RAY TORRALBA
President, UPAAGC
Club President

Walking out with a degree from the portals of the Philippines’ best university
always spells a difference - in a great way - in one’s life experiences. This is
one reality that has yet to be disproved.        

The University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Greater Chicago (UPAAGC) is a
non-profit organization of alumni, former students, and friends of UP. Its mission is
to build a group of dedicated UP alumni that will promote, support, and further
elevate the quality education at the University; enhance the cultural,
scientific, and educational endeavors of the Filipino community; and generate
and develop appreciation of concerns directly affecting the University and the
Filipino community through collaboration and networking of alumni, former
students, and friends, and inspired by a keen sense of civic spirit and loyalty
to our alma mater.

   Ray Torralba, who currently heads the UPAAGC, is an outstanding UP alumnus,
with remarkable accomplishments as a leader in the Fil-Am community. Ray’s
exemplary academic background, coupled with his passion to serve the community
has gained him respect and popularity in the UPAAGC and in the Chicago Fil-Am
community.

   Ray completed his degree in BS Chemistry from UP in 1985. After doing his
stints as Research Associate and Junior Faculty at the Chemistry Department in
UP Diliman for two years right after graduation, Ray pursued his graduate
studies in Chemistry at the Texas A&M University. He earned his Ph.D. in 3
years, and later became a recipient of the post-doctoral fellowships from
Cornell University and the University of Maryland.

   One of his defining moments in his field is having worked with the 1981
Nobel Prize for Chemistry, Dr. Ronal Hoffmann at Cornell University until 1991.
In the Chicago area, Ray continued his passion in the academe and research. He
spent several years as a visiting assistant professor at DePaul University. At
the Harry S. Truman College, he currently occupies position as a tenured
professor and mentor to students who pursue independent research in chemistry
and related sciences.

   Harry S Truman College is one of the City Colleges of Chicago. His research
projects with students have gained exposures in the local, regional, and
national conferences, including those that are organized by the American
Chemical Society. Ray is one of the 2009 recipients of the National Institute
for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Excellence in Teaching and
Leadership Award.

   Ray’s leadership at the UPAAGC has brought new heights in the alumni’s
roster of accomplishments. Under his term, UPAAGC has co-sponsored the
publication of the book, Remembering Rizal: Voices from the Diaspora, with Dr.
Penelope Flores and The Order of the Knights of Rizal – Central USA, and Carayan
Press. The book launching was held at the Instituto Cervantes in Chicago on July
14, 2011. UPAAGC donated copies of the book to Chicago’s Instituto Cervantes and
the Newberry Library, the Philippine National Commission on Culture and the Arts
for its cultural centers around the world, Harry S Truman College, and as raffle
prizes during the UP College of Law’s Centennial celebrations this November.

    Ray also takes pride in UPAAGC’s efforts in organizing and hosting of
“Bangon na!” awareness workshop on Financial Literacy and Investing in the
Philippines. This workshop was made possible in partnership with Chicago Koneks,
Fil-Am/Asian Ministry of Living Water Community Church, Philippine American
Cultural Foundation, Philippine American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Chicago
and Bagumbayan Credit Union, Philippine Consulate General Chicago, Philippine
Trade and Investment Center – Midwest, and the Philippine Department of
Tourism-Midwest.

   Ray said that “this event is part of UP’s commitment to provide the
community with a medium for open discussion and dialogue, and possibly a plan
for concerted action, to empower and better ourselves, our community, and our
motherland.”         UPAAGC also co-sponsored the Passport to the Philippines at
the Chicago Children’s Museum, which showcased Philippine culture and heritage
through music, dances, literature, and food. This past summer, UPAAGC held its
fundraising Annual Picnic and Golf Outing in Hoffmann Estates.

   In September, the group hosted the Philippine Madrigal Singers’ Great
American Tour, in its Chicago stop, with the “Alay sa Iskolar ng Bayan” concert
held at the Copernicus Center. The Socialized Tuition and Financial Assistance
Program of UP is the beneficiary of the event.

   This coming Dec 2nd, UPAAGC will hold its Annual Meeting, Election, and
Fundraising Dinner at the Chicago Marriott Oak Brook Hotel. One of the
highlights of the event is a presentation on biodiversity in the Philippines by
Dr. Lawrence Heaney of Chicago’s The Field Museum.
   Ray is married to the former Pearle Camacho, whom he met at the Texas A&M
University as a fellow member of the Phi Lambda Upsilon Honor Society.
Currently, Pearle is the R&D Director for a subsidiary of an international
pharmaceutical company based in Chicago.

   Ray and Pearle are proud parents to their three beautiful, well-rounded,
talented daughters Gabbie, Raphie, and Michelle, all excel in their respective
schools and enjoy playing the piano, learning/dancing Philippine folk dances
with Fil-Am friends, and are involved in swimming or volleyball clubs.

   As his term will soon to end, Ray vows to continue his support to the
UPAAGC’s mission of providing assistance to UP, promoting Philippine culture and
heritage in Chicago and the US, and working actively with other groups to unite
and empower the Fil-Am community. Please direct inquiries regarding the
activities of UPAAGC at upaagc@gmail.com.