Silliman University
Encyclopedia
Silliman University is a private
research
university
located in Dumaguete, Philippines
. Established in 1901 as Silliman Institute by the Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions, it was the first American private school to be founded in the country. The University is named after Dr. Horace Brinsmade Silliman
, a retired businessman and philanthropist from Cohoes, New York
who gave the initial sum of $10,000 to start the school. Originally starting as an elementary school
for boys, the school expanded to become a college in 1910, acquiring university status in 1938. For the first half of the 20th century, Silliman was run and operated by Americans. After the Second World War Filipinos began to assume more important positions, culminating in the appointment of Silliman's first Filipino
president in 1952.
Today, the University comprises ten colleges, four schools, and two institutes, enrolling over 8,600 students from different parts of the Philippines and from at least 20 foreign countries. It is registered as a National Landmark by the National Historical Institute, and is one of few private higher education institutions in the Philippines that have been granted full autonomous status by the Commission on Higher Education
. The University is a founding member of the Association of Christian Universities and Colleges in Asia
(ACUCA), and one of the recognized institutions in the U.S. Veterans Administration
's list of approved educational institutions.
In a report released by the Professional Regulation Commission
and the Commission on Higher Education
which covered a ten-year period of board exam results, Silliman was ranked 4th in the country following three schools of the University of the Philippines
. It is also ranked among the top 150 universities in Asia based on International Students' Review by the QS Quacquarelli Symonds, an institution that ranks the world's top universities.
In terms of accreditation, Silliman is one of only five universities in the Philippines with "Institutional Accreditation" by the Federation of Accrediting Agencies of the Philippines
(FAAP). Institutional Accreditation is the highest certification that can be granted to an educational institution after an over-all examination of its number of accredited programs, the quality of its facilities, services and faculty. Incidentally, Silliman also has the highest number of accredited programs in the country, fifteen of which are on Level III accreditation status.
Silliman offers programs in the early childhood, elementary, secondary, undergraduate and graduate levels. Programs in the undergraduate and graduate levels cover various disciplines such as Accountancy
, Business Administration, Engineering
, Information Technology
, Law
, Medicine
, Nursing
, Biology
, Chemistry
, Education
, Marine Sciences, Physics
, Theology
, Philosophy
, Psychology
, and Public Administration
. In addition to its academic undertakings, the University is also involved in research and community extension projects. Silliman's stature in the fields of environmental and marine sciences has led to its being designated by the USAID as a Center of Excellence in Coastal Resources Management.
Silliman University was founded on August 28, 1901 as Silliman Institute by Protestant missionaries under the Board of Foreign Missions of the Presbyterian Church in the United States
. Originally established as an elementary school for boys, operations for the Institute started through an initial $10,000 donation given by a businessman and Christian philanthropist of Cohoes
, New York
named Dr. Horace Brinsmade Silliman
, who wanted to establish an industrial school using the Hampton Institute of Virginia model.
The person tasked to found the institution was Dr. David Sutherland Hibbard
, a man from Lyndon, Kansas
who, after serving as a pastor in a Presbyterian church in that locality, offered his services to the Presbyterian Board as missionary. Upon his arrival in the Philippines, he was commissioned, together with his wife Laura, to scout the southern part of the Islands to determine the best location for the school. His original points of destination were Cebu
, Zamboanga
and Iloilo
. While in Cebu, a suggestion came to him to make a side-trip to Dumaguete. On his arrival, he was met by a Rev. Captain John Anthony Randolph, chaplain of the 6th U.S. Infantry Regiment stationed at that time in Dumaguete, who later on introduced him to Don Meliton Larena, the town's local presidente and to his brother Demetrio Larena, then the vice-governor of the province. Hibbard got attracted to the place and decided to establish the school in the locality. He would later on write that the "beauty of Dumaguete and the friendliness of the people" helped in bringing about his decision.
The Institute had a modest beginning: Dr. and Mrs. Hibbard held classes in a rented house beside the sea until the Institute's first building, Silliman Hall, was completed in 1903. Recalling how the University started half a century later, Dr. Hibbard described:
Enrollment in the school gradually grew thereafter to include students from other Asian countries. In 1910, Silliman was awarded government recognition and the right to grant a degree. In the same year, it was incorporated under the laws of the Philippines. Women started to be admitted in 1912, and in 1921, the Silliman Bible School (later to become the Divinity School) was established in cooperation with the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, representing the Congregational Churches of the United States
. As enrollment into the institution grew further, a corresponding increase in faculty followed. These developments were coupled with the use of a more developed curriculum and the construction and acquisition of more permanent buildings and equipment. By 1925, Silliman was already known as one of the foremost institutions for higher education in the Philippines, based on a report submitted by the Board of Educational Survey, which was created by the Philippine Legislature
to conduct a study on all educational institutions in the country. The Institute was re-incorporated in 1935, and in 1938 became the first school outside of Manila
to be granted university status.
After its recognition as a university, Silliman continued to receive from the Presbyterian Board and the American Board (now the United Church Board for World Ministries) grants for land, buildings and equipment. In addition, these Boards provided the University with American faculty and staff personnel. Two other American boards have contributed personnel and funds: the Board of Missions of the United Methodist Church
and the United Christian Missionary Society of the Christian Churches (Disciples of Christ).
Life in the University was interrupted when World War II
came. On May 1942, some three weeks after the fall of Corregidor
, two Japanese transports anchored in Dumaguete
. Silliman was occupied by the Japanese forces and was converted into a garrison. One of its buildings, Channon Hall, became the headquarters of the dreaded Japanese kempeitai or military police where many Filipinos were tortured and killed. During the occupation, many members of the faculty and the student body were forced to evacuate to four localities within the province. Under the leadership of Dr. Arthur Carson, then president of Silliman, the remaining members of the faculty continued the operations of the University in the mountains of Negros Oriental
. This led to the formation of what was then called the "Jungle University" in Malabo, Valencia
-one of the localities in the province.
