Post by Kaitlin Lizaso

Hello community! Last week, on October 5th, I attended the Celebration of Life, to commemorate Grace Rualo Asuncion’s birthday. This year’s theme, “To Grace, With Love,” celebrated the lasting legacy of Grace, a reminder that her presence continues to be felt through the love and connection she inspired in so many. Grace was tragically murdered on February 7th, 1992, in old Eshleman Hall. Her passing sparked meaningful change at UC Berkeley, leading to the installation of blue light emergency phones and student ID scanners across campus. These safety measures continue to protect students today. Like Grace, I deeply resonate with her dedication to her community, both at Cal and in her hometown of Agoura Hills. Her story motivates me to make an impact in my own way, both as this year’s Pilipinx Cultural Night (PCN) Modern Dance Director and in my third semester as a Pilipinx Academic Student Services (PASS) intern for Youth Mentorship. I’m deeply honored to share that I am one of this year’s Grace Rualo Asuncion Scholarship recipients. During the ceremony, I had the privilege of hearing heartfelt stories from Grace’s loved ones, including her brother Mark Asuncion. Their reflections reminded me of how powerful one person’s kindness, dedication, and love for community can be. Thank you to the Grace Rualo Asuncion Scholarship Coordinator, Chloe Raine Kasilag, and Pilipinx American Alliance for hosting this beautiful event! Grace’s legacy inspires me to give back to the communities that have shaped me, and to continue sharing her story with others at UC Berkeley and beyond. 💌🕊️