P1.1-M raised from alumni group popularity contest

A total of P1,128,703 was generated by the Federated Alumni Association Incorporated (FAAI) from a popularity contest for the "Alumni Queen 2014" aimed to generate substantial amount for the financial assistance program it launched in 2012.

The canvassing of monetary votes was held Jan. 28 at the University Main Library in cooperation with MMSU Alumni Relations Office (ARO).

Although the proceeds turned out bigger than expected, only a minimal amount will be awarded to the federation. Any excess from the quota solicited by a chapter association goes to the chapter itself to finance its programs and projects. At present, the financial assistance program has 26 recipients coming from the different colleges and units of the university.

Meanwhile, the top three candidates were: Ofe Rosal P. Acojido, BSEEd ’84; Genedine D. Jambaro, BSBA ’89; and Lorna Fervirose Franco-Feril, BSN ’85.

Acojido, the candidate of the College of Teacher Education Alumni Association (CTEAA), is the supervisor of the San Nicolas and Sarrat Districts of the Department of Education Division of Ilocos Norte. The CTEAA garnered accumulated P446,098 votes for Acojido. Jambaro, candidate of the CBEAA Alumni Association and administrative officer at the Ilocos Norte Provincial Capitol, ranked second. The CHS Alumni Association’s Feril, of Feril Dental Care in Hollister, California, USA, ranked third.

The other chapters with their respective candidates were:

• LHS-Laoag-  Cherrie Joy S. Borja, ’97;
• CAS-  Rizalina Tejada-Manzano, BS Biology, ’85;
• Graduate School-  Rosalinda P. Salmasan, EdD ’12;
• LES-Laoag-  Julie Ann Barut, BEEd, ’98;
• CAFSD-Dingras-  Generosa Rasalan, BSA ’85;
• LHS-Laoag-  Cherrie Joy S. Borja, ’97;
• CAS-  Rizalina Tejada-Manzano, BS Biology, ’85;
• Graduate School-  Rosalinda P. Salmasan, EdD ’12;
• LES-Laoag-  Julie Ann Barut, BEEd, ’98;
• CAFSD-Dingras-  Generosa Rasalan, BSA ’85;

All candidates from the alumni chapters were recognized as members of the royal court during the coronation night held at the Laoag City Amphitheatre on Feb. 11 during the “MMSU Night” which was part of the Pamulinawen Festival. The crowning guests were led by Laoag City Mayor Chevylle V. Farinas.

In her message, President Miriam E. Pascua expressed gladness that “our graduates are always ready to show their love and support for their alma mater and the land that nurtured them.” Addressing the alumni, she said, “All of you inspire our students to excel and make difference. True our vision, we are steadfast in developing virtuous human resources like you.