University of the Philippines Alumni Association
 of Wisconsin, Ltd.
By Dr. Roger Austria

A Brief history

The University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Wisconsin, Ltd. (UPAA-W) was founded by Roger Austria on February 3, 1974 when he met with twelve alumni at St. Eugene Church in Fox Point to ratify the Constitution & Bylaws. Subsequently, the members of the Executive Board and its first set of officers were elected. The executive board in turn unanimously elected Roger Austria as Charter President.
     The Association launched its first project by sponsoring the first Filipino Food Booth at the Holiday Folk Fair in November, 1974; the year the Philippines was the honored country. Proceeds from the project were donated to the University of the Philippines to sponsor a professorial chair in the College of Liberal Arts.
     The years following saw the Association devoting its efforts toward educating the community on Filipino culture, usually in June, in celebration of Philippine Independence. Through the Value Our Heritage (VOH) committee under the leadership of Asuncion Miteria Austria PhD, the Association sponsored the first Santacruzan in Milwaukee on June 12, 1976, in which Filipino children participated in their colorful “sayas” imported from the Philippines. A month-long exhibit of art, artifacts, slides and films, and dances was featured at the Milwaukee Public Museum. Exhibits were held showcasing Filipino culture while native refreshments were served including the introduction of “salabat” (ginger tea) to Milwaukee.
     Throughout the years the Association increased its activity in preserving our culture. For the first time in Wisconsin, formal classes for Filipino children, teaching them Philippine history, language, and culture were held by the VOH. The VOH also conducted workshops to provide a support system for Filipinos on such topics as Parenting in Modern America, Separation and Loss, and Changing Roles in the Family. Participants in these workshops discussed the unique problems of Filipino children growing up in a rapidly changing society.
     The Association was the first Filipino organization to sponsor a college scholarship fund for deserving high school graduates of Filipino descent. Each year since 1989, during Palm Sunday, Deanna R. Cruz has coordinated the Association’s participation in St. Vincent de Paul’s Meal Program for the hungry, a community project made possible through funding by the Rotary Club of Milwaukee North Shore.
     Over the past thirty-three years, UPAA-W has experienced a gratifying record of growth, if not in numbers, certainly in the community involvement of our members. To commemorate its 30th anniversary in 2004, the Association held a dinner-dance at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel attended by some guests. The evening featured a play based on Filipino Culture, Kasigasigan, acted by UPAA-W members.
     UPAA-W was also the first Filipino organization to conduct fund drives to help put up a Philippine Center in Milwaukee. In October of last year, the Association presented Cesar Montano’s Panaghoy sa Suba to the Filipino community as part of President Fe. Q. Visaya’s initiatives. Proceeds were shared with the PCCCF.
     We are looking ahead to the future with a sanguine outlook that we will even increase our commitment and enthusiasm in the service of our alma mater, our community, and our country. We have worked hard and will continue to work even harder to preserve our culture and keep our heritage alive.
     For information on the UPAA-W contact Roger Austria: rogeraustria@yahoo.com or at (414) 352-6281