September 10, 2007
Over the years, many graduates of St. John’s University have
been touched by the generosity of others at some point in their
school career. Student scholarships have—and continue to—play an
important part in the execution of our Vincentian mission. They
enable deserving students, who might otherwise be unable, to
receive an education.
Photo
Gallery
On September 4, more than 30 alumni, friends, University
officials and Philippine Consul General to New York, Cecilia B.
Rebong gathered to celebrate the inception of one of these
scholarships, the Quesada-Fulgado Anniversary Scholarship, with
Mass and dinner. The scholarship, named in honor of former St.
John’s administrator and professor, Dr. Carmencita Quesada-Fulgado,
will be available to students of Filipino heritage and/or those
with an abiding interest in Philippine culture and history.
Festivities began with Mass in St. Thomas More Church,
celebrated by Rev. Kevin G. Creagh, C.M. ’91SVC, ’04PD, assistant
vice president, branch campuses and assistant to the vice
president, institutional advancement. Cocktails and an intimate
dinner were then held in Marillac Terrace. Former members of the
Filipino Society on campus, now Philippine Americans Reaching
Everyone (PARE), were in attendance along with the entire Fulgado
family.
The evening was indeed a family affair as daughter
Carmencita-Mia Fulgado ’02C read scripture at Mass, the entire
family presented the gifts of bread and wine to Fr. Creagh, Dr.
Leonardo T. Fulgado delivered the Invocation at dinner and Dr.
Carmencita Quesada-Fulgado reflected on the scholarship.
During the evening, several speakers shared their praise of the
Fulgado family. Philippine Consul General Rebong recalled their
generosity and work in fundraising for the Philippine University.
“Generosity is not waiting for what is left over to give, but
giving of what we have even when we need it. This is what the
Fulgado family has done.”
Dr. Francis Sy, family friend and contributor to a memoir of
Filipino Americans that Dr. Quesada-Fulgado is putting together for
the Philippine University, spoke about the Catholic sentiment, “In
giving, we receive.”
The evening concluded with appreciation and support for the
newly-established scholarship fund. Alumna Kristine Carranceja ’96C
commented, “When we were students, we worked so hard with Dr.
Fulgado to get it started. The Filipino American students at St.
John’s should be proud of their heritage and take up the cause to
support this scholarship!”