Far Eastern University (FEU) recognized 28 alumni from various fields in the 2023 Green and Gold Awards during the celebration of its 95th founding anniversary held at the FEU Main Auditorium last February 23. 

There were nine new additions to the Sports Hall of Fame, which included former FEU Cheering Squad coach and alumna Ghereeka Bernabe, Southeast Asian Games two-time Track and Field gold medalist Clinton Kingsley Bautista, and Taekwondo gold medalist Veronica Domingo for their exemplary performance in their respective sporting fields.

Other Sports Hall of Fame recipients were Manfredo Alipala (Professional Boxing), Jeffrei Chan (Professional Basketball Player), Ramil De Jesus (Volleyball Coach), Marneli Dimzon (Football Coach), Victor Pablo (Professional Basketball Player and Coach), and Roger Ray Pogoy (Professional Basketball Player). 

The first Philippine-based and European competitions award-winning dance company FEU Folk Dance Group (1957), internationally-acclaimed visual artist Jigger Cruz, 8-time Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Award for Literature recipient Luis Gatmaitan, and Ikabod Bubwit cartoonist Severino Marcelo were also recipients of the Cultural Award that is given to individuals who excel in the fields of fine arts, digital arts, performing arts, and literature. 

Meanwhile, 15 individuals were granted the Outstanding Alumni award for their remarkable contribution to society, including Department of Budget and Management Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, 189th Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines Ricardo Rosario, and the Unkabogable Phenomenal Box Office Superstar Jose Mari “Vice Ganda” Viceral.

Other outstanding alumni awardees include the following:

• University of Santo Tomas Director Grecebio Jonathan Alejandro 
• Mabuhay Personnel & Management Services Inc. President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Edwina Lema Beech 
• System Director Nursing Practice of Harris Health System Dr. Rizalina Bonuel 
• Associate Professor Rutgers School of Nursing–Camden Brigitte Cypress 
• St. Luke's Medical Center President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Arturo De La Peña
• Faculty of Medicine Islamic University–Palestine Evidence-based Medicine Unit Associate Professor and Head Dr. Khamis Elessi 
• New York Presbyterian Hospital Continuing Education Program Director Laarni Florencio 
• Hi-Power Steel Corporation President Engr. Antonio Keh
• SGV & Co. Partner Hentje Leo Leaño 
• Nagdilaab Foundation Inc. Executive Director Miriam Suacito 
• SM Supermarket President Jose Ronaldo Tagbo 
• The Review School of Accountancy Founder Asser Tamayo 
• Singapore International Arbitration Centre Director and Head Atty. Adriana Alexis Uson 

During the closing remarks, FEU President Michael Alba reminded the recipients of their roles as 2023 Green and Gold awardees. 

“From now on, you’ll be lodestars of our University shining lights of Fortitude, Excellence, and Uprightness, who will serve as inspirations and beacons for students and your fellow alumni as they navigate their own life journeys,” he said. 

Prior to awarding, selected alumni are evaluated by the Board of Judges, which includes three former awardees: 2009 Pearl Buck International Woman of the Year Rosalind Wee, two-time Philippine Basketball Association champion Dennis Miranda, and modern and contemporary artist Dexter Sy.

The Green and Gold Award is derived from the official colors of FEU which symbolizes hope and the golden opportunity to serve the country, chosen by the late University founder, Nicanor Reyes Sr. 

Every five years, the recognition occurs in collaboration with the FEU Alumni Relations Office, FEU Center for the Arts, and FEU Athletics Office.

– Randy Espares Jr. 

(Photo by Janice Herrera/FEU Advocate)