by Lyvia M. Villegas, GN'68, BSN'71

On October 19, 2014, Ida Robillon-Santos, GN’68 led the initial meeting of the proposed UPNAAI/Las Vegas Chapter held at the Grand Café of the Red Rock Hotel in Las Vegas, NV. Present were Las Vegas residents Ida and spouse Vladi (Associate LM), Luz Micabalo, BSN’58, Connie Oliveros, BSN’67, and Ida’s supporters from California, Delia Reyes, GN’68, and Lyvia Villegas, GN’68 with spouse Rudy (Associate LM). The group reviewed the SW/NW membership list provided by Gloria Smitka, Chairman of the Membership Committee. By the time the meeting culminated, the initial Las Vegas region expanded to cover the whole state of NV, AZ, NM, UT, and WA. The goal for the next meeting was for the core members to report on the outcome of their solicitation of membership.

The second meeting was held on November 22, 2014 via teleconference. The attendees were: Delia Bartolini, GN’69, Nati Mercado, GN’68, Connie Oliveros, Ida and Vladi Santos, Lyvia and Rudy Villegas. The group reported on their assigned tasks. Delia Bartolini was the new participant, a result of e-mailing efforts of Lyvia and Gloria. The tremendous solicitation efforts resulted in 14 members (including the core group) who expressed interest in support of the proposed chapter with 5 members for follow-up by their classmates. The goal is to meet the minimum number of 20 members who are UP nurses. It is obvious that the group is close to meeting their target. Vladi’s search of the regional coverage for the NW/SW regions of the US resulted in the inclusion of the Rocky Mountain Region and the Pacific States. The states covered are: Rocky Mountain Region (RMR): AZ, CO, ID, MT, NM, NV, UT, and WY. The Pacific States (PS): AK, CA HI, OR, and WA

The group agreed on the proposed chapter name as UPNAA-RMRPSC which stands for the University of the Philippines Nursing Alumni Association-Rocky Mountain Region-Pacific States a.k.a. HUWAWCINNAMON (acronym for Hawaii, Utah, Wyoming, Alaska, Washington, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Arizona, Montana, Oregon, and Northern California). The writer acknowledges the Santos’ creativity in coming up with the unique acronym.

The Constitution and By Laws (CBL) drafted by Vladi, has been reviewed by Marlene Chance, Jesusa "Toots" Czach, Nelson Borrero, and this writer who anticipates that by spring the group is ready to elect its officers and the process for chapter application will follow. There is no doubt that this new chapter in formation will be installed in California at the UPNAAI’s 36th annual convention.

October 19, 2014, Grand Café of the Red Rock Hotel, Las Vegas, NV. Initial meeting of the group. Clockwise: Luz Micabalo, BSN’58, Delia Reyes, GN’68, Ida Santos, GN’68, Vladi Santos, Associate Life Member Connie Oliveros, BSN’67, and Lyvia Villegas, GN’68. Photo courtesy of Rudy Villegas, Associate Member.