A tribute to Estrella Espejo’s enduring legacy of love, sacrifice, and the power of giving.
(By Ike Pahm and Ito Conti)
In a quiet but powerful gesture of generosity, Drs. Evalynne and John Pickeral have pledged a transformative gift to the University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Wisconsin’s (UPAA-W) Iskolar ng Bayan (INB) Fund. Their donation—the largest single contribution to the scholarship program to date—will support nine deserving students over the next twelve years, ensuring that three scholars at a time can complete their four-year college degrees with financial support and encouragement.
Honoring a Sister’s Selfless Spirit
The scholarship is named the UPAA-W Estrella Espejo Memorial Scholarship Award, in honor of Dr. Evalynne Pickeral’s older sister, Estrella “Estrel” Espejo. Born in Manaoag, Pangasinan, Estrel was the third of twelve siblings and the eldest among the sisters. A graduate of Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of the Philippines Diliman in 1963, Estrel dedicated her life to science and service. After working at the UP College of Medicine where she was employed right after earning her degree, she migrated to Boston. First, she worked as a research assistant at St. Margaret’s Hospital for three years. She then transfered to Carney Hospital as a medical technologist serving as clinical chemistry supervisor, retiring at age 72.
Estrel never married, choosing instead to devote her life to helping her siblings. As Evalynne shared:
“She wanted to stay single so she can help all of us.”
Estrel’s generosity extended far beyond financial support — she was a mentor, a guide, and a source of strength. When Evalynne moved to the U.S. to advance her medical career, Estrel welcomed her with open arms, helping her navigate life in Boston and even funding her medical exams and residency applications.
Evalynne recalls how Estrel would take her out to eat, drive her around Boston to help her get acquainted with the city, and even take her on weekend trips to Virginia, Washington D.C., and New York. These were not grand vacations, but simple acts of love that made a young doctor feel at home in a foreign land.
One story that stands out is when Evalynne accidentally damaged Estrel’s brand-new car while she was away on vacation. Terrified of disappointing her sister, Evalynne had the car repaired immediately and never told Estrel about the incident. Estrel never noticed, and the secret remained a symbol of the deep respect and care Evalynne had for her sister.
A Shared Vision of Giving
Evalynne and John met during their pathology residency at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh. Both came from families that valued education and service. Evalynne’s parents, who owned a bakery in Pangasinan, would pay their children’s school fees—even when waived due to academic honors—and donate the equivalent amount to children of low-income school staff. John’s parents, both teachers, instilled similar values of compassion and generosity.
Together, the Pickerals have quietly empowered the educational journeys of countless relatives and friends, both in the Philippines and the US—among them two doctors, two physical therapists, three medical technologists, four nurses, and a chef. One more is currently pursuing nursing. Their support has never been about accolades or recognition. For Evalynne and John, education is a way to uplift lives, to plant seeds of hope, and to build futures grounded in compassion, purpose, and the quiet power of giving.
As John aptly puts it:
“Life is not about money or career success. It’s about living a good life and helping others. If you spend money now to help people, it comes back to you in ways that you can’t imagine.”
Their decision to establish the UPAA-W Estrella Espejo Memorial Scholarship Award was not made on a whim. It was the culmination of years of quiet giving, inspired by a lifetime of witnessing the transformative power of education and compassion. When Evalynne heard about the Iskolar ng Bayan Fund at the UPAA-W’s 50th Gala Night, she knew it was the perfect opportunity to honor her sister’s legacy in a way that would continue to uplift others.
A Gift That Keeps on Giving
The Pickerals’ pledge of $30,000 will provide book allowances and monthly stipends to students across the UP system. Their hope is that these scholars will not only graduate but also carry forward the values of compassion, integrity, and service.
Evalynne and John view this scholarship as a tribute to Estrel’s legacy and a motivator for others to give. This noble way of carrying Estrel’s light forward to help others may, as they hope, inspire others.
Evalynne recalls:
“She was my role model. Visiting her lab at UP PGH and seeing her in her lab coat surrounded by test tubes—it was fascinating. That memory stayed with me and may have shaped my path into medicine.”
A Message to the Community
To the scholars who will benefit from this award, the Pickerals offer this message:
“Be good people. Get good jobs. Raise good families. And always remember to help others.”
And to those considering supporting student initiatives like UPAA-W’s Iskolar ng Bayan, Evalynne adds,
“Giving is not just about money. It’s about sharing your blessings and creating ripples of hope.”
Through their gift, the Pickerals have offered more than financial support—they’ve built a bridge across generations, across oceans, and deep into the hearts of those they’ve touched. And with this generosity, Estrel’s light will continue to shine on our “iskolar ng bayan” recipients—illuminating paths, nurturing dreams, and reminding them that when blessings are shared, they become legacy.
Thank you, Evalynne and John, for carrying Estrel‘s light forward.