UP President Jimenez's October sojourn to the US

UP Media and Public Relations Office

Dec 1

"Far tho' we wander o'er island yonder,
Loyal thy sons we'll ever be"

So go the lines from the UP Beloved, the official school hymn of the University of the Philippines. Or as UP alumni who were students in the 1970s onwards and know the hymn as the UP Naming Mahal sing it:

"Malayong lupain amin mang marating,
Di rin magbabago ang damdamin"

In October this year, Atty. Angelo A. Jimenez, the 22nd President of the University of the Philippines, was invited by several UP alumni associations based in the United States to participate in their festivities and to come and meet the Iskolar ng Bayan who did, indeed, wander far yet remained true to their alma mater.

On October 14, Jimenez headed to the San Francisco Bay Area to meet with the UP Alumni Association of San Francisco, Inc. (UPAASF), which was celebrating its Golden Jubilee with the theme, "50 Years of Service, Building a Legacy". During the UPAASF's Gala Celebration, UP President Jimenez delivered the keynote address after presenting the UPAASF Distinguished Alumnus Award to Mrs. Cynthia Bonta.

Following a lunch reception and fellowship with Alphans and Deltans on October 15, President Jimenez participated in the quarterly Board of Trustees meeting of the Friends of UP Foundation in America, Inc. (FUPFA) on October 16 in New York City, where he presented his vision and priority projects for FUPFA's support. Later, in the evening of October 18, Jimenez also joined in the celebration of the FUPFA's 40th anniversary during the Donors Appreciation Night, where he was guest of honor and keynote speaker.

Finally, from October 19 to October 22, President Jimenez traveled to New Jersey to participate in the 22nd Grand Reunion and Convention of the UP Alumni Association in America, Inc. (UPAAA)—a three-day celebration that featured former Philippine Vice President Ma. Leonor "Leni" Robredo and National Scientist and then UP Manila Chancellor Carmencita Padilla, among others, as the other guests of honor.

Below are photos and videos from UP President Jimenez's trip to meet and greet the UP alumni who embodied the lines from the UP Naming Mahal, and to share his administration's vision and strategic initiatives with the members of the UP community who keep the UP spirit alive across the USA.

October 14, 2023: UP Alumni Association of San Francisco (UPAASF)'s 50th Anniversary

University of the Philippines Alumni Association of San Francisco's 50th Anniversary held on October 14, 2023 at Embassy Suites Waterfront, San Francisco, Burlingame, California.

Photos and captions by: Rey Guarin, Arlene Cabrales and Rosario Calderon

At the celebration of University of the Philippines Alumni Association of San Francisco's 50th Anniversary, Mrs. Cynthia A. Bonta (3rd from left) was bestowed the UPAASF Distinguished Alumna award. Joining her are special guests (L-R) Philippine Consul General Neil Frank Ferrer, California Attorney General Rob Bonta, and UP President Angelo Jimenez, together with UPAASF President Chato Calderon and UPAASF Chair Eric Golangco.

In photo: True to their commitment to service and building a legacy, the University of the Philippines Alumni Association of San Francisco (UPAASF) raised funds and gave a $10,000 donation for the much-needed upgrade of Kalayaan Residence Hall. UPAASF's Alumni Mentoring Program with UP Diliman was also launched during the 50th Anniversary celebration. This group photo shows UPAASF Board Directors and Officers presenting the symbolic check to UP President Angelo Jimenez.

Excerpt from UP President Angelo "Jijil" Jimenez's presentation before the Friends of UP Foundation in America at the Harvard Club on October 18, 2023.

UPAAA's 22nd Biennial Grand Reunion and Convention: Day 0

UP Alumni Association in America (UPAAA) kicks off their "22nd Biennial Grand Reunion and Convention" on October 19, 2023 at the Hyatt Regency, New Brunswick, New Jersey.

UP President Angelo A. Jimenez and former Vice President Leni Robredo graced the prestigious event. Meanwhile, UP Alumni Association President and Alumni Regent Robert Lester Aranton did the rounds of introductions during the Welcome Reception.

Photos by Ms. Vivian Balagtas and Dr. Colleen Rosales

*Attendees during the Welcome Reception.*

*UP Alumni Association President and Alumni Regent Robert Lester Aranton delivers the introductions during the Welcome Reception.*

*Pres. Jimenez accompanied by Dr. Winston Umali, incoming UPAAA President (for term 2024-2025), sings during pre-conference Fellowship Night.*

*Pres. Jimenez and members of the UP Alumni Association in America welcomes former Vice President Leni Robredo at the registration area.*

UPAAA 22nd Biennial Grand Reunion and Convention: Day 1

IN PHOTOS: Day 1 of UP Alumni Association in America's 22nd Biennial Grand Reunion and Convention: Iskolympics Fun Run (morning) and Jubilarian Night (evening).

Photos by Ms. Vivian Balagtas and Dr. Colleen Rosales