Assumption College

[EduCativ]

Inspired by St. Marie Eugenie, we passionately form persons and communities of faith and action through a transformative education that nurtures faith and spirituality, pursues academic excellence for service, and instills social responsibility, thus forging "character for life and life for God."
In the 81 years of Marie Eugenie's life, seven political regimes followed one another in France. It was a troubled time, though, from the point of view of social, political, artistic, and ecclesial life, it was rich in change and innovation. The French Revolution of 1789 signaled a break with the past: new ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity shook the foundations of monarchy, not only in France but throughout Europe.
New philosophies challenged the traditional understanding of humans thought there was a new consciousness of self, the world, and others. People became increasingly interested in their own emotions and passions – human nature became a fascinating field for study. School of thought, such as the Romantics and the Symbolists, succeeded each other in literature and painting, putting the accent on feelings, emotions, and imagination.
The new scientific method and mentality gained ground and shaped minds, sharpening the conflict between science and faith. The latter were all too often paralyzed by scrupulosity, guilt, and fear of offending God. Industrialization was beginning to transform economic structures and the lifestyle of society, relationships, and ambitions. The German philosopher Hegel (1770-1831) had proposed a theory of progress in which, it seemed, the poor paid the price. Social reformers and theorists invented the vocabulary used and spread by Karl Marx (1859-1913) to explain history in economic theory. Working men began to organize themselves, and France discovered the power of popular movements. Such a historical upheaval brings about profound changes in culture and destabilizes society's structures – its government, social order, economy, education – and its Church.
In the 1980s, there was an increase in the number of college students. The lack of space was resolved with the building of the Therese Emmanuel Hall. In the decade of the '90s, the College continues to grow both in population and academic and nonacademic programs. Assumption College San Lorenzo is the only Assumption school run by the Sisters that offers tertiary education in the Philippines and internationally. The College continues to be a part of the spirit in which the Assumption was founded. It continues to adapt its curriculum to make education relevant to the challenge of the times.
In 1940, Assumption added a College Department to its Elementary and High School divisions. Sr. Philomene Marie was the first College Dean, and Sr. Esperanza Maria Cu-Unjeng, its executive secretary. The College was preparing to open the liberal arts department when war broke out in 1941. The school was abruptly suspended, and the students sent home.
The College department re-opened in Herran, Malate, on June 26, 1948. In the school year 1948-49, at Mother Rosa Maria's suggestion, the College Department started with a one-year secretarial course. The Department's course offerings expanded gradually in the following years to include liberal arts in 1950, accompanied by education and commerce in 1951. Small post-war classes were typical of European semi-tutorial classes, with only 11 or 12 students per classroom. The Archdiocese authorized the College to give a catechist's diploma to students who had taught catechism either in Sunday school or in the public schools during their years with the Assumption.
Sister Esperanza Maria was College Dean, Mother Espie, as she was fondly called, was a no non-sense Dean. She was a genuine administrator who also succeeded uniquely as a true mother to her students. She rightly demanded excellence, but she trained them in simplicity and prompt obedience. For lack of space and facilities, the College transferred to San Lorenzo Village in Makati in June 1959, occupying Aquinas Hall. It was a modern campus with the latest facilities. An outdoor stage, patterned after the Hollywood Bowl, a swimming pool, tennis court, and a bowling alley were built to complement the academic courses being offered for the ultimate development of a "sound mind and sound body." The College curriculum was heavily Thomistic in orientation. The students were provided with a rich program of philosophical studies. Together with this, an environment was prepared where creative talent and social commitment could blossom.
Changes marked the growth of Assumption San Lorenzo. Sister Esperanza's health suffered, especially during the martial law years, and she was relieved of healthy responsibilities.Sr. Esperanza's assistant of many years, Sr. Ma. Luisa Locsin became College Dean. The early 1970s was a period marked by a heightened restiveness among the college department students that had to be continually tamed during those years. Besides student activism, the government imposed rigid new restrictions, which curtailed academic freedom. The political-social situation brought to the fore flagrant violations of social justice and human rights that forced education to take on a more robust social thrust. Within the formal school set-up, a new organizational structure integrated lay faculty members with administrative responsibilities. Ms. Emma Rotor held the position of Academic Dean, succeeded by Ms. Remedies Poblete.

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