October 10,
1998 marks the very first time that the Divine Word
College of Urdaneta, Pangasinan alumni in the United
States gathered together for a potluck
with one purpose in mind. The purpose of which was to
organize the first DWCU alumni reunion in the United
States.
The potluck
was held in Lakewood, California. Nancy Garcia class 1973
and Lorenzo Suyat, 1972 coordinated the event. Alumni from
California and out of town like Washington and Texas
attended the event. It was well attended and was a
tremendous success. It was a great experience when we were
able to reminisce and rekindle old friendship with former
high school classmates and schoolmates. It made you wish
the day would not end.
During the
potluck, it was decided that the First Alumni Reunion
would be held on July 3, 1999 in Southern California most
likely in the Los Angeles area. Coordinators were
appointed to cover different regions of the United States
where alumni might be living in. It was also decided that
the name of the group should be Divine Word College of
Urdaneta Alumni Association. An interim set of
officers was appointed to get this project going. Segundo
Manzano, class 1970 was appointed President. Jaime
Rosales, 1970 and Lorenzo Suyat Jr. were appointed first
and second Vice Presidents respectively. Nancy Garcia was
Secretary while Johnny Soriano was Treasurer.
Different committees were also formed to meet the
challenges of organizing the reunion.
Johnny
S. Soriano is acknowledged as the prime mover of
this project. He started the ball rolling. During his
years in military service, he diligently compiled names of
alumni living outside the Philippines. From a mere sheet
of paper his list of alumni has grown so big that it
continues to grow up to this day. It was always his wish
to have a reunion in the United States. It was a huge task
not knowing what aches and pains will come his way. He had
spent so much time, effort and money to accomplish his
goal. But with great support and encouragement from the
different alumni, he went ahead and made sure that this
potluck and the reunion will come into reality. The
potluck was a great success. The reunion will no doubt
become a huge success due to the huge support and
encouragement of the alumni and their families.