1. Giving back and paying forward
Typhoon “Yolanda/Haiyan” was the most powerful typhoon that visited the Philippines. The typhoon affected 159 students enrolled at UP Diliman, of which 80 were from the College of Engineering. An appeal for help came from the College Dean’s Office. Support in many forms came from the alumni, students, faculty and staff through their respective organizations, fraternities or as individuals.
Through the Tau Alpha Foundation Inc. (TAFI), the alumni brods of the Tau Alpha Fraternity responded by donating to help these students. Noteworthy is the donation of P1 Million coming from the siblings of the late Sen. Gaudencio Antonino ’32 to finance the school expenses of 11 engineering students until their graduation. Of the 11 students assisted, two have graduated in May of 2014. These grantees committed to assist future students once they land jobs and become financially secure.
2. Cristy Hernandez Activity Center Improvements
Two years after its completion in 2012, the Cristy Hernandez Activity Center has been the venue for outdoor and other extra-curricular events organized by students, faculty and staff of the College of Engineering. To improve user experience, the TAFI mobilized resources and recently installed additional lights and an electronic scoreboard. There are plans to install showers, toilets and spectator stands in coordination with the College.
3. Resident Activities
The TAFI supported resident activities marking the 82nd anniversary of Tau Alpha Fraternity held last September. These activities consisted of: exhibition, blood letting, lecture series, Rose Day, and a grand “pakain.”
Founded in 2012, the Tau Lambda Alpha Sorority is the first sorority of the College of Engineering. Since its founding, the sorority has organized exhibits, medical missions, Greek Nights, food fairs, and Christmas caroling activities. The sorority is reviving the Smokers Night during Engineering Week. Smokers Night celebrates the role of women in the field of engineering by inviting distinguished alumnae to share experiences with students.