Remembering missionaries is focus of SUAF project
"American Missionaries" , a project initiated by SUAF@SD, the alumni chapter in San Diego and suburbs, to recall and remember the services of early American missionaries and fraternal workers at Silliman has received support and endorsement from President Ben Malayang.
The project entails research and possible publication documenting the history and lives of these missionaries and their families. It is undertaken by SUAF members Ligaya Magbanua Simpkins and husband Joel, according to Laarni Gularek, president of SUAF.
Ligaya and Joel have contacted a few of these fraternal workers and/or their surviving families, and are calling for the alumni base to share anecdotal and archival resources that can help fill in gaps in the narratives of their service years.
Work on the project now includes write-ups published in PortalXtra, the SUAF monthly bulletin accessible on the chapter website www.sdsuaf.com. Dr. Gordon and Helen Mahy and Dr. James and Ethel Chapman were featured in previous issues. Scheduled in March will be a write-up on Drs. George and Jan Beran. The series continues every month.
President Malayang has created a working committee on campus chaired by Prof. Carlos Magtolis, Jr. to start collecting scanned and printed archival pictures. Dr. Malayang said that the University intends twin thrusts to collaborate with SUAF - the creation of historical visual displays in the Library and the publication of a "coffee table format book with personal reflections from those fortunate to know them".
Any alumni wishing to share information relative to these missionaries may email Ligaya at simpkins1922@att.net. Pictures sent in will be handled carefully and returned safely.