Ateneo de Zamboanga University

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Ateneo de Zamboanga University
Pamantasan ng Ateneo de Zamboanga
Motto	Pro Deo et Patria
Motto in English	"In the Service of God and Country"
Established	1912
Type	Private, Jesuit University
President	Fr. Antonio F. Moreno, SJ
Location	Zamboanga City, Philippines
Campus	Main campus (College and Grade school) Tumaga campus (High school)
Former names	Escuela Catolica (1912-1916)
Hymn	"Animo Ateneo"
Colors	Blue and white
Mascot	Blue Eagle (Azul Aguila)
Website	www.adzu.edu.ph

The Ateneo de Zamboanga University is a Catholic and Jesuit university in Western Mindanao. It is also known by the acronym AdZU. Founded by the Society of Jesus in 1912, it is the second oldest Jesuit school in the Philippines. It initially catered to primary and secondary education for boys. It became a college in 1952, and a university in August 2001. The Ateneo de Zamboanga began in 1912 as Escuela Catolica, a parochial school run by Spanish Jesuits at the old site of the Immaculate Conception Church, right across the Sunken Garden. Fr. Manuel Sauras, S.J. was the first director.^[1]

It operates two campuses. The main campus in La Purisima Street houses the Colleges and the Grade School, while the newly constructed campus, outside Zamboanga City proper holds the High School. Several facilities in the new campus will be constructed in the future such as transfer of the Grade School, an auditorium, an amphitheater, a chapel (the current chapel is housed inside the High Building) and newer sports facilities.^[2][3]

Its official student publication is The Beacon Magazine. The Sanggunian ng mga Mag-aaral ng Ateneo de Zamboanga University (SMADZU) was its student government prior to 2009. In its place is the Consejo Atenista, a more representative and solid student government.^[4]

History

From its beginnings as a parochial school to its recognition as a Jesuit university, Ateneo de Zamboanga celebrates its Centennial in 2012.

Pre-war Ateneo

Soon after their return to Mindanao in 1862, the Spanish Jesuit missionaries took to the task of planting the very first seeds of educational work. The vision of a school that would help young boys become good Christians was realized a few decades after with the opening of Escuela Catolica in 1912 with Fr. Manuel Ma. Sauras, S.J., as its first school director. It served as a parochial school of the Immaculada Concepcion Parish headed by Fr. Miguel Saderra Mata, S.J. Classes were held on the ground floor of the rectory of the parish, which was adjacent to Plaza Pershing. While the curriculum was similar to that of the public elementary school, the Spanish Jesuits emphasized religious teaching alongside quality education. Catholic education later on became a factor in the decision of the Jesuits to open a school that was empowered to issue the titulo oficial upon completion of studies. And so it was that in 1916, the Escuela Catolica officially became Ateneo de Zamboanga (AdeZ).

AdeZ slowly became an influential force in the city. In its initial years, the school offered primary and intermediate courses for boys.

Its Grade School opened in 1916 and its High School in 1928. High school classes, during this time, were held on the top floor of a three-storey Knights of Columbus (K of C) building, while the elementary school continued at the convento. By 1930, the American Jesuits took over from the Spanish Jesuits with Fr. Thomas J. Murray, S.J. as its first American director.

The first batch of AdeZ high school students graduated in 1932. These ten young male graduates belonged to Zamboanga City’s crème de la crème, one of whom was Roseller T. Lim who would become the first Zamboangueño senator of the Philippines. Beginning with this group, students dabbled in the art of debating and elocution and produced well-reviewed issues of the “Ateneo de Zamboanga Page” that appeared in local newspapers, The Mindanao Herald and later, La Antorcha. They also participated in the Bugle and Drum Corps. In athletics, the school teams ranked with the best, especially in basketball. Character development came in the form of catechetical work and spiritual organizations which included the Sodality of Our Lady and the Sanctuary Section. In 1938, AdeZ opened night classes in commerce and pre-law, thus pioneering its expansion to college only to be later interrupted by World War II. A library was built on the first floor of the K of C building. Pre-war Ateneo expanded with an enrolment of 230 in the Grade School and 376 in the High School under Fr. Eusebio G. Salvador, S.J. A Zamboangueño and himself a product of Escuela Catolica, Fr. Salvador was the first Filipino director of AdeZ.