American and Filipino forces liberated Dumaguete
on April 26, 1945. A few days later, the Faculty Emergency Committee took charge over the campus, and began preparations for the resumption of classes and the big challenge of reconstruction.
For the first half of the century, Silliman was run and operated by Americans. After the Second World War and until the early nineteen fifties, moves for the Filipinization of the university administration began to come closer to the surface. Filipino members of the faculty began to assume more important positions, and as more of these faculty members took administrative roles, the Board of Trustees elected the University's first Filipino president, Dr. Leopoldo Ruiz, on August 26, 1952, officially taking office on April 1953. A Silliman alumnus (A.B.'16), Ruiz had a long experience in higher education and in the foreign service. Prior to his appointment, he took up graduate studies in sociology at Columbia
and Yale
, with an M.A. (1924) from the former institution, as well as a Ph.D. (1942) from the University of Southern California
.
In the same decade of Ruiz's appointment, the United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia (UBCHEA) in New York, an interdenominational group, assumed responsibility for channeling all church aid to Silliman. The United Board is an international organization supported by ten Protestant mission boards. Even long after Ruiz's appointment, however, Americans and other nationals still constituted a considerable portion in the University's faculty, and up to the present, American and foreign visiting professors are still regularly assigned in specialized areas.
In the early 1960s and towards the beginning of the Martial Law years, the University embarked on a "Build a Greater Silliman" program in response to the growing student population and the corresponding need for more facilities. With much help from many donors, mostly alumni and entities from abroad, the program saw the construction of more academic buildings, dormitories, housing units for the faculty and other facilities. These constructions included the now famous Luce Auditorium which was funded largely by the Henry Luce Foundation, the Science Complex, equipped with an observatory on top of the third floor, the Engineering Complex, and the Silliman University Medical Center.
When Martial Law was declared in 1972, Silliman became one of the first two universities ordered by the government to be closed, and one of the last to be opened. On the morning of September 23, 1972 some faculty members and many students were rounded up by the local Philippine Constabulary (now the Philippine National Police
), some of whom were detained for periods ranging from one to six months. Many offices of the University, including the Weekly Sillimanian
, the University's student paper, were raided by the PC.
The year 1979 became a landmark year for Silliman when its Van Houweling Research Laboratory, then headed by Dr. George Beran, produced a dog vaccine that gave a three-year immunity from rabies
, making it the first and only laboratory to produce a rabies vaccine
with long-term immunity in the whole of Southeast Asia
. The development of the vaccine resulted in the elimination of rabies in many parts of the Visayas
and Mindanao
Islands and was later on used by other countries in their fight against rabies conducted in collaboration with the World Health Organization
.
The 1980s saw the restoration of the University’s Student Government and the approval of its constitution. After years of suppression by the Marcos regime
, students were again allowed to self-organize in 1981. The decade also witnessed the 100% board exam ratings of the Electrical Engineering, Nursing and Accountancy programs and the installation of solar-powered light posts in the campus in the years 1986 and 1989 respectively.
The 1990s saw the University shifting its grading system from alphabetical to numerical. In 1994, eleven Sillimanians landed in the top ten of that year’s nursing board exam, with twenty two other Sillimanian takers occupying the top twenty posts in said exam. In that same year, Silliman alumnus Gonzalo O. Catan Jr., was awarded Most Outstanding Inventor in the 5th National Technology Fair. The decade also witnessed Silliman being cited as the University with the best published scientific paper in the Dr. Elvira O. Tan Awards; and in 1995, the University hosted the first ever International Conference on Biology and Conservation of Small Cetaceans of Southeast Asia
, as well as the International Coral Reef Initiative Workshop.
Towards the end of the decade, Silliman prepared for its centennial celebrations. To strengthen its local area network
technology, the University installed fiber-optic cables that span the entire 62 hectare campus in 1999. In 2000, the Silliman Accountancy program ranked 1st in the country, culminating in its Physical Therapy program ranking 1st in 2001.
At present, Silliman University continues to draw support from the United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia (UBCHEA), as well as from its alumni and other benefactors. Envisioned by its founders as a mission institution, the University has adopted a policy of providing quality education to the surrounding regions without depending much on tuition and other fees to meet its operational expenses. Recently, Silliman constructed the Portal West Building, a five storey commercial building on campus, to help augment the University's operational expenses. In line with the same policy, it has leased portions of its properties to certain business entities to further raise its financial base.
Due to the fact that a significant portion of the student population ride on motorbikes and scooters, the University has also aggressively adopted a "No Helmet-No Entry" policy. Silliman has likewise adopted a "No-Smoking Policy" on campus.
Silliman is one of few private higher educational institutions in the country that have been granted full autonomous status by the Commission on Higher Education
(CHED), the same government agency that recognized some of its programs as Centers of Excellence and Centers of Development. To date, fifteen of the University's academic programs have been given Level III accreditation by recognized accrediting agencies.
, a quiet, peaceful seaside community with a population of 116,392. The University has two campuses: the Hibbard Avenue main campus, and the College of Agriculture and Marine Lab campus. Dotted by large acacia
trees, the main campus has a land area of 33 hectares. It is home to most of the colleges and schools of the University and is adjacent to the city's downtown district. It faces the sea to the east, flanked by its portals
which are now considered as symbols both of the University and of the city. The three most prominent portals are the Gates of Knowledge, Opportunity and Service. The Gate of Knowledge is the current and main entrance to the University and is the starting point of the two-kilometer long Hibbard Avenue which was named after Dr. David Sutherland Hibbard
, one of the founders of the institution. The other prominent landmarks on the main campus are the Silliman Hall, which now houses the Anthropology Museum; the Silliman University Church; the University Library; and the Luce Auditorium, the largest theater outside Metro Manila. Regularly frequented by tourists, the University maintains a campus cruiser, a 15-seater golf cart or tram-like vehicle used to ferry visitors around the campus. It is also utilized to service students during regular days.
