Ateneo de Manila University
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In 1865 the Jesuits received government approval to add a five-year program to the degree of Bachelor of Arts. In keeping with its new academic status the school was renamed "Ateneo Municipal de Manila." Courses in music and arts were also taught, and subsequently technical courses wee added, leading to certificates in Agriculture, Surveying and business. One of the graduates in these early decades was Jose Rizal, A.B. 1877. At the turn of the century the new American regime brought about changes in the Ateneo. In 1901, with the withdrawal of the city subsidy, the Ateneo became a private institution and dropped the word "Municipal" from its official title. In 1921 the American Jesuits of the Maryland-New York Province replaced the Spanish Jesuits as teachers and administrators of the Ateneo. The Intramuros fire of 1932 completely destroyed the Ateneo buildings, forcing the school to move to a new location in Padre Faura, Ermita. During the battle for the Liberation of Manila, the Padre Faura complex of buildings was razed to the ground. Temporary structures were quickly built.With the help of funds solicited both here and abroad, the Ateneo moved in 1952 to its present sprawling campus in Loyola Heights, Quezon City. In 1958, the Jesuits in the Philippines were constituted as a new province independent of the Jesuit New York Province. Thus, administration of Ateneo passed on the the Philippine Province of the Society of Jesus and shortly after, its first Filipino president and rector was named. The growth of the Ateneo demanded a new status and in 1959 the school obtained its University charter. The Ateneo de Manila University today comprises the following academic units: the School of Arts and Sciences, the Graduate School of Business, the College of Law and the Bureau of Small Business. In addition, like most Philippine universities, it runs a high school and grade school, noted for their high educational standards. Competent research is being undertaken in the Institute of Philippine Culture, Central Guidance Bureau, the Philippine Institute of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Center for Social Policy and Public Affairs, and Human Resources Center. Also located on the Loyola Heights campus are the Manila Observatory, the Loyola School of Theology, San Jose Major Seminary, Sonolux Asia, and the East Asian Pastoral Institute. As a University, the Ateneo de Manila seeks to preserve, to extend and to communicate truth, and to apply it to the development of man and preservation of his environment. As a Filipino University, the Ateneo de Manila seeks to identify and enrich Philippine culture and to make it its own. Through the education of the whole person and through the formation of needed professionals and technologists and through various corporate activities, the University aims to contribute to the development goals of the nation. As a Catholic University, the Ateneo de Manila seeks to form persons who, following the teachings of Christ, will devote their lives to the service of their fellowmen, and through the promotion of justice, serves especially those who are in most need of help, the poor and the powerless. Loyal to the teachings of the Catholic Church, the University seeks to interpret its teachings to modern Filipino society. As a Jesuit Univeristy, the Ateneo de Manila seeks the goals of modern Jesuit liberal education through the harmonious development of moral and intellectual virutes. Imbued with the Ignatian spirit, the University aims to lead its students to see God in all things nad to strive for the greater glory of God and the greater service of mankind. The University seeks all these purposes and aims, as an academic community, through the exercise ofthe functions proper to a university, that is, through teaching, research, and community service. |