Post-war Ateneo

The years following the war saw a rapid physical, curricular and enrolment growth and expansion of AdeZ. Fr. Salvador, S.J. had previously bought adjoining lots in Jardin de Chino on Bailen Street (now La Purisima Street). Together with Frs. Kyran B. Egan and Cesar E. Maravilla, he reopened high school classes at the present site in 1946. The students had nipa roofs and sawali walls for classrooms housed in provisional buildings.

By 1949, AdeZ underwent a major make-over. A solid structure of fine wood replaced the nipa-and-sawali schoolrooms. Within the year, AdeZ was officially recognized as a Jesuit school separate from the Immaculate Conception Parish. Fr. Alfredo E. Paguia served as its first Rector. The gymnasium-auditorium (now Brebeuf Gymnasium) was constructed in 1950, making it the oldest existing structure on campus today.

In the years between 1946 and 1952, a total of 2,766 graduated from high school. The college opened in 1952 with a two-year collegiate program, which offered pre-law courses and a degree in Associate in Arts. Of co-educational character, the college gradually expanded to include four-year bachelor’s programs in the arts, commerce, education and nursing. AdeZ experienced a “building boom” in the period covering the late 1950s to the 60s. The year 1959 saw the completion of the Jesuit Residence, the Sacred Heart Chapel in 1961, Gonzaga Hall in 1964, and Canisius Hall in 1967.

In 1972, the two one-storey grade school buildings, Berchmans and Kostka Halls, were built. By mid-70s, basic education was well established with an unprecedented enrolment of 381 students in the Grade School. In 1976, higher education expanded to include Graduate School which opened an MBA course, the first graduate program in business administration in Region IX. Soon after, other master’s degrees followed: public administration, nursing, guidance and counselling, and education. These programs were offered under the guidance of Fr. Ernesto A. Carretero, S.J., the first President elected by the Board of Trustees of AdeZ.

In the years that followed, more changes and developments took place. The Campion Hall and the Bellarmine Hall were built in 1979 and 1980, respectively. The Jose Ma. Rosauro Center was finished in 1986. The Learning Resource Center was inaugurated in 1987 to accommodate the library, book center, audio-visual unit, and various offices. Fr. Carretero, S.J. pushed for the PAASCU accreditation of the high school in 1975, the liberal arts and commerce in 1981, and education, nursing and the grade school in 1982. AdeZ attained Level III in the accreditation of these colleges, the highest rank given to tertiary schools in the Philippines at that time.

Ateneo in the Recent Times

The 80s saw the school work itself toward acquiring university status, which started under the efforts of Fr. Carretero, S.J. Fr. William H. Kreutz, S.J., AdeZ’s second President elected in 1989, provided leadership in becoming a full-fledged university. By this time, and well into the mid-90s, the school had given birth to other academic undergraduate programs, including major degrees in accountancy, business management, arts and sciences, and computer science.

Because of the school’s strategic location in Mindanao, it saw the need to address some of the problems that continually plague the region. Civil unrest, environmental degradation, human rights abuse, poverty, conflict, lack of health services, and deterioration of peace and culture, among others, needed major attention. AdeZ began to move toward a new direction ˗ one that involved working on these specific areas of concern in the region: peace and culture, education, health, information technology, management and entrepreneurship, social sciences, environment, and human resource development.

