USTNAI
USTNAI MISSION
The University of Santo Tomas Nurses Association International (USTNAI) advances the nursing profession through advocacy, service, education and research.
University of Santo Tomas |
Mabuhay to all our USTNAI Members! "A unifying force for All Thomasian Nurses worldwide." |
About USTNAI
OUR VISION
A unifying force for All Thomasian Nurses worldwide.
OUR CORE VALUES
U – Unity & Diversity
S – Spirituality
T – Trustworthiness
N – Nursing Excellence
A – Advocacy
I – Innovation
WELCOME TO USTNAI
Message from the USTNAI President
It is my privilege to serve as the President of this incredible organization—a network of dedicated professionals and alumni who share a common bond, passion, and commitment to growth. Our organization thrives on collaboration, mentorship, and celebration of each other's successes. We encourage you to participate in events and engage with fellow alumni who share your drive and ambition. Your involvement not only strengthens our network but also contributes to the legacy we continue to build together. Thank you for your dedication to our shared vision.
Sallie M Poepsel, PhD, CRNA, APRN, FAANA
Message from the Executive Director
As Executive Director of the University of Santo Tomas Nurses Association International, I am honored to uphold the legacy of excellence, compassion, and service that defines Thomasians worldwide. Together, we empower, inspire, and elevate the global impact of UST nurses in every corner of the world. I hope this is what you wanted. Thank you for raising the bar of our website.
Mindy Ofiana, MSN, RN
FEATURED EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Visit the Convention Website
30th USTNAI Annual Convention & Leadership Summit
Join Thomasian nurses from around the world in Las Vegas for leadership development, continuing nursing education, networking opportunities, and celebration of our shared professional heritage.
- Leadership Development Sessions
- CNE Contact Hours
- Networking & Gala Events
- Global Thomasian Community Gathering
Special Recognition
Jubilarian Recognition 2026
Celebrate your nursing milestone with fellow Thomasian alumni during the 30th USTNAI Convention. Jubilarians will receive commemorative medals or University cords based on their graduating year.
- 20–55+ Year Milestone Recognition
- Jubilarian Medals & University Cords
- Gala Night Recognition
- Networking Night Celebration
Awards & Recognition
2026 Nursing Excellence Awards
Recognizing USTNAI members whose contributions and achievements have significantly impacted nursing, healthcare, leadership, education, advocacy, research, and community service.
- Lifetime Achievement Award
- Distinguished Nurse Award
- Clinical Excellence Award
- Nursing Leadership Excellence Award
- Nursing Excellence in Education Award
Submission Deadline:
August 11, 2026 at 11:59 PM PST
UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS NURSES ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Balik Biyaya Balik Bayan
— TO SERVE YOUR HOMETOWN —
September 2026
Dear Friend and Supporter,
The University of Santo Tomas Nurses Association International (USTNAI) cordially invites you to support our inaugural Balik Biyaya BalikBayan (BBBB) Fundraising Event on Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Galloping Hill Golf Course, Union, New Jersey.
Balik Biyaya BalikBayan (BBBB) is a humanitarian initiative of USTNAI dedicated to giving back to our hometowns and underserved communities through medical missions, health education, charitable outreach, and community development projects.
This year, we will TO SERVE OUR HOMETOWN: POTOTAN, ILOILO — the hometown of our beloved member, Madelyn Yu.
Proceeds from this fundraising event will support future BalikBiyaya missions, including our planned medical and humanitarian mission in Pototan, Iloilo, benefiting our kababayans through healthcare services, health education, and essential community support.
In connection with this event, we are preparing a SOUVENIR JOURNAL that will feature messages, tributes, well-wishes, and advertisements from our friends, supporters, and community partners. This journal will be distributed to all attendees and will serve as a lasting keepsake of our shared commitment to service and charity.
We humbly seek your support by placing an advertisement or greeting in our Souvenir Journal. Your message will not only reach a wide audience of healthcare professionals and community leaders, but more importantly, will help us bring hope, healing, and service to the people of Pototan, Iloilo.
We would deeply appreciate your favorable consideration of this request. Your generosity will make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we are called to serve.
Please submit your journal ad and payment on or before SEPTEMBER 1, 2026.
On behalf of the officers and members of USTNAI, thank you for your kind support and for being part of our mission to serve your hometown.
Together, let us bring hope, healing, and service to Pototan, Iloilo and beyond.
Sincerely,
Maria Sallie Poepsel, MSN, PhD, CRNA, APRN, FAANA
13th USTNAI President, 2024–2026
Event Details
Date Saturday, September 12, 2026
Time 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location Galloping Hill Golf Course
3 Golf Drive
Union, New Jersey 07083
Union, New Jersey 07083
Souvenir Journal Contacts
Senen Cabalfin
732 599 9794
✉️ Senenc@mobilitymemorycare.com
✉️ Senenc@mobilitymemorycare.com
TO SERVE YOUR HOMETOWN.
TOUCHING LIVES.
