UPNAAI Chapter in the Lone Star State of Texas, USA
About UPNAA-TX
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The University of the Philippines Nursing Alumni Association of Texas (UPNAA-TX) brings together graduates from the Philippine General Hospital School of Nursing (PGHSN) and the University of the Philippines College of Nursing (UPCN) residing across Texas. We are a progressive community of healthcare professionals dedicated to advancing the nursing profession and supporting our alma mater.
Our History & Milestones
- Founding (2014): Established under Founding President Susan Vicencio-Garaygay (PGH SN Class of 1968), UPNAA-TX stands as the third official chapter of the UPNAAI.
- Non-Profit Status (2019): To formalize our philanthropic reach, we successfully transitioned into an official 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization.
- Rapid Growth: Since our inception, we have steadily increased our membership and expanded our network of dedicated professionals throughout the state.
Our Founding Leadership
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We honor the inaugural Executive Board and Directors who established our chapter's legacy:
* Susan Vicencio-Garaygay | Founding President (PGH SN Class of 1968)
* Nikki Stiffen | Founding Treasurer (PGH SN Class of 1975)
* Deborah-Anne Yambao-Butuyan | Founding Auditor (UPCN Class of 1989)
* Dolora Sanares-Carreon | Director (PGH SN Class of 1975)
* Virginia Bona| Director (PGH SN Class of 1976)
* Maria Bernarte Mila | Director (UPCN Class of 1989)
Pioneering Initiatives
Driven by our core pillars of Education, Research, and Service, UPNAA-TX has led several groundbreaking programs:
- The Balik-Turo Program (2023): Launched to commemorate our 10th anniversary, this educational exchange program brought critical skills back to UPCN students. We celebrated this milestone by donating high-quality Littmann stethoscopes directly to the students. The profound success of this event led UPNAAI to adopt and continue the program from 2024 through the present.
- Educational Webinars: Pioneered during the COVID-19 pandemic, these virtual educational sessions provided critical healthcare insights and professional development during a global crisis.
- Alumni Scholarships: We established the very first educational scholarship and assistance fund specifically targeted to support deserving UPCN students in the Philippines.
Looking to the Future
As a progressive and forward-thinking chapter, UPNAA-TX continuously expands its impact. Moving forward, our roadmap includes:
- Launching local educational assistance and scholarships for nursing students studying right here in Texas.
- Expanding our current charitable causes, both locally and internationally.
- Upholding the strict standards of the University of the Philippines, ensuring every project embodies the lifelong alumni virtues of Honor, Excellence, and Service.