On August 20, 2001, AdeZ was officially declared a university by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). Even more impressive was the granting of autonomous status by CHED, making Ateneo de Zamboanga University (ADZU) one of only thirty higher education institutions in the Philippines, and the only one in Western Mindanao, to be granted full deregulation and autonomy. The New College Building and the Multi-Purpose Covered Courts were inaugurated in 2001.

The Zamboanga Medical School Foundation (ZMSF) was established in 1994 under Fr. Kreutz’s presidency. ZMSF, in partnership with AdeZ, gave birth to the School of Medicine which was turned over to the University in 2004. With partnerships with the University of Calgary, Laos, Nepal and Cambodia, the School of Medicine utilizes the problem-based learning and community-based approach to medical practice with emphasis on serving communities in Western Mindanao.

The phase toward the end of Fr. Kreutz’s 18-year presidency saw the completion of the new campus in Tumaga which was later named Fr William H Kreutz SJ campus. The High School finally opened its first classes on this new site in 2006.

Ateneo Today and Beyond

In 2007, Fr. Antonio F. Moreno, S.J. was installed as the third President of ADZU.

Meanwhile, ADZU and Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan launched the Xavier University College of Law – Zamboanga on 25 June 2011. The College of Law is located in the newly completed four-storey building named in honor of Fr. Manuel Ma. Sauras S.J. Sauras Hall is also home to the new University canteen.^{[citation needed]}

Annual Events

Feast of St. Ignatius The Ateneo celebrates the Feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola every 31st of July. The highlight of the celebration is the Community Mass in Honor of the Founder of the Society of Jesus.

Ateneo Christmas The Christmas Community Gathering for employees is the last activity in December before the holidays. It begins with a mass and is followed by a fellowship meal and a program participated in by faculty, staff, retirees, and guests.

Awards Day The Award's Day for Employees is a day set aside to give recognition to all employees for years of service rendered. Retirees are also honored in this program.

Holy Spirit Mass As the new school year begins, the university celebrates Holy Spirit Mass.

Ateneo Fiesta Ateneo de Zamboanga also holds a sportfest called "Ateneo Fiesta." This week-long event starts on the last week of November. Most competitors are student-athletes also preparing themselves for the PRISAA competition two weeks after. Students from different colleges then join one another and form teams that participate in sports events included in PRISAA City Elimination. Regional Elimination takes place in January of the following year, followed by the National PRISAA event a month after.

College Activities

College Days A three to seven day event to showcase the talents of students in each college through activities.

Department Days Like the College Days it is an event to showcase the talents of students in each department through activities prepared by department organizations.

Acquaintance Parties A college activity where students from each year level meet others in their year level and in other levels in their college or department.

Schools and Colleges

Undergraduate units

School of Liberal Arts

• Bachelor of Science in Psychology

The program trains students interested in pursuing scientific knowledge about human behavior and human processes. It also prepares students for further studies in Medicine, Guidance and Counseling, Human Resource Development, and Law. BS Psychology graduates may pursue careers in human resource services (recruitment, training), organizational development, counseling in the academe, teaching, business and management.^[5]

• Bachelor of Arts Major in Economics

The program provides students with practical and analytical tools for careers in the financial industry, for functional areas of economics as well as the theoretical basis for advanced studies.^[6]

• Bachelor of Arts Major in English

The program provides a comprehensive study of the English language and is designed to help students improve their speech and writing skills. It is a very good preparation for further studies in law, literature and linguistics.^[7]

• Bachelor of Arts Major in Interdisciplinary Studies

• Bachelor of Arts Major in Philosophy

• Bachelor of Arts Major in International Studies

Students of this course examine politics, economics, cultures and social systems of the different regions of the world. Graduates of this course can work as consultants, executive officers, and employees in both government and non-government organizations in local and international level. They can also pursue further study in economics, law, and international relations.^[8]

College of Science and Information Technology

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

The program provides students with foundation in both theoretical and practical aspects of computer science designed to provide intensive background in design, structure, anaprogramming. Elective areas include advanced computer programapplications to information management processing systems, grapdata communications. The program prepares the students to be IT cosystems analysts, software engineers, and IT researchers.^[9]

