanto, Dr. Pulido became Chairman of the Management Committee while the search for the new CPU president was ongoing.

With able leadership and selfless dedication, he developed the physical infrastructures, strengthened the financial resources through endowment funds. He upgraded the influence of CPU to make it one of the great centers of higher education in Asia. The Distinguished Centralian Award in Education was presented to Dr. Pulido for his outstanding accomplishments as an educator and University President last 1996 during the 91st University Day celebration of CPU.

The concrete proof of this development under his administration are the Engineering Building, New Valentine Hall, the Elementary School, Henry Luce III Library, the new Rose Memorial Auditorium and other buildings. On the other hand, Dr. Pulido worked hard in the field of alumni relations. He successfully reached out to the CPU alumni all over the Philippines and many other countries, mobilized them into active chapters to support CPU in pursuit of its various programs and projects that offered an Exemplary Christian Education for Life (EXCEL).

Now, he is simply enjoying life with his loving wife Dr. Dorothy Ann Bermejo Pulido, a medical doctor, in their residence near CPU. Dr. Pulido shared some of his secrets in staying active and mentally alert. First of all, he says, “We need to free up our minds with problems, by choosing which one to solve first.” He added, “We can simply subsist on fresh fruits and vegetables, and a bit of exercise by walking.” But the activity that the Pulidos love most is reading.

Their children, Cybele Ann, an elementary and high school graduate of CPU, and married to Engr. Luther C. Risma now lives in the United States with their child Idra Ann. Deneel, also an elementary and high school graduate of CPU and married to Col. Ezra James P. Enriquez, a graduate from the Philippine Military Academy, have two children, Mark James “Wofie” and Joshua James, a famous photographer in the campus and in the Visayas region.

Alumna donates $40, 000 to CPU

1977 Nursing Alumna, Ann Catedrilla-Seisa presented two checks amounting to $20, 000 each for the the construction of the Senior High School Building and the College of Nursing for its 5-million-peso Virtual Laboratory.

Following her inspiring message as speaker of the College of Nursing International Balik-Turo Program, 1971 CPU High School and 1977 Bachelor of Science in Nursing alumna, Ann Catedrilla-Seisa donated a check amounting to $20, 000 for the construction of the Senior High School Building and another $20, 000 to the CPU College of Nursing for its 5-million-peso Virtual Laboratory. Together with Atty. Salex E. Alibogha, Acting Dean, CPU College of Nursing, Seisa presented the checks to CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, at the CPU Administration Building, BOT Conference Room on February 1, 2018.

During the turnover of the checks, Mrs. Seisa shared how her stay in CPU has inspired her to pursue excellence and success in her career. “CPU has been an instrument to where I am today. I believe that they molded me with great Christian values, good ethics, professionalism and I am who I am today because of my training at Central Philippine University and it’s time to give to the university that gave us so much to ensure that the next generation of Centralians will be able to sustain the greatness of this university.”

Dr. Robles expressed his thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Seisa and to Centralians here and abroad who continue to love and support the university. “I would like to express my deep gratitude to Ann and Loy Seisa for their valuable contribution to the university, not only in terms of financial contribution but also for their moral support to the university.”

CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles and Atty. Salex E. Alibogha, Acting Dean, CPU College of Nursing with BSN Batch 1977 Ann Catedrilla-Seisa, her husband, Mr. Narciso “Loy” Seisa and batchmates.

It can be recalled that in 2008, Mrs. Seisa and her husband, Mr. Narciso “Loy” Seisa, sponsored the construction of the covered stage located in the center of the Loreto D. Tupaz Building in honor of her parents Mr. and Mrs. Ponciano Catedrilla. She and her Batch BSN 1977 donated 2 million pesos for the repainting of the Loreto D. Tupaz Building.

In 1986, the couple founded the Vagthol’s Residential Care Center, Inc. in Los Angeles, California. The center started as a boarding facility for senior citizens. Now, the center serves individuals with Phenylketonuria (PKU).