Two kilometers to the north (the other end of Hibbard Avenue) is the College of Agriculture and Marine Lab campus. It has a land area of 29 hectares, and houses the College of Agriculture Complex, the Silliman Farm, a number of dormitories (known as the Cocofed Dormitories) and the Marine Laboratory. Adjacent to the Marine Laboratory is the Silliman Beach.
Silliman also has off-campus facilities located in Camp Lookout, Valencia
and on Ticao Island
, in the Province of Masbate
. The Camp Lookout facility houses the University's Creative Writing Center which now serves as the venue and permanent home of the Silliman National Writers Workshop
. The Center has a two-storey main function hall and five duplex cottages.
The University's Ticao Island
facility on the other hand is a 465 hectare property located in the Province of Masbate
, another island in the Visayas
. Donated by the family of Mrs. Elizabeth How, the facility is a combination of a working ranch, agricultural plantations, and patches of secondary forests. A framework for a long-term development plan has been made and is now the subject for validation by local stakeholders in the area. The plan includes programs for agriculture, Christian ministry, coastal resource management and public health.
Dumaguete has been called a "center of learning in the south", or a "university town" due to the presence of Silliman and other local universities that have made their mark nationally and abroad. The city has become a melting pot of students, professionals, artists, scholars and the literati coming from different parts of the country and the world.
Museum
is located at the old Silliman Hall on the southeastern side of the main campus. Established in 1973, it was opened to bring the importance of the Filipino’s cultural heritage to the attention of the public. The bulk of the artifacts displayed came from fieldworks, excavations, purchases and donations. The museum has seven galleries. The first three, contain exhibits which have been collected from known cultural or ethnic groups all over the country. These items or artifacts include simple tools and instruments such as basketry, agricultural and aquatic tools, weapons, clothing and ornaments as well as musical instruments. The display is based on two general criteria namely –the type of social organization (incipient, tribal or sultanate) and the type of economic subsistence (hunting, and gathering, marginal agriculture or farming) under which ethnic group is categorized. The exhibit on the last four galleries are artifacts excavated from different parts of Negros Island and in the mountain areas of Cotabato
. A number of excavations done by Sillimanian anthropologists way back in the 1970s yielded ancient artifacts, like burial urns, and porcelain pieces which date back to the Sung period in the twelfth century.
The other two museums are the Gonzales Museum of Natural History and the Marine Mammal Museum. The Gonzales Museum of Natural History is located at the first floor of the Science Complex. It showcases a collection of preserved animals traditionally found in the tropics such as different kinds of fishes, crustaceans, snakes, eagle
s, birds, flying lemurs, etc. The museum was named in honor Prof. Rodolfo Gonzales, a former biology teacher of the University. The Marine Mammal Museum on the other hand contains a large collection of whale and dolphin bones. It is located at a facility of the Institute of Environmental and Marine Sciences two kilometers north of the main campus.
; and another five from the alumni. The President of the University sits as an ex-officio member. Under the Board are the different administrators composed of the University President, the Vice-President for Academic Affairs, Vice-President for Finance, the University Registrar, Treasurer and Auditor as well as the Manager for Human Resource (HRD). Assisting the VPs for Academic Affairs and Finance are the different Deans, Directors, Department Chairpersons, Coordinators and Unit Heads of the different colleges, schools, institutes, units, research centers, programs and extension projects of the University. Though the University is affiliated with the United Church of Christ in the Philippines
, it is officially nonsectarian
for not having adopted any "articles of faith." Its academic environment has remained generally liberal and its Christian orientation has in no way discouraged the expression or exercise of other beliefs. A majority of the University's student and faculty population are Roman Catholics, with a significant portion of Muslims from Mindanao
and the Middle East
.
(PRC) and the Commission on Higher Education
(CHED), Silliman University was ranked 4th in the country, following three schools of the University of the Philippines
(UP) namely, UP-Diliman, UP-Los Baños, and UP-Manila, which ranked 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively. The survey was based on average passing rates in Board examinations from 1991 - 2001 in all courses of all universities and colleges in the Philippines
. The study is conducted every ten years.
In other board or licensure examination-related reports released by the CHED
in the year 2009, Silliman was ranked 1st in the country in the field of Nursing Education and 2nd in the fields of Accountancy and Mechanical Engineering.
Internationally, Silliman is ranked among the top 150 universities in Asia based on International Students' Review by the QS Quacquarelli Symonds
, an institution that ranks the world's top universities.
as a Center of Excellence in Coastal Resource Management, and by the Haribon Foundation
as an Academic Center of Excellence in Biodiversity Conservation. Due to the University's community-based coastal resource management program, Apo Island
, a small island off the coast of Dauin, was recognized as one of the best diving spots in the world.
, Ferris University
and Shikoku Gakuin University
. Silliman also maintains research and academic linkages with the University of Washington
(USA), California State University, East Bay
(USA), Gordon College
(USA), the Smithsonian Institution
(USA), Texas Tech University
(USA), Old Dominion University
(USA), Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University
(Japan), Sookmyung Women’s University (South Korea), Soongsil University
(South Korea), Hanyang University
(South Korea), Sam Ratulangi University
(Indonesia) and the Asian College of Nursing and Health (Malaysia).
