Nursing alumni endow FEU with $65,000

Far Eastern University (FEU) received $65,000 in donations from the FEU Nursing Alumni Foundation, Inc. USA (FEUNAF USA), reinforcing the Institute of Nursing (IN)’s legacy of excellence as it celebrates its 70th anniversary this year.  

The signing was attended by FEU President Juan Miguel Montinola; Vice President for Career Development Ar. Raquel Baquiran; officers and members led by FEUNAF USA president Amor Collera; former dean Dr. Lydia A. Palaypay; Dean Dr. Moira G. Uy; and Alumni Relations Office director Dr. Celmer L. Santos. 

3 Pillars of Support 

Collera highlighted the three key areas covered by the donations: community service, student assistance, and faculty development. 

The first deed allocates $48,000 to community outreach initiatives, supporting medical missions, disaster response, and programs for marginalized children and the elderly.  

“This is going to be just for community services, which includes victims of natural disasters… medical missions… feeding marginalized children and also the elderly,” said Collera. 

The second initiative strengthens the Lydia Arao Palaypay Endowment (LAPE), originally created in 2013 to provide partial financial support to third- and fourth-year nursing students. The initial $6,000 was turned over, with $5,000 added to the principal endowment, and $1,000 to the revolving fund. Since its inception, LAPE has assisted multiple students in completing their degrees and passing the board exams.  

The third deed benefits the Felicidad Diaz Eligado Endowment, honoring IN’s first dean. Established to assist faculty members in pursuing advanced degrees, the fund has expanded to support research and professional development. This year, $11,000 was added to the principal, along with additional support for the revolving fund. 

Shared Commitment to Service 

In his remarks, FEU President Juan Miguel Montinola thanked FEUNAF USA for its generosity and noted how the three areas align with the University’s mission. “So the three important things: student support, faculty development, and community service… we are very thankful for you to be part of the mission,” he said. 

He also emphasized the broader impact of nursing education in the Philippines, highlighting both local service and global opportunities. “We always want our students to have the best and meaningful careers… but through various efforts, I think we can have a win-win situation.” 

The President reaffirmed FEU’s commitment to faculty development and student support, explaining that the University assists faculty pursuing doctoral degrees while continuing to provide partial financial assistance to students.  

Celebrating Legacy and Impact 

The endowment comes alongside FEU’s 98th Founding Anniversary, making the ceremonial signing of three Deeds of Donation a moment of pride and gratitude for the university and its alumni. The FEU nursing community continues to embody service, compassion, and shared responsibility — values which have defined IN for seven decades and will guide it for generations to come.