Lydia Vergara Solis
A woman of substance, Lydia Vergara Solis, was recently elected President of the Philippine Women’s University Alumni Association of Southern California. Ms. Solis is not just Philippine News’ Southern California Chief Correspondent but she’s an active leader in the community as well.
Lydia was born in Taal, Batangas to Public School Supervisor Marciano Kasilag Solis and First Grade Teacher, Pacita Vergara Solis. After graduating as high school valedictorian, she was sent to the United States as one of the eleven scholars of the AFS or American Field Service Scholars.
Lydia V. Solis, newly-inducted president of the Philippine Women’s University Alumni Association of Southern California celebrates with family, friends and media colleague on March 14, in Cerritos, Calif. Seated from left: Lilia A. Solis, Lulu S. Alcayde, and Aquino sisters Medy and Miriam. Back row: Carlos Antonio Jr. and Vilma Elder, Lydia, Jovy Aquino and Myrna Aquitania. Photo by Ted Talag.
Upon her return, Lydia’s educator parents wanted her to be the Guidance Counselor in their family-owned college in Mabini, Batangas, but she opted to pursue her studies at the Philippine Women’s University where she graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology and further earned her Master’s Degree in Counseling.
As a community leader, she is currently the Public Relations Officer of the Philippine Independence “Kalayaan” Committee, and an active officer in community organizations such as: the Philippine Heritage Institute and the Jose P. Rizal Monument Movement.
PWU alumni
As an active media practitioner here in LA, Lydia was the former President of the Philippine Press Club International and former Treasurer of the Filipino American Press Club of Los Angeles, Inc. (1978). She was married to former LAPD Narcotics Lieutenant Clarke A. Wardle, Ph.D. who passed away in 2011.
In her acceptance speech during their recent Induction ceremonies at the Sheraton Cerritos on March 14th, Lydia Vergara Solis delivered a very powerful message:” More than ever, we bond with other Philwomenians globally and the entire PWU community – its administration, faculty and student body in an effort to preserve our legacy of quality education as we draw nearer to our 100th Anniversary and to honor what Tita Helen’s parents, Francisca Tirona Benitez and Dean Conrado Benitez have bequeathed to us, their alumna.”
Indeed, as the new President of PWUAASC, Lydia’s message resonates not only in her capacity to lead but her virtue as a woman of substance. Congratulations Lydia, more power to you!