University of the Philippines
Alumni Association in America
Join us for part 5 of a series of free virtual conversations with the recipients of the 2025-2026 UPAAA Outstanding UP Alumni awards. Hear their remarkable stories and be inspired.
Friday, September 19, 2025
9 pm Eastern
Zoom Link:
Meeting ID: 873 7253 2683 Passcode: 936378
MODERATOR: Lisa Boquiren, UPAAA Public Relations Officer
GUESTS
Lorraine S. Evangelista, PhD, RN, FAHA, FAAN
Outstanding UP Alumnus Award in Nursing Research and Education
Professor Emerita of Nursing at the University of California, Irvine, and currently serves as Editor-in-Chief of Healthcare (MDPI), Dr. Evangelista is a distinguished nurse scientist. She has led groundbreaking research in cardiovascular care and health disparities, supported by multiple NIH (National Institutes of Health) grants.
From 2022 to 2024, she served as Research Director and Co-Director of Community Engagement and Outreach for the Mountain West Clinical and Translational Research Infrastructure Network at UNLV, fostering collaboration across academic, government, and community sectors to address health inequities.
With over 160 peer-reviewed publications and numerous national and international presentations, Dr. Evangelista has also made a significant impact through mentoring students and early-career investigators at top U.S. institutions.
Her excellence has been recognized with numerous awards, including the 2021 Sigma Theta Tau International Research Hall of Fame, the 2022 American Heart Association’s Katharine Lembright Lecture Award, and the 2023 Golden Pearl Award.
An alumna of the UP College of Nursing (BSN, cum laude, 1985), Dr. Evangelista is a proud UP graduate whose leadership continues to inspire across clinical, academic, and global health communities.
Klyde Ledamo, DMA
Outstanding UP Alumnus award in Music: Piano Artistry
A multi-awarded Filipino concert pianist, Dr. Ledamo continues to shine on the world stage with his remarkable artistry and passion for music. He made his Carnegie Hall debut as a soloist with the Orchestra of St. Luke’s during the 2023 New York Franz Liszt International Piano Competition, where he earned Third Prize.
Recognized for his versatility as both a soloist and chamber musician, Klyde has performed across Southeast Asia, Europe, and North America and has won numerous prizes in international competitions.
A graduate of the Philippine High School for the Arts, he earned his Bachelor of Music, cum laude, from UP Diliman, and a Master of Music from Lynn Conservatory in Florida, where he received the Dean’s Award for Excellence in Graduate Education. He has recently received his Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Iowa.
Beyond his international performances, Klyde remains deeply committed to his roots. A former member of the Sto. Niño Parish Children’s Choir in Bontoc—directed by his mother, Lea Ledamo—he actively organizes fundraising concerts in support of the choir, which nurtures the talents and spirits of over 70 children, many from underprivileged backgrounds. He has collaborated with major ensembles such as the Manila Symphony Orchestra, UP Orchestra, and ABS-CBN Philharmonic, as well as appearances at prestigious festivals like the Rebecca Penneys Piano Festival and the Gilmore Festival Fellowship Residency Program.
A dedicated educator and mentor, he continues to teach and give masterclasses, adjudicate competitions, and inspire the next generation of musicians.
The UPAAA Grand Reunion & Convention (GRC) is a biennial gathering of UP alumni and non- alumni for the purposes of fellowship, knowledge exchange and fundraising for UPAAA's flagship initiative, the Scholarship Program.
On its 23rd biennial celebration, GRC 2025 is co-hosted by the UP Alumni Association Houston Chapter (UPAAH). UPAA Houston was conferred by UPAAA the Outstanding UP Alumni Group Award during the 22nd GRC held in New Jersey in 2023.
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Book your hotel stay at the UPAAA group rate here
or scan the QR code.
Cut-off date for the group rate: Sept. 25, 2025
About the Westin Galleria Houston: Recently renovated, modern elegance meets timeless comfort in the vibrant heart of Texas. The hotel is nestled amidst the iconic Galleria mall. https://www.marriott.com/en- us/hotels/hougw-the- westin-galleria- houston/overview/
About Houston: Extending to Galveston Bay. Houston is closely linked with the Space Center Houston, the coastal visitor center at NASA’s astronaut training and flight control complex. The city’s relatively compact Downtown includes the Theater District, home to the renowned Houston Grand Opera, and the Historic District, with 19th-century architecture and upscale restaurants. ― (Google)
Airport Information:
The nearest airport to The Galleria is Houston Hobby Apt (HOU) Airport which is 12.8 miles away. Other nearby airports include Houston (IAH) (18.6 miles).
IAH (Bush Intercontinental): Bigger, more international flights, hub for United Airlines but further from the Galleria. HOU (Hobby): Smaller, mostly Southwest Airlines, closer to the Galleria, quicker city access, often cheaper fares.
Choose IAH for connections and options, HOU for convenience and Southwest.
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