, master's
, and doctoral degrees accredited by either ACSCU-AAI, PAASCU (a member of FAAP
), or ATESEA in its present colleges, schools and institutes:
The Silliman Library System is composed of the Robert B. and Metta J. Silliman Library, which serves as the university library, and the local libraries of the College of Agriculture, College of Business Administration, College of Law, the Divinity School, High School, Elementary and Early Childhood Schools. Among these libraries the Robert B. and Metta J. Silliman Library (university library) serves as the largest repository of books, periodicals and other reading materials. Built in 1978, the university library is a three-storey structure with a seating capacity of 490 readers. It holds over 250,000 volumes, with enough space to accommodate 400,000 more. It also subscribes to 500 periodicals. Some courses provide instruction in the location of books and publications for research and other school work. Students can search for library materials using the On-Line Public Access Catalogue. Instructions on how to use it are posted on the stations were the system is installed. Research can also be done using the Internet through the Cyberlibrary. Students pay a semestral fee to avail of this service.
Aside from the main section of the library which contains the bulk of its book and periodical collection, other notable sections of the facility include the Filipiniana section, containing books and materials published by famous Filipino authors during the Spanish and pre-war periods of the country, and the Sillimaniana section, containing Silliman memorabilia from 1901 up to the present (e.g. trophies, plaques of recognition, portraits of past presidents, etc.), and an archive of past publications and documents.
The university library is likewise home to two notable centers: The American Studies Resource Center (ASRC) and the World Bank
Knowledge for Development Center (WB-KDC). The American Studies Resource Center (ASRC) is a result of a memorandum of agreement between the United States Embassy in Manila and Silliman University. It is the only ASRC in Region VII hosted by an academic institution. The ASRC provides a variety of materials: books, periodicals, CD-ROMS, DVDs, VCDs, VHS tapes, electronic materials for those interested in studies and issues related to the United States.
The World Bank Knowledge for Development Center on the other hand is a result of a partnership between the University and the World Bank. It contains an extensive collection of development publications and World Bank project documents to people involved in the academe, researchers, NGOs, media, government agencies and the business sector. The section is open to the public.
To date, the Silliman Library remains as one of the biggest libraries in the Philippines. In 2008, the Silliman University Library System was given the "Outstanding Library Award" by the Philippine Association of Academic and Research Librarians (PAARL) for its growing collection and ongoing computerization program.
Although institutionally distinct from the University, the Silliman Medical Center (SUMCFI) supports the academic institution by serving as its base facility for the internship programs of the College of Nursing, School of Medicine, the Institutes of Clinical Laboratory and Rehabilitative Sciences, the Divinity School (for its chaplaincy program), and the Nutrition and Dietetics Department.
Silliman Medical Center, is a 140-bed hospital located on campus, with comprehensive medical services available both to students and to the community in general. It currently has collaborative ties with St. Luke's Medical Center
. The Silliman Medical Center started as an infirmary in 1901 until it became a hospital in 1923. In 1974, the cornerstone for a New Medical Center was laid down by the Netherlands Ambassador to the Philippines to commence the building of a four-storey structure with passenger elevators (the first in Negros Oriental). Inaugurated in 1976, it is considered as one of the most modern hospitals outside Metro Manila and Cebu. In 1979, the Medical Center made history when its Van Houweling Laboratory discovered and produced a dog vaccine that gave a three-year immunity from rabies. The development of the vaccine was later used by other countries, in collaboration with the World Health Organization
, on their fight against rabies. Recently, a new Medical Arts Building was added to the main structure of the hospital to further address the growing needs of the surrounding community.
. Since then, it has produced notable research in conservation and management which are being applied in cooperative projects in different local communities, such as the conservation programs in Sumilon and Apo Island
s. Since its founding, the Institute's research and conservation activities has led to the establishment of 20 marine protected areas (MPAs) and provided assistance to 61 others in the Visayas
and Mindanao
. For its research and biodiversity conservation efforts, Silliman University was recognized by the Commission on Higher Education as the best in research program in the country.
As a research extension and teaching facility, the Institute works with other departments of the University, namely, the Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Social Work departments, the College of Law, and the Silliman University Extension Program. Currently, the Institute is involved in numerous projects such as the Giant Clam Project, Grouper Culture, Crocodylus mindorensis (Philippine crocodile) Breeding Project, and the Bais Bay and Apo Island Continuing Support Program.
Other research centers and extension programs of the University include:
phrase which means “The Way, The Truth, and The Life.” Chosen by the University as its motto, this phrase is attributed to Jesus Christ and is found in the Gospel of John
chapter 14, verse 6, which reads: “5Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?" 6Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him." (New International Version) The choice of the motto is firmly rooted in the University’s belief that religious instruction, particularly in the teachings of Jesus Christ, is essential to the moral development of every young person. Incidentally, the motto has also been adopted by the Province
of Negros Oriental
by incorporating it in its provincial seal.
, with each float representing a particular college, department, or school.
, Dr. Doltz's alma mater
. It briefly describes Silliman's tranquil location; the student's college or university experience; the student's victories, whether it be in the classroom, the court, the track, or the field; the highs and lows in life; and the principles that the graduate brings as the latter leaves the halls of the University. Sang by the Silliman community for almost a hundred years, the Silliman Song has popularized the phrases "Dear old Silliman", and "Silliman beside the sea".
nasium is a multipurpose facility used for basketball, volleyball, badminton, rock-climbing, table-tennis, cheering, and other indoor activities. The Silliman Ballfield is primarily used for soccer, and for track and field events. Other athletic facilities include a swimming pool, three tennis courts, two pelota courts, and an archery range.
