Highlights of the 5th CLSUIAA Grand Reunion

The 5th CLSUIAA Grand Reunion held at the Gold Coast Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada on September 23-25, 2016 was a resounding success in many respects! Under the dynamic leadership of President and Board Chairman Engr. Gerry Galinato, PE, and Reunion Committee Co-Chairs, Director Loretta S. Malonzo and Director Norma Viray with the effective and frequent promotional efforts of Engr. Gloria A. Devera, the event was attended by 170 participants from six countries (USA, Philippines, Canada, Japan, Italy and UAE). Also noteworthy was the usual attendance of the CLSU President Dr. Tereso Abella, accompanied by wife, Mina and daughter, Diana Angeline), the CLSU Alumni Foundation, Inc. (CAFI); Alumni Relations Office Chief, the presence of two university and college presidents, a highly successful alumnus entrepreneur, and about 30 CLSU professors.

The event started with the Early Arrival Reception Dinner and fellowship at "Kusina ni Lorraine" from 5 pm to 8 pm, Friday, September 23, attended by almost a hundred in colorful Hawaiian attires.

The General Assembly meeting was held the following day, Saturday, it was preceded by a brief Board of Directors meeting, brief inspirational talks by Dr. Zenaida M. Serna, CLSU ARO Chief, Dr. Eliseo Ruiz, former CLSU President and current President, CLSU Alumni Foundation, Inc. (CAFI), Dr. Firma Viray, former Dean of the CLSU College of Home Science and Industry, and currently President of Core Gateway College in San Jose City, Nueva Ecija, Mr. Rogelio Espejo, Jr., Owner and CEO, Fullgreen Agro Corporation, Philippines, and Dr. Romeo Padilla, Founder and President, PanPacific University of Northern Philippines.

At the Business Meeting, which immediately followed the inspirational talks, President Galinato presided and rendered his annual report. After a brief coffee break, Engr. Norma "Ohma" Viray rendered her Treasurer's Report followed by the Committee Reports. Of significant importance was an amendment presented by Constitution and By-laws Committee Chair, Floro Gutierrez for ratification by the general membership increasing the number of Directors in the Board from 14 to 15 and extending their tenure from two to three years of office. Elections Committee Chair, Engr. Joselito Viray, PE, assisted by three years deputies conducted the election and Juanito Del Rosario, PhD was elected Director.

Next year and thereafter, five Directors will be elected to replace or re-elect those whose terms have expired.

At the Gala Night, the Keynote Speaker, CLSU President Dr. Tereso Abella, gave a very encouraging speech. Preceding the Keynote Speaker, Dr. Sonny Sicat, son of Director Dr. Leo Sicat, delivered an inspiring speech as proxy to the Inspirational Speaker, Rep. Eulogio Magsaysay, PhD. Consequently, Dr. Juanito Del Rosario, the newest Director to join the Board, was inducted into office by President Abella. Emceed jointly

by Regional Vice Presidents Annie A. Silva and Manny Buado and with the wonderful voices of the Bohol Songbirds Band providing music, the participants had a blast, dancing till midnight.

The last day, Sunday, September 25, was a picnic at the Seniors Park on Flamingo Road, Las Vegas. Directors Val Pascual and Floro Gutierrez co-emceed. The Alumni were presented and recognized in groups according to graduation year. Director Juanito Campos was the oldest alumnus present and the only one who graduated when CLSU was still CLAS (Central Luzon Agricultural School).

Some prominent alumni also shared briefly their experiences while studying in CLSU/CLAC. More importantly, the new CLSUIAA Endowment Fund donors as well as the existing donors who made additional donations were recognized for their benevolence.

generosity and continued support The combined sum received totaled $4,600. There were also great musical performances by Nicole Bonzato (niece of Ohma Viray) and Director Lorie Malonzo as well as community singing and line dancing to shake

away some calories from the sumptuous lunch, desserts and newly picked fresh fruits from the Quiba’s Farm, capped by the singing of the CLSU Hymn.




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