BUILDING HEALTHIER COMMUNITIES.
TOUCHING LIVES.
BUILDING HEALTHIER COMMUNITIES.
Leadership Call
A CALL TO SERVE TO USTNAI
My dear USTNAI Family,
Hope you are well.
I am writing to you to make a personal appeal about our common mission that binds us all together not just as nurses, but as Thomasian nurses of the world-renowned Alma Mater, the UST College of Nursing. Our organization much like others has its seasons – these are moments when new hands, new hearts, especially alumni much younger than I, and new visions are called forward. We are entering this season now. If you feel even the faintest stirring – a quiet sense that your gifts, your story, and your presence matter here.... I am personally inviting you to listen to it. Leadership does not begin with certainty; it begins with willingness.
Our Board is not built by titles or perfection. It is shaped by alumni like you who care deeply, who show up with integrity and who believe that USTNAI deserves to thrive. If there is a light in you -- steady, humble, or maybe still finding its shape....... we welcome you.
Giving back is a shared value that binds us together as Thomasian nurses.... It is in a sense gratitude in action. This gratefulness will be best lived when responding to the call to serve.
This is a call to you who have mentored, served, taught, advocated, healed, or simply held space for others. This is a personal call to you who want to help guide our next chapter and next generation of UST nurses with clarity, compassion, and courage.
If your heart leans even slightly toward service, please consider this as your personal invitation.
- Step forward.
- Let your voice join ours.
- Let your leadership become part of the story we are writing together.
To serve, please submit your candidacy using this link:
USTNAI Candidate Nomination FormPlease do so before July 20, 2026, to give our NOMELEC the time to review candidate’s application. If you have any difficulties using the link or want to speak to me about this opportunity, please feel free text message or call me at 573-424-1216 at your personal convenience.
I look forward to your positive response and more importantly collaborating with you on how to best serve our own USTNAI. God’s Blessings!
With respect and hope for what we can build,
Maria Sallie Poepsel
President, 2024-2026
NEWLY ELECTED BOARD MEMBERS
USTNAI Congratulates and Welcomes the
2025-2026 Newly Elected Board Members!
Senen Cabalfin (Class 1979)
Senen graduated as a member of Class 79 under Dean Maceda. She worked as a peri-operative charge nurse in Maimonides Medical Center, Robertwood University Hospital and Jersey City Med Center. She pivoted to healthcare business, and is currently the Owner/ Founder of Multi-Mobility Family of Companies: Mobility Home Care, Mobility and Motion, Mobility Housing, Mobility Construction and Mobility Memory Care.
Her experience extends far beyond her business success and her community involvement is truly exemplary, as demonstrated by her numerous initiatives and recognitions. In 2024, she received the Humanitarian Award from a non-profit professional organization in New Jersey, recognizing her team's exemplary community services during the unprecedented COVID-19 crisis. As a USTNAI Board Member candidate, she states, “I am proud to say my work not only elevates the nursing standards but also exemplifies the positive impact to the communities and network both locally and globally.”
Dr. Ma. Theresa Macalalad (Class 1989)
Dr. Maria Theresa Macalalad is a Professional Development Practitioner at the Veterans Affairs, New Jersey Health Care System. Dr. Macacalad holds a DNP from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, an Ed.D. from Capella University, an MSN from Seton Hall University, an MBA from Centenary College, and a BSN from the University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines.
Dr. Macalalad is board-certified in Adult Critical Care, Medical-Surgical, and Nursing Professional Development. She has been a podium and poster presenter in various professional nursing conferences. Known for her collaborative spirit, she has contributed to numerous projects that have made a lasting impact in her field of education and leadership. Her work is characterized by her ability to inspire teams, drive transformative changes, and foster an environment where creativity and growth flourish. As a Board Member candidate, she states, “I believe in creating a space where diverse perspectives are valued, and decisions are made with a focus on long-term impact and ethical responsibility.”
Dr. Rosalie Grantoza (Class 1989)
As the Director of Patient Care Services at Hackensack Meridian Health Old Bridge Medical Center, Dr. Rosalie Grantoza provides strategic direction and participates in the planning, and oversees the implementation, and evaluation of clinical operations to ensure optimum patient care delivery. Dr. Grantoza holds a DNP from University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, MSN from Seton Hall University, MBA from Centenary College, and BSN from the University of Santo Tomas, Manila Philippines.
Dr. Rosalie Grantoza is certified in Adult Critical Care from the American Association of Critical Care Nursing and Medical-Surgical Board Certified from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. She is a distinguished nurse leader as a 2022 graduate of the American Organization of Nurse Leaders Nurse Director Fellowship Program and 2023 graduate of the HMH Nursing Executive CNO Leadership Fellowship Program. Dr. Grantoza has a proven ability to lead people of diverse backgrounds and motivate teams to achieve strategic goals and objectives relative to the provision of care. She recognizes her role as a servant and authentic leader and is deeply committed to the nursing profession.
Meet the USTNAI Executive Board Members
|