With reports from Gabriel Ortigoza, Flora Grace Guillergan-Cudiamat, and Emelda Frange–Valcarcel

Celebrating the Central Spirit across the globe—Centralians, 550 in total, came from different alumni chapters and associations around the world to gather together as Central Philippine University commemorates its 10^th Global Reunion at the Crowne Plaza Chicago O’Hare Hotel on July 5-8, 2018.

With the theme “Fostering CPU’s Legacy: Let the Central Spirit Shine,” Centralians rekindled their friendships and shared their testimonies during the three day reunion. This year’s global reunion was spearheaded by the
CPU Federation of Overseas Alumni Association-Chicago Chapter .

CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, thanked the CPU alumni for their undying love and support for the university. He also highlighted the accomplishments of the university and the contributions of the alumni in funding constructions and scholarships. Dr. Robles also expressed his gratitude to the alumni for carrying the CPU torch with faith and excellence in whichever part of the globe they may be. According to the alumni present, Dr. Robles gave a powerful yet simple testimony of how he transcended all of the trials in life and responded to his mission of accepting the challenging task of being the university president instead of just enjoying retirement with his wife, Angel, in their Wisconsin home.

Also gracing the event is honorary Centralian, Dr. Aaron Alfred Lee. In a concert entitled “An Evening with Music,” Dr. Lee serenaded Centralians. It can be recalled that Dr. Lee performed at the Rose Memorial Auditorium, CPU Campus on February 8, 2018.

For the first evening devotional, Engr. Eddie C. Cañuto shared his experiences as a working student of the CPU Libraries. According to Engr. Cañuto, to help support his studies he worked 2 hours every day for 75 centavos per hour as payment. He was able to graduate with a degree in Engineering and placed 7^th in the Engineer Licensure Exam. At age 55, he retired from his engineering profession, sold all his engineering equipment to live a simple life in the farm, and pursue his passion to spread the Word of God.

Engr. Cañuto established Ephrathah Farms, an organic farm also engaged in agri-tourism in Iloilo. There, he enjoys teaching people how to grow organic fruits and vegetables. He shared that the most important thing he does in life now is to teach people the love of Christ. He encouraged his fellow alumni to trust in the promises and the timing of God.

Another devotional speaker who shared his testimony was Rev. Dr. Elmo D. Familiaran. In his message entitled “From Whence We Came,” Rev. Dr. Familiaran highlighted the importance of trusting God through remembering and obeying His Word: “Said another way, not only do we have the capacity to remember the past, but our experience in the present is informed and shaped by what we have previously felt, tasted, learned; and our memory of the past and our experience of the present come together through time to give us a vision of the future not yet realized but only imagined in our spirit and soul.”

He also emphasized the importance of taking root in Christ as the foundation of one’s purpose, “Without the consciousness of that story, we will not have roots; and if we do not have roots, we will be living lives devoid of identity and purpose. Our story is the power that sustains our spirituality, and it is so important for the vitality of our faith for today, more than ever, that it is nourished by the memory of our roots.”

The three-day reunion ended with Centralians filled with encouragement from one another and with the Word of God. The next CPU Worldwide Reunion will be on February 5-7, 2020 at the CPU campus.

The following are the newly elected CPUFOAA Officers for 2019-2020:

President:                                            Flora Grace Guillergan-Cudiamat

1st Vice President:                              Rod Gonzales

2nd VP for US:                                   May Celiz-Rogers

2nd VP for Canada:                            Norma van Dusen

2nd VP for Australasia:                      Joseph Beloria

2nd VP for Middle East/Africa:         Mildred Majeed

2nd VP for Europe:                            None

Regional Vice Presidents

Region 1:                                             Lee Plagata

Region 2:                                             None

Region 3:                                             Lilian Lau

Region 4:                                             None

Region 5:                                             Manuel de la Fuente

Region 6:                                             Rufino Gonzales

Region 7:                                             Easter Arora

Region 8:                                             Lydia MacDonnell

Region 9:                                             Dot Cuales

Region 10:                                           Leynebelle Leysa

Corporate Secretary:                           Yolanda Jain

Asst. Corporate Secretary:                  Dianabin Penacerrada

Corporate Treasurer:                           Melba Debulgado

Corporate Auditor:                             Kathy Kriewall

Board of Directors (At-Large):

1. Melinda Boice
2. Elma Divinagracia
3. Rick Falco
4. Erlinda Galanto
5. Tito Gervacio
6. Pio Go
7. Lilia Magdamo

Webmaster: Rodney Gicana