• Bachelor of Science in Information Technology

The program provides the necessary basic technical and creative skills for those who are planning to enter the rapidly developing feld of visual communication. The program prepares students to enter the multimedia design field as entry level 2D and 3D animators, graphic designers, content developers, web page developers, game designers, and computer programmers. At the end of the second year in this program, students will receive a certifcate in Associate in Multimedia and Web Development. In addition, a certifcate in Computer Animation will also be given to them after completing third year. Finally, they will receive a diploma in BS Information Technology after passing all the subjects required for the program.^[10]

• Bachelor of Science in Electronics and Communications Engineering

The program is designed to prepare the students in the discipline of electronics technology, communications protocol, and signal processing. This includes the design and development of control systems. The program builds on the insight that computer systems are optimal when they implement a synergy of software and hardware. This program of studies intends to prepare professionals who will operationalize this insight.^[11]

• Associate in Computer Networking

Students of this program are expected to have in-depth knowledge on networking, network design, topologies, architectures as well as process and protocols. They are expected to take part in laboratory activities such as setting up network servers and clients, cabling, installation of network operating systems as well as network maintenance.Graduates of the program will be certified as network specialists. Their responsibilities may range from designing computer networks for companiesto managing networks.^[12]

• Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems

The program aims to train students in the dual skills of an IT professional and a business manager. It provides students with the background of information management especially in business applications. Students are trained to develop skills in systems analysis, documentation, systems development, and systems integration. It also intends to develop students who will be IT consultants, analysts, and IT business managers.^[13]

• Bachelor of Science in Mathematical Sciences

Bachelor of Science in Mathematical Sciences has a curriculum that will provide adequate knowledge to students in the area of pure and applied mathematics. This program has three tracks, Mathematics Education, Pure Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics to cater to groups of students of different abilities and interests.^[14]

• Bachelor of Science in Biology

The BS Biology program consists of an extensive treatment of the core courses in biology and its science electives. Such strong foundation is tempered by a wide liberal arts education. This program can serve as preparation for a medical course or for any of the allied medical courses. It can also serve as preparation for students who wish to pursue a teaching career or a career in science and science research. At the end of four years, BS Biology graduates can engage in any of the following enterprise; research, medical school, or graduate school (MS or Phd), teaching in the secondary or tertiary level, laboratory assistants, industry (Biotechnology), or consultancy.^[15]

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering is a program that focuses on the hardware aspect of computer systems, analog and digital systems. It prepares students on areas such as data communication and computer networks, analog and digital designing as well as integrating hardware components with the software components.^[16]

• Bachelor of Science in New Media and Computer Animation

College of Nursing

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing

School of Management and Accountancy

• Bachelor of Science in Accountancy

The program is designed to produce professional accountants. The program prepares the students for the Certified Public Accountant Licensure Examination and for employment in private establishments and in the public sector, including government agencies. It has an enhanced program of study that considers the global curriculum in accountancy.^[17]

• Bachelor of Science in Management Accounting

The program is designed to produce staff accountants. The course is enriched with accounting, business law, taxation, management, information technology and other related courses that address the demand for graduates with the competence and proficiency of accountants but are not necessary Certified Public Accountants. This enriched program also enables the graduates to take the examination for Certified Accounting Technician or the examination for Certified Financial Analyst.^[18]

• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

The program has two tracks: Entrepreneurial Management Track and Corporate Management Track. The Entrepreneurial Track is designed to develop classic enterpreneurs. The students of this track will start their own business in their fourth year. The Corporate Track is designed to develop professional managers who are equipped to meet the demands of corporate businesses. The two tracks have a strong industry-academe linkages in which owners of local establishments act as mentors of entrepreneurship track students in the operation of their business, and the faculty takes care of the theories, concepts, principles and other management practices.^[19]

• Bachelor of Science in Office Administration

The program has a ladderized curriculum where students receive proficiency certificates at the end of each year level. the proficiency certificate is granted to students who passed the competency test administered by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) which will give students an edge when seeking local or global employment.