Silliman also has varsity teams for almost every major sport. A regular participant of the Philippine University Games
(UniGames) and the Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA), Silliman is represented by a red and white Stallion or Mare. In the recent Beijing Olympics, Mark Javier
,a Sillimanian, represented the Philippines in the field of Archery. He was the lone male archer that represented the country. Other notable Philippine Olympians that came from Silliman include Jennifer Chan, who recently won a gold medal in the 25th SEA Games
, Lisa Ygnalaga, and long jumper Simeon Toribio
.
The coordination of student activities and student organizations are handled by the Silliman University Student Government (SUSG). Under the present set-up the Student Government is divided into three branches: the executive, the legislative, and the judicial departments. The executive power is exercised by the President with the assistance of the Cabinet. The Cabinet is composed of the President, Vice President and the respective heads of the Executive Committee who are appointed by the President. The legislative power of the SUSG is vested in the Student Assembly. It is composed of elected representatives of the different schools and colleges. The Justice Committee exercises judicial power. It is composed of the Prime Justice and six other justices appointed by the President upon recommendation of the Committee on Appointments. Election of Student Government officers are held before the close of the academic year. Political campaigns or rallies may be held after securing the necessary permits. Political campaigns in the University are characterized by rallies in the Amphitheater, classroom-to-classroom speaking engagements, and dorm-to-dorm campaigns. The Student Government is under the supervision and oversight of the Student Organizations and Activities Division (SOAD).
Numerous student organizations are registered in the University. Some are regional societies organized to promote fellowship among students from particular geographical areas. There are service clubs such as fraternities and sororities which carry out, as part of their activities, projects on campus and in the community. Others are identified with particular academic disciplines such as chemistry and mathematics known as course-related organizations, and still others belong to the special or interest groups. The supervision and coordination of student organizations are undertaken by the Student Organizations and Activities Division (SOAD) together with the Silliman University Student Government (SUSG).
, one of the first weekly student papers
in the country, with its existence dating back as early as 1903; the Portal, official yearbook
of the University, first published in 1913; the Dark Blue Southern Seas, a literary journal published in cooperation with the Department of English; the Junior Sillimanian, a publication of students from the High School Department; and the Stones and Pebbles, a publication of students from the Elementary School.
Except for the Junior Sillimanian and the Stones and Pebbles, key positions in these publications carry honoraria and are available to all students through competitive examinations. These publications are supported by the students through a publication fee.
Silliman operates regular and cooperative dormitories which can provide space for approximately 800 students. These dormitories are either named after Philippine trees, flowers or significant historical figures of the University. There are six regular dormitories (four for women and two for men) and seven cooperative dormitories (four for women and three for men). The regular dormitories for women are Edith Carson, Ethel Chapman, Larena and the Woodward Hall. For men, the regular dormitories are the Vernon Hall (formerly New Men's Dormitory) and Doltz Hall. Meals under these dormitories are supervised by the University Food Services. Housekeeping is generally maintained by a dorm staff.
The second type of dormitories are the cooperative dormitories. Under these dormitories, residents undertake the housekeeping and planning of the food. Named after flowers except one, the cooperative dormitories for women are the Azucena, Rosal, and Sampaguita Cottage
s, as well as Channon Hall. For men, the dormitories are named after trees. These are the Ipil, Molave, and Narra Cottage
s.
In addition to the aforementioned dormitories, the University maintains a number of cottages for some members of its faculty and staff as well as for guests and visiting alumni.
, 8th President of the Philippines; Senators Robert Barbers
, Lorenzo Teves
, and the Great Filibuster Roseller Lim; House Speaker Cornelio Villareal
; John Gokongwei, Sr., a Philippine business magnate; Frederick Dael, former CEO and President of Pepsi Cola Asia Pacific, and former CEO of Islacom; William Torres, "Father of Philippine Internet" and co-founder of Mozaic Corporation; Vicente Sinco, one of the signatories of the UN Charter in 1945, the 8th President of the University of the Philippines
, and founder of Foundation University
; MacArthur Corsino, current Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Cuba; Antonio P. Villamor, Philippine Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Juanita Amatong
, former Secretary of the Department of Finance and First Woman Executive Director in the World Bank Group
from the Philippines; Angel C. Alcala, Ramon Magsaysay Award
ee for Public Service and former Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources; Leonor M. Briones
, former National Treasurer of the Republic of the Philippines; Emilio Macias II, former Governor of Negros Oriental
; Efren N. Padilla, Executive Director, Center for Filipino Studies California State University, East Bay
; Jose Andrada, first commanding officer of the Philippine Navy (formerly Off Shore Patrol) under the Philippine Commonwealth way back 1939 and after whom the Headquarters of the Philippine Navy is now named; Edith L. Tiempo
, National Artist
for Literature (1999); Edilberto K. Tiempo
, Filipino writer, professor and founder of the Silliman National Writers Workshop
. Eddie S. Romero
, National Artist
for Cinema and Broadcast Arts (2003); Leoncio P. Deriada
, Palanca Awards
Hall of Famer;César Ruiz Aquino
, Filipino poet and fictionist; and Simeon Toribio
, one of few Filipinos who won medals in the history of World Olympics.
Sillimanians have also excelled in the field of journalism such as Claire Delfin
of GMA Network
and Ina Reformina of ABS-CBN; while there are those who entered showbusiness such as Bret Jackson and Beauty Gonzalez
.
Private university
Private universities are universities not operated by governments, although many receive public subsidies, especially in the form of tax breaks and public student loans and grants. Depending on their location, private universities may be subject to government regulation. Private universities are...
research
Research institute
A research institute is an establishment endowed for doing research. Research institutes may specialize in basic research or may be oriented to applied research...
university
University
A university is an institution of higher education and research, which grants academic degrees in a variety of subjects. A university is an organisation that provides both undergraduate education and postgraduate education...
located in Dumaguete, Philippines
Philippines
The Philippines , officially known as the Republic of the Philippines , is a country in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. To its north across the Luzon Strait lies Taiwan. West across the South China Sea sits Vietnam...
