Silliman University Alumni

and Friends @ San Diego
 

Scholarship

A project that first comes to mind as Alumni associations are formed is the desire to sponsor a scholarship at their Alma Matter.

SUAF@SD is not an exception.

Discussions were initiated and consensus achieved among members way back in 1995 that it would be great if the SUAF could help a Sillimanite achieve the educational dream that so many of us have attained.

It would be the perfect way for Sillimnites in San Diego give back to our Alma Matter and fulfill the prime directive of our association.

But to the consternation of many, there were so very many challenges involved with such a project.

Challenges include the lack of encouragement from Silliman, the conflicting information and negative anecdotal narratives involved with funding a scholarship program, and the lack of consensus of members as to the best procedures to follow in starting the program.

It was not until 2007 under the leadership of then SUAF President Isaias Paniamogan that the scholarship project gained momentum and became a reality.

Several fund raising events were initiated and funds raised were set aside to sponsor a student at the College of Theology.

The SUAF envisioned sponsoring a student that met the following criteria

a.	Student must be a sophomore and have demonstrated the ability to successfully complete the course work at above average grade level.
b.	Student must meet a "financial need" criteria
c.	Student must keep the association informed on scholastic progress upon completion of each semester of work
d.	The SUAF scholarship commitment is to continue till student graduates.

To overcome the challenge involved with scholar selection, the SUAF co-partnered with the Agusan diocese and accepted Ms Sanchez as the recipient of the first scholarship award from SUAF.

With a strong sense of accomplishment, the SUAF has started a project that no doubt will have a lot of ?learning moments?.

It is with high hopes that procedures will be defined and refined as SUAF learns the nuances of "giving back" to our Alma Mater

SUAF @ SD has again demonstrated the Silliman Spirit (patience, hard work, persistence, and faith) can and will overcome challenges and accomplish the goal of giving back to our Alma Mater.