2023, December 8. Saint Mary's University (SMU) - 95th Anniversary
Litho Offset, Amstar Printing Company, Inc., Perf 14
Singles, Sheets of 40; SelyoKo Miniature Sheets of Four with Labels
16p - Godfrey Lambrecht Building (40,000)
First Day Covers: Manila & Nueva Vizcaya
Saint Mary's University (SMU) - 95th Anniversary
Saint Mary’s University traces its roots back to the dream and initiative of Msgr. Constant Jurgens, CICM (Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary), one of the earliest CICM missionaries to arrive in the Philippines. In pursuit of his dream to establish a school for Christian education, he purchased a lot and some materials. Upon his recall to Europe, his successor, Rev. Fr. Achilles de Gryse, CICM, saw his dream come true.
Their efforts resulted in the inauguration of the Saint Mary’s Elementary School in June 1928. The High School Department was opened in 1934 under Rev. Fr. Godfrey Lambrecht, CICM. In 1947, the College Department started with the offering of Associate in Arts, Bachelor of Science in Education, Bachelor of Arts and Junior Normal course (Elementary Teacher’s Certificate). Gradually, the course offerings expanded. Through the years, Institutes, Colleges/Schools were established with more program offerings. Many more academic units opened.
Rapid campus expansion started in 1968 with the purchase of the 6.5 hectare campus along the Magat River, and the construction of the academic building named in honor of Rev. Godfrey Lambrecht, CICM. Construction of other buildings continued over the years, thus providing more learning space for the students. In 1994, the University Building, now Constant Jurgens building, was constructed to commemorate the elevation of Saint Mary’s College to university status, with Rev. Fr. John Van Bauwel, CICM as the first University President.
In its quest for academic excellence, the University has achieved various levels of accreditation for its programs through the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAASCU). It has gained reputation as one of the best training institutions for future teachers, having been named as one of the five most outstanding Teacher Education Institutions in the Philippines.
The University remains steadfast in its vision of being a premier CICM Catholic educational institution drawn into communion by the Wisdom of God, dedicated to forming persons exemplifying excellence, innovation, and passion for Christ’s mission. Saint Mary’s University has steadily grown and has metamorphosed into one of the most important academic institutions in the Philippines, particularly in the Cagayan Valley region.
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