Alumni Corner

CPAC has had a Prayer Garden for many years, providing students, faculty, staff, and visitors a quiet place to pray and spend time with God. Over time, however, the area needed improvement and upgrading. The enhancement of the Prayer Garden was therefore included in the College’s institutional plans.

The plan gained momentum through Mrs. Susan Flora Caro, BS Nursing Class of 1991. On July 28, 2023, Mrs. Caro reached out to the Vice President of the College’s Academic Administration and expressed her desire to help improve the Prayer Garden. She envisioned a peaceful and beautiful place where students and other members of the CPAC community could pray, meditate, and enjoy quiet moments with God, surrounded by nature. More importantly, she expressed her commitment to help make the plan possible.

The need to improve the area became even more meaningful when a graduate student was seen praying quietly in the existing Prayer Garden. The moment was simple, but it was inspiring. It reminded the administration that the garden was being used for its intended purpose and that improving it would provide a better place for students and others who come there to pray.

From there, the idea of adding a new and improved prayer gazebo was developed. The plan was shared with Mrs. Caro, who welcomed the idea and generously provided the funds needed for the project.

The gazebo was named Shalom Haven, a name that reflects what the place is meant to be—a peaceful space where people can pray, reflect, and spend quiet time with God. With Mrs. Caro’s support, a plan that had been on the College’s agenda became a reality.

On August 13, 2026, the Shalom Haven Prayer Garden Gazebo was formally inaugurated and dedicated to the Lord.

The College is grateful to Mrs. Susan Flora Caro for her generosity and for sharing in CPAC’s desire to provide a better place for prayer on campus. Her support has given students and the entire CPAC community a beautiful, peaceful space to enjoy for many years to come.

Today, Shalom Haven welcomes anyone who needs a quiet moment—to sit, pray, reflect, and spend time with God.

Tradition

25 yrs

Pillars

4

Community

Families

The weekend was marked by a series of messages delivered by a beloved alumnus and former teacher, known simply as “Sir Eben Gaurino.” Through his ministry, the themes of #OneVoice27 were woven into the tapestry of the event, transforming a routine gathering into a profound spiritual retreat.

Sir Eben reminded us that our testimonies—both the joyful milestones and the painful, challenging seasons—are opportunities to demonstrate God’s grace. He encouraged us to let our friendships and fellowship catalyze meaningful service, challenging us to share Jesus not just through words but by living intentionally in our daily work and relationships.

For the CPAC community, this annual camping trip is far more than a recreational getaway; it is a 25-year tradition of deep-rooted friendship. Over the decades, these gatherings have evolved to include the families and children of the original alumni, creating a legacy of community that transcends generations.

The retreat emphasized the importance of using individual God-given gifts and influence to further the work of the Gospel. Attendees were urged to carry the values of their alma mater—integrity, compassion, and excellence—into their professional and personal lives, remaining, as the scripture suggests, “In the world, but not of the world.”

As the weekend concluded, the atmosphere was one of spiritual refreshment and strengthened bonds. The event served as a powerful reminder that while the #OneVoice27 initiative is a worldwide movement, its impact is felt most deeply when lived out in the personal, daily lives of believers.

This is a milestone year for us as we embrace #AllThingsNew. We look forward to continuing this tradition for generations to come, trusting that God will use this association to bless everyone we meet.

With hearts renewed, the California Chapter members returned to their homes and workplaces, carrying the spirit of #OneVoice27 with them, committed to growing as disciples and reflecting the love of Christ in everything they do.

This August 26–30, the association celebrated its 26th anniversary with a gathering at the idyllic Wymondley Wood in Letchworth Garden City. Seventy-nine attendees—comprising alumni, their families, and friends—convened for a retreat that served as both a homecoming and a recommitment to the values that founded the group in 2001.

Years of service

26

Attendees

79

Founded

2001

The UK chapter was born in the autumn of 2001, sparked by a desire to preserve the ideals of their alma mater while navigating life in a foreign land. Led by the association’s first president, Dolores Octavio, the founding members sought to create a “home away from home.”

Throughout the years, the organization has evolved from a social circle into a powerhouse of malasakit (compassion) and bayanihan (communal unity). Whether through disaster relief efforts in the Philippines, financial aid for members grieving the loss of loved ones, or visiting churches across the United Kingdom to hold charity concerts, the chapter has maintained a steady focus on giving back.

The recent anniversary celebration was marked by a deep sense of gratitude. The Sabbath Divine worship was anchored by a sermon from Pastor Rudy Baloyo, a former CPAC worker, whose presence underscored the enduring bond between the institution and its graduates. Before AYF, Ma’am Virgie, his wife, led an inspiring seminar on family life, providing tools to help members strengthen their own households—the very foundation of the alumni community.

The spirit of the CPAC Alumni UK is perhaps best illustrated by their recent impact on the next generation. Demonstrating their commitment to Christian education, the chapter recently provided a generous grant to cover the tuition fees for a family with five children currently enrolled at CPAC’s elementary and high school levels.

As they look toward the future, the association is currently engaged in two major fundraising campaigns: the construction of the new CPAC cafeteria and support for a newly launched initiative aimed at broader campus development.

For 26 years, the CPAC Alumni UK has served as a testament to the resilience of the Filipino spirit. In a world that often feels fractured, this close-knit group continues to demonstrate that by preserving their heritage and supporting one another, they can create a lasting legacy of service that transcends borders.

As the attendees departed Wymondley Wood, they carried with them not only the warmth of rekindled friendships but also the resolve to continue the work they started in Hyde Park over two decades ago: to serve, to uplift, and to remain eternally connected to the home they left behind.

Highlighting the event was a Medical-Dental Mission that drew a bridge between the college’s rich history and its future, as alumni returned not just as veterans of the field, but as leaders in healthcare. Among those serving the 1,085 patients were distinguished nursing alumni who have since forged successful paths as medical doctors, working side by side with current nursing students and faculty to provide holistic care.

For these alumni-physicians, the mission served as a poignant homecoming. Having begun their foundational clinical training in the halls of CPAC, they returned to utilize their medical expertise to give back to the community that shaped their early careers. Their presence served as an inspiration to student volunteers, demonstrating how CPAC’s Christ-centered education cultivates a lifelong commitment to healing.

Patients served

1,085

Dental services

226

Eye consultations

200

Adult check-ups

107

The mission addressed a wide spectrum of health and personal needs, ensuring that the community received both immediate relief and long-term care. Dental services saw the highest turnout, assisting 226 patients, followed closely by eye consultations (200) and adult check-ups (107).

Beyond standard medical screenings—which included cholesterol, uric acid, hemoglobin, and random blood sugar testing—the team provided specialized care, including minor surgery, circumcision, and pediatric check-ups. The mission also offered massage therapy, legal counseling, life coaching, and free grooming services, recognizing that wellness encompasses physical, emotional, and social needs.

True to the CPAC identity, the event extended beyond clinical diagnostics. Every patient was offered a book and, more importantly, a prayer. This spiritual touch provided an opportunity for volunteers to share messages of hope and encouragement, fulfilling the college’s goal of “ministering to the whole person.”

The success of the mission was the result of a massive collaborative effort. Faculty, staff, students, and a dedicated network of medical and dental professionals worked in unison, pooling their skills and resources to reach over a thousand individuals in a single event.

CPAC extended its deepest gratitude to the sponsors, volunteers, and partners whose generosity made the service possible. As the college looks toward its next chapter, the Medical-Dental Mission stands as a testament to the enduring impact of its alumni, affirming that while the campus may have grown over 45 years, its heart for service remains unchanged.