. Established in 1901 as Silliman Institute by the Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions, it was the first American private school to be founded in the country. The University is named after Dr. Horace Brinsmade Silliman
Horace Brinsmade Silliman
Horace Brinsmade Silliman , gave a $10,000 gift to start Silliman Institute, which later became Silliman University, in Dumaguete City, Philippines. He was a retired businessman and philanthropist from Cohoes, New York as well as an active layman in the Presbyterian Church in the United States...
, a retired businessman and philanthropist from Cohoes, New York
Downtown Cohoes Historic District
The Downtown Cohoes Historic District takes up of the city of Cohoes, New York, United States. Many of the 165 contributing properties date from the 1820-1930 period when the Erie Canal and Harmony Mills were the mainstay of the city's economy. It was recognized as a historic district and added to...
who gave the initial sum of $10,000 to start the school. Originally starting as an elementary school
Elementary school
An elementary school or primary school is an institution where children receive the first stage of compulsory education known as elementary or primary education. Elementary school is the preferred term in some countries, particularly those in North America, where the terms grade school and grammar...
for boys, the school expanded to become a college in 1910, acquiring university status in 1938. For the first half of the 20th century, Silliman was run and operated by Americans. After the Second World War Filipinos began to assume more important positions, culminating in the appointment of Silliman's first Filipino
Filipino people
The Filipino people or Filipinos are an Austronesian ethnic group native to the islands of the Philippines. There are about 92 million Filipinos in the Philippines, and about 11 million living outside the Philippines ....
president in 1952.
Today, the University comprises ten colleges, four schools, and two institutes, enrolling over 8,600 students from different parts of the Philippines and from at least 20 foreign countries. It is registered as a National Landmark by the National Historical Institute, and is one of few private higher education institutions in the Philippines that have been granted full autonomous status by the Commission on Higher Education
Commission on Higher Education (Philippines)
The Commission on Higher Education of the Philippines, , abbreviated as CHED. The CHED is attached to the Office of the President for administrative purposes...
. The University is a founding member of the Association of Christian Universities and Colleges in Asia
Association of Christian Universities and Colleges in Asia
The Association of Christian Universities and Colleges in Asia is an organization of Christian universities and colleges in Asia, dedicated to Christian witness and service in the field of education...
(ACUCA), and one of the recognized institutions in the U.S. Veterans Administration
United States Department of Veterans Affairs
The United States Department of Veterans Affairs is a government-run military veteran benefit system with Cabinet-level status. It is the United States government’s second largest department, after the United States Department of Defense...
's list of approved educational institutions.
In a report released by the Professional Regulation Commission
Professional Regulation Commission
The Professional Regulation Commission , otherwise known as the PRC, is a three-man commission attached to the office of the President of the Republic of the Philippines. Its mandate is to regulate and supervise the practice of the professionals who constitute the highly skilled manpower of the...
and the Commission on Higher Education
Commission on Higher Education (Philippines)
The Commission on Higher Education of the Philippines, , abbreviated as CHED. The CHED is attached to the Office of the President for administrative purposes...
which covered a ten-year period of board exam results, Silliman was ranked 4th in the country following three schools of the University of the Philippines
University of the Philippines
The ' is the national university of the Philippines. Founded in 1908 through Act No...
. It is also ranked among the top 150 universities in Asia based on International Students' Review by the QS Quacquarelli Symonds, an institution that ranks the world's top universities.
In terms of accreditation, Silliman is one of only five universities in the Philippines with "Institutional Accreditation" by the Federation of Accrediting Agencies of the Philippines
Federation of Accrediting Agencies of the Philippines
Federation of Accrediting Agencies of the Philippines , was established in 1977 and is authorized by the Philippine Commission on Higher Education to certify the quality levels of accredited programs at the tertiary level, for the purpose of granting progressive deregulation and other benefits....
(FAAP). Institutional Accreditation is the highest certification that can be granted to an educational institution after an over-all examination of its number of accredited programs, the quality of its facilities, services and faculty. Incidentally, Silliman also has the highest number of accredited programs in the country, fifteen of which are on Level III accreditation status.
Silliman offers programs in the early childhood, elementary, secondary, undergraduate and graduate levels. Programs in the undergraduate and graduate levels cover various disciplines such as Accountancy
Accountancy
Accountancy is the process of communicating financial information about a business entity to users such as shareholders and managers. The communication is generally in the form of financial statements that show in money terms the economic resources under the control of management; the art lies in...
, Business Administration, Engineering
Engineering
Engineering is the discipline, art, skill and profession of acquiring and applying scientific, mathematical, economic, social, and practical knowledge, in order to design and build structures, machines, devices, systems, materials and processes that safely realize improvements to the lives of...
, Information Technology
Information technology
Information technology is the acquisition, processing, storage and dissemination of vocal, pictorial, textual and numerical information by a microelectronics-based combination of computing and telecommunications...
, Law
Law
Law is a system of rules and guidelines which are enforced through social institutions to govern behavior, wherever possible. It shapes politics, economics and society in numerous ways and serves as a social mediator of relations between people. Contract law regulates everything from buying a bus...
, Medicine
Medicine
Medicine is the science and art of healing. It encompasses a variety of health care practices evolved to maintain and restore health by the prevention and treatment of illness....
, Nursing
Nursing
Nursing is a healthcare profession focused on the care of individuals, families, and communities so they may attain, maintain, or recover optimal health and quality of life from conception to death....
, Biology
Biology
Biology is a natural science concerned with the study of life and living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, distribution, and taxonomy. Biology is a vast subject containing many subdivisions, topics, and disciplines...