Ladder 1 - Certificate in Keyboarding Skills

The students are geared toward developing student competencies in keyboarding, basic stenography, and electronic spreadsheet.

Ladder 2 - Associate in Office Administration Certificate

The students are prepared for administrative office positions which require abilities in researching and compiling data, composing internal and external communications, preparing documents for mailing via internet, and other administrative support duties which include typing various documents, scheduling appointments, proofreading, maintaining personnel files.

Ladder 3 - Certificate in Records Management and Stenographic Skills

The students are trained to manage records electronically and manually, take notes at meetings, prepare reports, draft letters, train employees, and maintain basic financial records like payrolls.

Ladder - 4 Bachelor of Science in Office Administration

The students are trained to be not only Executive Secretaries but also Clerical Supervisors who will become the liaison between the clerical and managerial staff. The responsibilities might encompass coordinating training and writing and enforcing staff policies.^[20]

• Bachelor of Science in Accounting Technology
• Bachelor of Science in Legal Management

School of Education

• Bachelor of Elementary Education
• Bachelor of Secondary Education

Professional units

Graduate School

• MAED in Elementary Education
• MAED in Early Childhood Education
• MAED in Educational Administration
• Master of Arts Major in English
• Master of Arts Major in Filipino
• Master of Arts Major in Social Studies
• Master of Arts in Nursing (Thesis Program)
• Master in Nursing (Non-Thesis Program)
• Master of Arts in Organizational Psychology (Thesis Program)
• Master of Arts in Guidance and Counseling (Non-Thesis Program)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Language Studies
• Master in Business Administration (MBA)

Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan College of Law – Zamboanga

• Bachelor of Laws

School of Medicine – Zamboanga Medical School Foundation

One unique aspect of the curriculum involves learning strategies structured along the concept of solving clinical problems (problem-based). It further involves the teaching of medicine around functions and competences required to practice medicine in a specific setting (competency-based). As early as first year, students are exposed to patients both in clinics and communities where the focus on the practice of medicine as applied to a group or population is emphasized (community-based). The would-be-graduate is to be a competent professional who can practice medicine at a level of defined proficiency in accord with national health needs.

After a careful evaluation, the ZMSF's program was approved by the Technical Panel for Medical Education of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) in February 1994. With that, the College of Medicine of the ZMSF was officially established.^[21]

• Doctor of Medicine
• Master in Public Health
• Master in Health Professions Education

Ateneo Research Center

Goals

Within and beyond Ateneo de Zamboanga University, ARC seeks to:

• Strengthen the research capabilities of individuals, offices, departments, and units
• Promote appreciation for research and research utilization
• Undertake, collaborate and support significant research endeavors initiated by individuals, offices, departments, and units
• Establish and take an active role in research networks to facilitate accessibility to expertise and to sustain mechanisms for assistance and support^[22]

Social Development Council

• Ateneo Peace and Culture Institute
• Center for Community Extension Services
• Social Awareness and Community Service Involvement
• Ateneo Center for Leadership and Governance

See also

• Zamboanga City
• List of Jesuit educational institutions in the Philippines
• List of Jesuit institutions

References

External links

• Official website

v t e List of Jesuit educational institutions in the Philippines sorted in alphabetical order Tertiary Xavier – Ateneo de Cagayan Ateneo de Davao Ateneo de Manila Ateneo de Naga Ateneo de Zamboanga Loyola – Culion Non-tertiary Sacred Heart – Ateneo de Cebu Ateneo de Iloilo – Santa Maria Xavier School Defunct Ateneo de San Pablo Ateneo de Tuguegarao Berchmans – Cebu Immaculate Conception School San Ignacio San Ildefonso