• Founding of UPAA-W
The University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Wisconsin (UPAA-W) was founded by Roger Austria on February 3, 1974, when twelve alumni ratified the Constitution and By-Laws at St. Eugene Church, Fox Point, Wisconsin. Austria was elected as the Charter President.
• Food Booth at Holiday Folk Fair
The first ever project launched at the Holiday Folk Fair headed by Volette Singson, MD.
• Cultural Heritage Launched
A program focused on educating the community on Filipino culture and heritage known as Value Our Heritage (VOH) led by Asuncion Miteria Austria, PhD.
• First Scholarship Grants (Math and Anthropology)
Two scholarships awarded, supporting students in the Department of Math and Anthropology.
• First Santacruzan
Hosted a month-long Independence Day celebration in June, highlighted by the traditional Santacruzan parade.
• Professorial Chair Initiated
Launched a fund for a Professorial Chair, starting with an annual $900 donation.
• Cultural Classes Introduced
Thru the VOH, classes on Filipino culture, traditional arts, dance, and history were conducted for the community.
• First Pistang Pilipino Festival
Inaugural Pistang Pilipino festival, celebrating Filipino heritage with food, music, and performances was hosted.
• $10,000 Donation to UP Foundation for Professorial Chair
A major donation was made to the UP Foundation for the Professorial Chair Endowment Fund known as PEF.
• UP Concert Chorus Fundraising Concerts, 1981 and 1983
Hosted successive performances of the UP Concert Chorus which raised funds to support UPAA-W’s programs.
• Pistang Pilipino in 1981, and 1984 (10th Anniversary)
Two more Pistang Pilipino were held, including the 10th anniversary celebration.
• Additional $5,000 for the PEF
Continued support for the Professorial Chair, adding another $5,000 to PEF.
• Independence Week Celebration and Seminars
Co-sponsored Sunico and Dalandan piano concert and conducted seminars on parenting in America.
• Guansing Memorial Scholarship
Board approved the creation of UPAA-W Alex Guansing Memorial Scholarship in 1987 then launched in 1988. The scholar was later renamed to UPAA-W Guansing-Regala Scholarship offered to deserving graduating high school Fiipino Americans in Wisconsin.
• Feed the Hungry Launched
Started at St. Vincent de Paul’s Meal Program, coordinated by Deanna Cruz. UPAA-W’s Feed the Hungry later on moved to St. John Cathedral’s Open Door Cafe, coordinated by Joselito Conti.
• First Memorial Scholarship Awarded
The first UPAA-W Guansing Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Brenda Popp.
• $6,000 New Funds Sent to UP Foundation
Additional funds were sent to UP Foundation for a second Professorial Chair.
• Scholarships and Cultural Events
Continuation of scholarship program and hosting of cultural events, including performances by the Philippine Madrigal Singers.
• Investment of Scholarship Funds
Start of investment of funds to sustain support for its scholarship program.
• 20th Anniversary Celebration
Pistang Pilipino celebration for the 20th anniversary raised funds that were donated to the UP Library.
• 30th Anniversary Celebration
Celebrated with a month-long series of cultural presentations and seminars at the Milwaukee Public Museum and culminated with a dinner dance.
• Fundraising Activities
A diverse array of fundraising activities included the UP Madrigal Concert, UP Concert Chorus, annual golf tournaments, bowling tournaments, laser tag games, movie nights, piano concerts (including Michael Hey in 2012), and more. These activities successfully generated additional funds to support UPAA-W’s various programs.
• Launching of Philippine Scholarship in 2011
Marked the launching of a UP system-wide scholarship. The purpose is to support undergraduate seniors who excel academically but face financial challenges in completing their degrees. The scholarship is awarded to deserving students from all UP campuses.
• 40th Anniversary Celebration
UPAA-W marked its 40th year anniversary with the presence of then UP President Alfredo Pascual. The event was held as a dinner dance raising additional funds for the Philippine scholarship program.
• UP Visayas Financial Assistance
On August 24, 2015, UPAA-W donated $2,920 to provide financial assistance to 15 students at the UP Visayas Tacloban campus. These students were severely affected by Typhoon Yolanda and the donation covered their expenses for the 1st and 2nd semesters of the 2014-15 school year.
• Curvello – UPAA-W Scholarship
Dr. Curvello, a Michigan-based physician and close associate of Dr. Joey Abad Santos, donated a cumulative sum of $5,000 to fund senior students from UP.
• VOH Chair, Asuncion Miteria Austria, PhD, Retires
Dr. Austria has led the VOH since UPAA-W’s founding. In her honor, VOH was renamed to Asunsion Miteria Value Our Heritage (AMAVOH) in 2020.
• Virtual Webinars and Discussions
Creamheld Pepito took the leadership of now AMAVOH and organized a series of virtual webinars amid the pandemic. Annual virtual symposium included “Open Doors,” “A for Agustin,” and “Martial Law: Facts and Implications.”
• “Iskolar ng Bayan” Fund Drive Launched
As part of UPAA-W’s 50th Anniversary celebration, the #50@50 Iskolar ng Bayan (INB) Fund Drive was launched with the goal of supporting 50 or more undergraduate scholars through donations from alumni, family, and friends.
• “Take a Bow: A Strings Concert”
A fundraising event led by Fe Visaya, MD is both a celebration of musical excellence and cultural heritage, featuring professional artists Joanna Mendoza (viola), Joseph Ortiguera (violin), and Marvin Suson (violin), children of UPAA-W charter members. Timeless classics, Kundiman, and OPM were played that captivated the audience. Proceeds went to the Iskolar ng Bayan Fund Drive.
• “UPAA-W 24K Gold” Milestone: 50th Anniversary
UPAA-W celebrated its 50th Anniversary at the Historic Wisconsin Club in Milwaukee with the “24K Gold in 2024” gala. The event featured a keynote by UP VP for Finance Iryn Balmores, a special envoy from UP President Angelo Jimenez. Joselito Conti received a service award, and scholarship videos highlighted the impact of the association’s efforts. Performances included the Philippine Center Strummers and a “Dance of the Decades.” performed by UPAA-W members and friends. A moving in-memoriam video paid tribute to those who had passed.
• Workshop and Performances on Philippine Dances
UPAA-W’s AMAVOH conducted a workshop and performances on the “Tinikling,” one of the country’s traditional dances.
• Holiday Folk Fair
Cultural booth sponsorship at the annual Holiday Folk Fair showcasing Philippine folk arts.