, Chemistry
Chemistry
Chemistry is the science of matter, especially its chemical reactions, but also its composition, structure and properties. Chemistry is concerned with atoms and their interactions with other atoms, and particularly with the properties of chemical bonds....
, Education
Education
Education in its broadest, general sense is the means through which the aims and habits of a group of people lives on from one generation to the next. Generally, it occurs through any experience that has a formative effect on the way one thinks, feels, or acts...
, Marine Sciences, Physics
Physics
Physics is a natural science that involves the study of matter and its motion through spacetime, along with related concepts such as energy and force. More broadly, it is the general analysis of nature, conducted in order to understand how the universe behaves.Physics is one of the oldest academic...
, Theology
Theology
Theology is the systematic and rational study of religion and its influences and of the nature of religious truths, or the learned profession acquired by completing specialized training in religious studies, usually at a university or school of divinity or seminary.-Definition:Augustine of Hippo...
, Philosophy
Philosophy
Philosophy is the study of general and fundamental problems, such as those connected with existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. Philosophy is distinguished from other ways of addressing such problems by its critical, generally systematic approach and its reliance on rational...
, Psychology
Psychology
Psychology is the study of the mind and behavior. Its immediate goal is to understand individuals and groups by both establishing general principles and researching specific cases. For many, the ultimate goal of psychology is to benefit society...
, and Public Administration
Public administration
Public Administration houses the implementation of government policy and an academic discipline that studies this implementation and that prepares civil servants for this work. As a "field of inquiry with a diverse scope" its "fundamental goal.....
. In addition to its academic undertakings, the University is also involved in research and community extension projects. Silliman's stature in the fields of environmental and marine sciences has led to its being designated by the USAID as a Center of Excellence in Coastal Resources Management.
History
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. Originally established as an elementary school for boys, operations for the Institute started through an initial $10,000 donation given by a businessman and Christian philanthropist of Cohoes
Cohoes, New York
Cohoes is an incorporated city located at the northeast corner of Albany County in the US state of New York. It is called the "Spindle City" because of the importance of textile production to its growth. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 16,168...
, New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
named Dr. Horace Brinsmade Silliman
Horace Brinsmade Silliman
Horace Brinsmade Silliman , gave a $10,000 gift to start Silliman Institute, which later became Silliman University, in Dumaguete City, Philippines. He was a retired businessman and philanthropist from Cohoes, New York as well as an active layman in the Presbyterian Church in the United States...
, who wanted to establish an industrial school using the Hampton Institute of Virginia model.
The person tasked to found the institution was Dr. David Sutherland Hibbard
David Sutherland Hibbard
-External links:* Official website...
, a man from Lyndon, Kansas
Lyndon, Kansas
Lyndon is a city in and the county seat of Osage County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 1,052. It is part of the Topeka, Kansas Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:Lyndon is located at...
who, after serving as a pastor in a Presbyterian church in that locality, offered his services to the Presbyterian Board as missionary. Upon his arrival in the Philippines, he was commissioned, together with his wife Laura, to scout the southern part of the Islands to determine the best location for the school. His original points of destination were Cebu
Cebu
Cebu is a province in the Philippines, consisting of Cebu Island and 167 surrounding islands. It is located to the east of Negros, to the west of Leyte and Bohol islands...
, Zamboanga
Zamboanga City
The City of Zamboanga : is a highly urbanized, independent and a chartered city located in Mindanao, Philippines....
and Iloilo
Iloilo
Iloilo is a province of the Philippines located in the Western Visayas region. Iloilo occupies the southeast portion of Panay Island and is bordered by Antique Province to the west and Capiz Province and the Jintotolo Channel to the north. Just off Iloilo's southeast coast is Guimaras Province,...
. While in Cebu, a suggestion came to him to make a side-trip to Dumaguete. On his arrival, he was met by a Rev. Captain John Anthony Randolph, chaplain of the 6th U.S. Infantry Regiment stationed at that time in Dumaguete, who later on introduced him to Don Meliton Larena, the town's local presidente and to his brother Demetrio Larena, then the vice-governor of the province. Hibbard got attracted to the place and decided to establish the school in the locality. He would later on write that the "beauty of Dumaguete and the friendliness of the people" helped in bringing about his decision.
The Institute had a modest beginning: Dr. and Mrs. Hibbard held classes in a rented house beside the sea until the Institute's first building, Silliman Hall, was completed in 1903. Recalling how the University started half a century later, Dr. Hibbard described:
Enrollment in the school gradually grew thereafter to include students from other Asian countries. In 1910, Silliman was awarded government recognition and the right to grant a degree. In the same year, it was incorporated under the laws of the Philippines. Women started to be admitted in 1912, and in 1921, the Silliman Bible School (later to become the Divinity School) was established in cooperation with the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, representing the Congregational Churches of the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. As enrollment into the institution grew further, a corresponding increase in faculty followed. These developments were coupled with the use of a more developed curriculum and the construction and acquisition of more permanent buildings and equipment. By 1925, Silliman was already known as one of the foremost institutions for higher education in the Philippines, based on a report submitted by the Board of Educational Survey, which was created by the Philippine Legislature
Philippine Legislature
The Philippine Legislature was the legislative body of the Philippines during the earlier part U.S. colonial administration. It was a bicameral legislature, with the Philippine Commission, headed by the U.S. Governor General serving as the upper house, and the Philippine Assembly serving as the...
to conduct a study on all educational institutions in the country. The Institute was re-incorporated in 1935, and in 1938 became the first school outside of Manila
Manila
Manila is the capital of the Philippines. It is one of the sixteen cities forming Metro Manila.Manila is located on the eastern shores of Manila Bay and is bordered by Navotas and Caloocan to the north, Quezon City to the northeast, San Juan and Mandaluyong to the east, Makati on the southeast,...
to be granted university status.