Mrs. Seisa is also the Chief Executive Officer of Solarex Energy International. She was a volunteer at the Frank D. Lanterman Regional Center and later became a member of its Board of Directors and the chair of its Program Services and Strategic Committee. Currently, Mrs. Seisa serves as managing partner for ASN, LLC and Vagthes, LLC, real estate holding companies.

CPU hopes that more donations will be raised to complete the project before 2018 ends. For your donations and inquiries please call (033) 3291971 loc. 1037 (College of Nursing Secretary’s Office) or loc. 2107 (Faculty Room) or email nursing@cpu.edu.

10th CPU Alumni Global Reunion to be held in July 2018

The Central Spirit across borders, languages and years for the Glory of God and for the pride of CPU.

With the theme, “Fostering CPU’s Legacy-Let the Central Spirit Shine!” the Central Philippine University Federation of Overseas Alumni Association  and CPUAA Midwest USA are inviting Centralians all around the globe to attend the 10th CPU Alumni Global Reunion to be held at Crowne Plaza, Chicago O’Hare, Rosemont, Illinois on July 5-8, 2018.

Alumni are expected to be part of this grand event of rekindling the Centralian flame of friendship. Let us celebrate the Central Spirit with pride and joy as we gather together and immerse ourselves in the years of camaraderie and faith that Central has helped shape.

For more information on the event please check:  www.2018cpuglobalreunion.com for the itinerary and registration.

Please send your registration early to avail of special pricing in both registration and lodging.  Invite your family and friends to join you—the more the merrier!

CPU High School Batch 2007 holds Grand Reunion

Reunited after 10 years the CPU High School Batch 2007 celebrated the Central Spirit through a reunion last December. Photo Credit – Ma. Roma Angela R. Miranda-Gaton. 

Friends and teachers who have become family—The Central Philippine University High School Batch 2007 held its first Grand Reunion at Esca’s Garden Restaurant on December 18, 2017—10 years after their graduation.

Alumna, Ma. Roma Angela R. Miranda-Gaton shared, “A decade and a lot has changed: the name of our high school, the buildings, the curriculum, and of course, us, the students. But whatever that changes have been, they will always be for the better. We are Centralians and we aim to excel.”

The reunion gathered Centralians here and abroad. The batch celebrated their days at Central by reminiscing dear old high school memories, “High school was the time of our lives. We experienced extreme emotions—the happiness of friends and teachers who have become our family, the pain of the first heartbreak and the joy of moving on, the victory in extracurricular activities, and the satisfaction of being compensated for hard work.”

CPU holds pride in its closed-knit alumni community around the globe, providing the testimony that excellent education coupled with the Christian values creates a lasting journey of faithful friends, sharing their love for CPU and commitment to the Lord.

Centralians all over the world are invited to attend the global reunion of the Central Philippine University Federation of Overseas Alumni Association in Chicago in 2018 and the Grand Global Reunion on campus on February 2020.

For details on the reunions for 2018 and 2020, you may contact Mrs. Tina Hortelano at the CPU Alumni Office for more information.

Centralian nurse shares Christmas spirit

Beauty with a heart for others, Tess Duenas inspires others through her love for music and passion in helping those in need. Photo Credit: Fely AG

Tess Subang Duenas, Centralian alumna of the College of Nursing Batch 1985 and currently the Clinical Supervisor of Providence St. John’s Health Center in Sta. Monica, California, together with her co-nurses, was featured in the Los Angeles News and Video for Southern California as the “Caroling Nurses.”

Along with co-workers Joanne Clark and Irene Mendoza, they sang their way along the halls of St. John’s this Christmas season with carols and songs, encouraging patients with their voices. In their interview with the local news network, Tess shared that she had been traditionally singing Christmas carols in the hospital but this year, she decided to share the tradition with her co-workers and their patients, “I figured because we do it anyway, we should just share it with our patients.”

