NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

FEU-DNRSMAF 55TH Foundation and 45th Grand Alumni Reunion
Representing the FEU-NRMF Medical Alumni Society
Cerelyn E. Dacula, MD
Vice-President, MAS

A pleasant evening to each and every one of you.

First of all, please allow me to extend my warmest congratulations and deepest appreciation to the Foundation Board of Trustees headed by our President, Dr. Nida Blankas-Hernaez, together with Dr. Grace Averilla-Obeña, and to the Michigan Organizing Committee led by Dr. Rose Aquiler-Angeles, for organizing this truly memorable 55th Foundation Anniversary, 45th Grand Alumni Reunion, and Scientific Convention. A warm congratulations as well to our celebrating Jubilarians tonight!

During my long-haul flight to Detroit, I found myself watching the movie, Michael. I honestly had no intention of changing my speech, but as the story unfolded, I became inspired to rewrite it. Then it struck me—I was flying to Detroit, the birthplace of Motown, where music became a language that united people from different backgrounds and generations.

One scene stayed with me. Michael Jackson saw chaos of a gang war in Los Angeles, but instead of seeing disorder, he heard rhythm. He transformed noise into music, gathered people together, and led them in perfect harmony—like a school of fish moving as one. It reminded me that greatness is rarely achieved alone. Extraordinary things happen when people move together with one purpose.

The movie also reminded me that even challenges can reveal a greater purpose. Michael used his influence not only to entertain but also to inspire and uplift others. As I reflected on that message, I couldn’t help but think of our own FEU-NRMF family.

There were years when our school faced challenges and our performance did not quite reflect the excellence we all believed it was capable of. But the past two years have shown us what perseverance, commitment, and collaboration can accomplish. FEU-NRMF has once again risen to become one of the country’s top-performing medical schools—an achievement that fills every Tamaraw with pride.

That success belongs not only to those within our campus but also to all of you.

Our US Alumni Foundation has been one of the strongest pillars supporting our alma mater. Through scholarships, mentorship, faculty development, academic support, and your unwavering encouragement, you continue to shape the future of our students and our institution. Distance has never diminished your love for FEU-NRMF. In fact, your generosity reminds us that home is never measured in miles, but in commitment.

Last May, through the initiative of our current President, Dr. Maria Carmen Quevedo, ’83, the FEU-NRMF Medical Alumni Society conducted its strategic planning session. We discussed improving communication and outreach, increasing alumni engagement, strengthening partnerships, and developing sustainable programs that will continue to benefit our alumni community and our alma mater.

During the years that I have served on the local Board of Trustees, I have seen how much the US Alumni Foundation has continuously supported the school and the local alumni. At the same time, I believe we have an opportunity to strengthen our communication and make our collaboration even more consistent.

As I continue serving on the Board, I make this commitment to you tonight. I will do my part to help bridge our local alumni and our US Alumni Foundation. I hope we can build stronger communication, create more collaborative projects, and continue supporting one another—not only during reunions, but throughout the year. Together, we can accomplish far more than either of us can alone.

Just as you have always welcomed us with warmth whenever we attend your reunion here in the United States, we will be there to warmly welcome all of you when you come home to the Philippines. Our relationship should never be one-sided. We are one FEU-NRMF family, and homecoming should always feel like coming home.

So tonight, I would like to personally invite each and every one of you to our Annual Alumni Homecoming on January 21 to 23, 2027. The celebration will be held at our beloved FEUNRMF campus in Fairview and at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel.

We would love to see you there—not simply as our guests, but as family coming home.

As we gather here in Motor City, I cannot think of a better place to celebrate unity. Motown became legendary because different voices, different talents, and different stories came together to create one unforgettable sound. That, to me, is also the story of FEU-NRMF.

Different batches. Different specialties. Yet one school. One family. One purpose.

May we continue to move together in harmony, supporting one another and ensuring that the generations who come after us will inherit an even stronger FEU-NRMF than the one we inherited.

Before I end, allow me once again to thank all of you for your friendship, your generosity, and your unwavering love for our alma mater.

Good evening, and may God continue to bless our FEU-NRMF family