SAINT MARY’S UNIVERSITY 1. Contact Name of organization: Saint Mary’s University (Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya) Address of main office: Saint Mary's University College Campus , Bayombong Municipality, Province: Nueva Vizcaya 3700 , Philippines Website: http://www.smu.edu.ph/ Contact person: John Octavios Palina Phone number: 0063 78 321-2221 2. Organization Kind of organization: Education Institute/academic Short history: Saint Mary’s University traces its roots back to the dream and initiative of the late Msgr. Constant Jurgens, then Parish Priest of Bayombong and one of the earliest CICM missionaries to arrive in the Philippines. He wanted to establish a school to give the children of his parishioners the benefit of a Christian education. He purchased a lot and some materials for this purpose but then, he was recalled to Europe, thus, it was Rev. Fr. Achilles de Gryse, CICM, his successor, who saw his dream through. Thus, St. Mary’s Elementary School was inaugurated in June 1928. In 1934, with Fr. Godfrey Lambrecht, the High School was opened and in 1947, the College Department, offering A.A., B.S.E., A. B. and Jr. Normal course (ETC). Gradually, the course offerings expanded with Bachelor of Science in Commerce, (1951), Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, (1955) and the Graduate School, (1962). Through the years, many more Departments, Colleges/Schools were opened with more degrees and title course offerings. To rise up to the challenge of maintaining quality education, the institution has submitted itself for accreditation by the PAASCU. Thus from its birth throes in 1928, Saint Mary's University has steadily grown over the years and has metamorphosed into one of the more developed and important institutions in the Philippines, particularly in the Cagayan Valley Region. Vision: The university shall sustain and strengthen their identity as a premier university not only in Nueva Vizcaya but to be known more outstandingly in the region, in Northern Luzon, in the Philippines and internationally. It can become the center of important academic and professional encounters for the people of the Cagayan Valley Region and people from the rest of the country and the rest of the world. Their organizational structure shall continue to be dynamic and responsive to the need of our university community, in service of the larger Church and society. The learners and the learning process take centrality and should be handled with care. Dedication is manifested by professional responsibility and academic excellence of everyone involved in the learning process. It also strives to exemplify excellence. Excellence in their eyes, is accomplishing something with the best effort so that what is already good become better, and better each time when work of excellence is applied. Also innovation is important. In essence, this new vision statement gives focus to four values: excellence, innovation, communion, and Christ’s mission. Mission: The university strives to a) relentlessly pursue excellence in education for local and global relevance and responsiveness; b) persistently challenge one another to explore and pursue relevant, innovative, and breakthrough ideas through research and development; c) steadfastly participate in the CICM advocacies of promoting multi-ethnicity, social justice, peace and integrity of God’s creation; d) conscientiously strengthen good governance and concordance among stakeholders for the sustenance of best practices and e) joyfully animate and care for one another as inspired by Mother Mary to become faithful witnesses of Jesus Christ. Programs/activities/services: School of Arts and Sciences; School of Business; School of Education; School of Public Administration and Governance; Alternative Course Offerings. Networks: Saint Mary's University, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya has linkages with other educational institutes such as Saint Louis University, Baguio City ; University of Saint Louis, Tuguegarao City ; Saint Louis College, San Fernando City ; Maryhill School of Theology, Quezon City and Saint Louis School, Mandaue City. .