Featuring:  Dr. Nida Blankas-Hernaez President, FEU Medical Alumni Association of Northern IllinoisClub President

In the Philippines, the Far Eastern University has emerged as one of the most prestigious institutions in the field of medicine.  Its graduates have been recognized to equip with the highest standards of competence to practice medicine anywhere in the world. No wonder FEU medical graduates continue to shine and gain international recognition in their chosen field.

Here in Illinois, FEU Medical Alumni Association of Northern Illinois (FEUMAANI) has been organized to collectively address the need to generate resources to pursue efforts of strengthening ties of the alumni with their Alma Mater. 

Dr. Nida Hernaez, who is the current president of the organization, vows to expand its membership under her term to realize more meaningful projects. There are 60 active members at this point in time, but the population of the alumni here in Illinois is estimated at 200.  

Some of the major projects of FEUMAANI include its fundraising events completed this year. The organization just recently held its Biennial Induction Ball at the Hyatt Hotel last October 2009. It was a well-attended affair of members and their families and friends. In August, a Hawaiian Night was held, also to raise funds. As part of its development efforts in FEU, the organization initiated in 2008 the construction of two lecture rooms for its medical students. FEUMAANI generated the funds to complete the project which is expected to be completed in January 2010.  The lecture rooms are fully equipped with audio and visual technologies and can host medical lecture activities for 100 to 120 students in each room. The lecture rooms will be officially opened and operational in time of the “Balik-FEU Event” of the alumni members scheduled in January 2010. Starting this year, 2010, the FEUMAANI under Dr. Hernaez has increased the medical scholarship benefit from $1,000 to $1,500 each year for its recipients. With the recent typhoons that strike the Philippines this year, FEUMAANI also did its share in sending monetary donations to the victims of Typhoon Ondoy.

Dr. Nida Hernaez is a Pediatrician by profession. She has a private practice in Niles, and is seeing patients at the Neo-natal Department of Lutheran General Hospital and Norwegian Hospital.  Dr. Nida is married to Dr. Edward Hernaez. They have two children: Frederick (20) and Margaret (18). Margaret just turned 18 in July this year, and was presented to her debut party held at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare Hotel.

Dr. Nida has been actively involved for years with PIWC, PASS and PMAC. She is currently the secretary of PMAC. Her future plans for FEUMAANI include a fundraising tour in October 2010 to Egypt and Israel, and a convention to involve the pharmaceutical industry, and in 2011, another Cruise Line fundraising event.

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