Tess’s love for music started at an early age. In fact, she had been part of the Pavia Baptist Choir. As a pastor’s kid, Tess originally wanted to be a missionary. Her heart for the ministry eventually led her to be a nurse.

Tess has always had the heart for others. This is shown in her service and compassion to those who need care and encouragement. Back in 2013, Tess helped raised funds for those affected by typhoon Yolanda. Through her efforts, St. John’s Health Center initiated a donation drive. The proceeds were then given to the Red Cross.

Though far from CPU, Tess actively participates in the Centralian alumni community. She was even hailed as the 2014 CPU Federation of Alumni Associations Global Queen. Her involvement is a testimony of how Centralians beyond the borders of CPU keep connected.

CPU COE Batch 1992 reunites after 25 years

CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles thanked the batch for their continuous love and support to the university.

Celebrating the Centralian spirit of camaraderie—The Central Philippine University College of Engineering Batch 1992 held their Silver Jubilee reunion at the CPU Alumni Promenade Concert Park on December 29, 2017.

For the welcome remarks, CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, thanked the alumni for their consistent love for and support to the university and for coming back to rekindle their Centralian spirit, “I’m glad that you came back to CPU to see what the university is like now. It will be an interesting year ahead of us. We believe that with everybody working together, we can meet challenges with flying colors.”

Guest Speaker and former CPU President Agustin A. Pulido encouraged the alumni anchor theirselves in the spirit of excellence Central has taught them and most importantly in the Word of God.

Former university President and guest speaker, Dr. Agustin A. Pulido, talked about CPU’s commitment in producing exemplary Christian learners, “The real inspiration is the lives you have lived since 1992. I have not heard the stories of where you have been in the last quarter of a century but I believe that you have done well. CPU is now 112 years old and in all that time, the university has stayed true to its mission of teaching its students about the world that is around us and the Word of Lord that is in the Bible—this is summed in our motto Scientia et Fides.”

Although he was not present, 1992 College of Engineering Dean, Walden S. Rio also gave his greetings to the alumni through a video. In his message, Dean Rio asked them, “Was your education at CPU adequate enough to cover your happiness, strong family ties, friendship, work, and faith and God?” He went on to say that adequate did not have to mean wealth, fame or popularity, “If your answer is yes to the former question, your former teachers and I are grateful to God because we have done our job.” Dean Rio then urged the alumni to remember the lessons they have learned from CPU and to pursue excellence wherever they may be.

CPU College of Engineering Batch 1992 together with CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, Guest Speaker and former university President Dr. Agustin A. Pulido, Vice President for Student Affairs, Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico, College of Engineering Dean, Engr. Dany C. Molina, 1992 University Vice President for Operations Engr. Aurora Alerta Lim, CPUAAI 2016-2017 President, Mr. Daniel P. Dorillo and present CPUAAI President Isagani G. Jalbuena.
Batch 1992 gives their tokens of appreciation to CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, Guest Speaker and former university President Dr. Agustin A. Pulido, Vice President for Student Affairs, Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico, College of Engineering Dean, Engr. Dany C. Molina, 1992 University Vice President for Operations Engr. Aurora Alerta Lim, CPUAAI 2016-2017 President, Mr. Daniel P. Dorillo.

College of Engineering Dean, Engr. Dany C. Molina, talked about the innovations and achievements of the College of Engineering especially on output-based education, technology, and learning management systems. Engr. Molina thanked the alumni for attending the reunion and hoped that they would continue to revisit CPU in the future.

Also present during the event was 1992 University Vice President for Operations Engr. Aurora Alerta Lim. Engr. Lim thanked the alumni for their active participation in university programs.

The batch then unveiled its Silver Jubilee project which is the rehabilitation of the EN 200 comfort room. The batch raised funds to remove and reinstall toilet fixtures and accessories, floor and wall tiles, ceiling and lighting fixtures, and toilet doors, jambs, and door knob sets.