OUR BEGINNING

      In 1991, Rev. Zosimo Jadloc and Rev. Isaias Paniamogan, Silliman Alumni both of the College of Theology , came up with the idea that “it would be great if a Silliman Alumni Chapter could be formed in San Diego.” However the lack of time and a total immersion in church work took precedence over activities needed to get the idea off the ground.

In the spring of 1992, with the encouragement of Ms Bejar who was then Director of Silliman Alumni Affairs, Susan Monte de Ramos-Soldwisch invited SD Sillimanites to her home to promote the idea that Sillimanites calling San Diego home will be thrilled to bond together to form an SU Alumni chapter.

      Contrary to the message of the Beach Boy’s song that “It Never Rains In Southern California” the day was ominous and that the sky opened up and poured “cats and dogs”. As a consequence, a couple got lost on the way while another braved flood waters to be present, be it on “Filipino time”. The wet evening failed to dampen the enthusiasm of those who attended. It was unanimously approved that net working efforts should be under taken to contact more Sillimanites who may be in the San Diego area.

      Come that summer, the enthusiasm shown by contacted Sillimanites quickly led to the selection of leadership for the organization. Elections were held at the home of Fely Tan-Narvaez. A set of officers were elected with Rev. Zosimo Jadloc as President.

By the spring of 1993, the officers were installed at the Induction of Officers event held at the home of Rebecca Bendijo-Majam. Popular Silliman University professor the Rev. Jose Jacinto came down from the Los Angeles area to deliver the inspirational message and challenging the group to be true to the Silliman Spirit.

      Thus began the journey of the SUAF @ SD. Along the way, we were blessed with exemplary leadership, in the process of recreating the Silliman Experience in San Diego .

OUR FOUNDING OFFICERS

Sillimanites entrusted to nurture the new born chapter of the Silliman Alumni in San Diego were:

OUR FOUNDING MEMBERS

SUAF historical photographs reveal that 22 Sillimanites and Friends came together to organize and choose the first set of officers. We are grateful to the following visionaries and honor them as founding members:

Jay Narvaez
MARY OLIVAR – Garrido
PRISCILLA GALLARDO – Madrid
ISAIAS PANIAMOGAN
SUSAN MONTE DE RAMOS – Soldwisch
JESSIE CONGJUICO
GINO MARIBAO
ALDIN TAN
SOFIA PELIAS – Jadloc
Carol de la Paz
Gerry de la Paz
FELY TAN – Narvaez
ZOSIMO JADLOC
NATHANIEL TAN
GRACE VILLANUEVA – Tan
Rosben Majam
Liza Congjuico
AMELIA HERNANDEZ – Buluran
MIRIAM TAN – Cole
REBECCA BENDIJO – Majam
Carolina Buluran
Emmanuel Narvaez