Saint Louis University (SLU), through the SLU Alumni Association, held its Grand Alumni Homecoming Rambakan 2025 Gala and Awards Night at the Olive Ballroom Venus of the Venus Parkview Hotel on 18 January 2025.
Centered around the theme “Grace of Gratitude: Celebrating a Tapestry of Triumphs of the Louisian Alumni,” the event gathered SLU alumni from around the world and allowed them to reunite with their former schoolmates, form new connections, and reminisce about the memories they’ve created during their stay at the University.
The program began with an invocation led by Mr. Raniel Hortaleza, an alumnus of the SLU Glee Club. Afterwards, the SLU Center for Culture and the Arts (CCA) Dance Troupe amazed the audience with a performance that showcased the center’s passion for artistic expression.
SLU Alumni Association President Ms. Purita “Cherrie” O. Pacial, CPA, MBA formally opened the gala night with her welcome message and valedictory speech, where she highlighted the achievements of the alumni network. “Each of us has played an essential role in shaping our beloved alma mater into the esteemed institution it is today–one that not only imparts valued knowledge, but also nurtures the values that guide us throughout our lives,” she said.
SLU President Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, CICM, PhD, expressed his gratitude for the alumni’s contributions to the University in his encouraging message. “Together, let us continue to uphold the values of Saint Louis University, making a difference wherever we will go and carrying the light of Christ in all that we do.”
After an energetic intermission number from SLU-STELA Hivemind, the awarding ceremony for the 2025 Outstanding Louisian Alumni began. The winners under each category were as follows:
Christian Spirit: This category was awarded to alumni with the experience of consciously striving to integrate their life without isolation and self-absorption with self-transcendence toward the ultimate value that they uphold.
- Mrs. Elizabeth B. Publico (School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts)
- Mr. Marcelo S. David (School of Accounting, Management, Computing and Information Studies)
Competence: This category was awarded to alumni who displayed the ability to do something successfully or efficiently. The award encompassed a qualified alumni’s state of having sufficient knowledge, judgement, skill, or strength in their profession.
- Engr. Nicanor S. Baterina (School of Engineering and Architecture)
- Dr. Reynaldo N. Cornel (School of Medicine)
- Mrs. Nancy D. Frigillana-Galban, MDA, MEd, PhD (School of Accountancy, Management, Computing and Information Studies)
- Mr. Marianato N. Meneses (School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts)
- Dr. Josephine C. Milan (School of Nursing, Allied Health, and Biological Sciences)
Social Involvement: This category was awarded to alumni based on their degree of participation in a community or society by promoting sustainable decisions through recognizing and communicating the needs and interests of all participants including decision makers.
- Mrs. Susan A. Go (School of Accounting, Management, Computing and Information Studies)
- Engr. Rene O. So (School of Engineering and Architecture)
- Finalists
- Ms. Consuelo Esther M. Fernandez (School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts)
- Ms. Peregrina J. Aquino-Panganindin (School of Accountancy, Management, Computing and Information Studies)
- Mr. Charles B. Soriano (SLU Boys High School/SLU Laboratory High School)
Theophile Verbist Lifetime Achievement
- Bishop Carlito J. Cenzon, CICM (School of Advanced Studies)
- Mrs. Nenita V. Trinidad (School of Accounting, Management, Computing and Information Studies)
On behalf of all the awardees, Mr. Marianato N. Meneses and Engr. Nicanor S. Baterina voiced their appreciation on receiving the awards and encouraged their fellow alumni to continue contributing to the transformative care that SLU provides. “Let us strive to ensure that future Louisians shall likewise benefit from the same opportunities that we enjoyed when we were in SLU,” said Mr. Meneses.
The 2024-2025 SLU Alumni Association officers were also given plaques for their efforts in organizing Rambakan 2025 and assisting with other alumni affairs. The jubilarians were also acknowledged, ranging from Diamond: 60 Years (Class of 1965), Golden: 50 Years (Class of 1975), Ruby: 40 Years (Class of 1985), and Silver: 25 Years (Class of 2000).
In her closing remarks, SLU Alumni Association Vice President for External Dr. Susan Lachica mentioned how it is clear that the formed bonds of the alumni have continued to shape their paths, both personally and professionally. She then inspired the audience to carry forward the spirit of camaraderie and connection, staying involved and supporting one another.
Earlier in the day, a number of activities were conducted to foster camaraderie and rekindle the Louisian spirit among alumni, including the Thanksgiving Mass at the SLU Aloysius Gonzaga Parish and unveiling of the Legacy Wall at the Fr. Paul Van Parijs Event Center and Alumni Legacy Wall, Adenauer Building. Fun activities and visits to the School Fair which also engaged the alumni and the Louisian community at the Event Center.
In uniting as one Louisian community, the alumni and officials further affirmed the University’s commitment to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Their contributed efforts also aligned with the CICM’s advocacy of Justice, Peace, Integrity of Creation (JPIC) and the CEAP JEEPGY values of Engaged Citizenship and Youth Empowerment. (Article by Katrina Garcia, UIO Volunteer | Photos by Andreanna Martin, UIO Volunteer)
