schoolscolleges2020 hed news

The Grace Gaston-Sabal Endowment Fund was created to honor and remember the legacy of an amazing woman. It was her wish to help create more opportunities for students who may not be able to afford the cost of higher education. We are honored to be able to help support this wonderful cause. 

Grace Gaston Sabal was born on June 18, 1949, to Fernando and Emparatriz Gaston, the second of six children. She attended high school at Santa Teresita’s Academy near Silay City. She continued her education at her beloved Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan de Oro. Grace was a proud alumna and committed to the university’s mission and beliefs. She finished her Bachelor of Arts in Economics and after graduation, she worked at Bank of the Philippine Islands in CDO and later transferred to the Makati branch.  

In June 1980, Grace immigrated to the United States. She worked in the public relations office of Marvel Comics in New York City. In addition, she worked as a consultant for Bristol Myers, coordinating special events for cancer prevention and research.

On September 26, 1992, she married Dr Gerardo C Sabal Jr, who is originally from Cagayan de Oro. They resided in Chandler, Arizona in the United States of America and were married for almost 25 years. She was a lifelong Catholic and an active member of St Mary’s Parish in Chandler. She played a valuable role in St Vincent de Paul Society’s promotion of education and social welfare.∎

Text and photo contributed by Dr Gerardo C Sabal Jr and family and Mrs Emparatriz Gaston and family

RELATED READ: Grace Sabal Memorial Scholarship Fund to support deserving Xavier Ateneo freshmen