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.