After its recognition as a university, Silliman continued to receive from the Presbyterian Board and the American Board (now the United Church Board for World Ministries) grants for land, buildings and equipment. In addition, these Boards provided the University with American faculty and staff personnel. Two other American boards have contributed personnel and funds: the Board of Missions of the United Methodist Church
United Methodist Church
The United Methodist Church is a Methodist Christian denomination which is both mainline Protestant and evangelical. Founded in 1968 by the union of The Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church, the UMC traces its roots back to the revival movement of John and Charles Wesley...
and the United Christian Missionary Society of the Christian Churches (Disciples of Christ).
Life in the University was interrupted when World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
came. On May 1942, some three weeks after the fall of Corregidor
Corregidor
Corregidor Island, locally called Isla ng Corregidor, is a lofty island located at the entrance of Manila Bay in southwestern part of Luzon Island in the Philippines. Due to this location, Corregidor was fortified with several coastal artillery and ammunition magazines to defend the entrance of...
, two Japanese transports anchored in Dumaguete
Dumaguete City
The City of Dumaguete is a city in the Philippine province of Negros Oriental. It is the capital, principal seaport, and largest city of the province. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 133,470 people. A person from Dumaguete is called a "Dumagueteño"...
. Silliman was occupied by the Japanese forces and was converted into a garrison. One of its buildings, Channon Hall, became the headquarters of the dreaded Japanese kempeitai or military police where many Filipinos were tortured and killed. During the occupation, many members of the faculty and the student body were forced to evacuate to four localities within the province. Under the leadership of Dr. Arthur Carson, then president of Silliman, the remaining members of the faculty continued the operations of the University in the mountains of Negros Oriental
Negros Oriental
Negros Oriental is a province of the Philippines located in the Central Visayas region. It occupies the south-eastern half of the island of Negros, with Negros Occidental comprising the north-western half. It also includes Apo Island — a popular dive site for both local and foreign tourists...
. This led to the formation of what was then called the "Jungle University" in Malabo, Valencia
Valencia, Negros Oriental
Valencia is a first class municipality in the province of Negros Oriental, Philippines. It is located 9.4 kilometre west of Dumaguete, the largest city and capital of the province. According to the national 2000 census, Valencia has a population of 24,365 people in 4,860 households. Valencia has a...
-one of the localities in the province.
American and Filipino forces liberated Dumaguete
Dumaguete City
The City of Dumaguete is a city in the Philippine province of Negros Oriental. It is the capital, principal seaport, and largest city of the province. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 133,470 people. A person from Dumaguete is called a "Dumagueteño"...
on April 26, 1945. A few days later, the Faculty Emergency Committee took charge over the campus, and began preparations for the resumption of classes and the big challenge of reconstruction.
For the first half of the century, Silliman was run and operated by Americans. After the Second World War and until the early nineteen fifties, moves for the Filipinization of the university administration began to come closer to the surface. Filipino members of the faculty began to assume more important positions, and as more of these faculty members took administrative roles, the Board of Trustees elected the University's first Filipino president, Dr. Leopoldo Ruiz, on August 26, 1952, officially taking office on April 1953. A Silliman alumnus (A.B.'16), Ruiz had a long experience in higher education and in the foreign service. Prior to his appointment, he took up graduate studies in sociology at Columbia
Columbia University
Columbia University in the City of New York is a private, Ivy League university in Manhattan, New York City. Columbia is the oldest institution of higher learning in the state of New York, the fifth oldest in the United States, and one of the country's nine Colonial Colleges founded before the...
and Yale
Yale University
Yale University is a private, Ivy League university located in New Haven, Connecticut, United States. Founded in 1701 in the Colony of Connecticut, the university is the third-oldest institution of higher education in the United States...
, with an M.A. (1924) from the former institution, as well as a Ph.D. (1942) from the University of Southern California
University of Southern California
The University of Southern California is a private, not-for-profit, nonsectarian, research university located in Los Angeles, California, United States. USC was founded in 1880, making it California's oldest private research university...
.
In the same decade of Ruiz's appointment, the United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia (UBCHEA) in New York, an interdenominational group, assumed responsibility for channeling all church aid to Silliman. The United Board is an international organization supported by ten Protestant mission boards. Even long after Ruiz's appointment, however, Americans and other nationals still constituted a considerable portion in the University's faculty, and up to the present, American and foreign visiting professors are still regularly assigned in specialized areas.
In the early 1960s and towards the beginning of the Martial Law years, the University embarked on a "Build a Greater Silliman" program in response to the growing student population and the corresponding need for more facilities. With much help from many donors, mostly alumni and entities from abroad, the program saw the construction of more academic buildings, dormitories, housing units for the faculty and other facilities. These constructions included the now famous Luce Auditorium which was funded largely by the Henry Luce Foundation, the Science Complex, equipped with an observatory on top of the third floor, the Engineering Complex, and the Silliman University Medical Center.
When Martial Law was declared in 1972, Silliman became one of the first two universities ordered by the government to be closed, and one of the last to be opened. On the morning of September 23, 1972 some faculty members and many students were rounded up by the local Philippine Constabulary (now the Philippine National Police
Philippine National Police
The Philippine National Police is the national police force of the Republic of the Philippines. It is both a national and a local police force in that it does provides all law enforcement services throughout the Philippines...
), some of whom were detained for periods ranging from one to six months. Many offices of the University, including the Weekly Sillimanian
Weekly Sillimanian
The Weekly Sillimanian, also known as tWS, is the official weekly student paper of Silliman University, a private university in Dumaguete City, Philippines. Its origin dates back to as early as 1903. Today, the paper is one of only four campus publications in the country that publishes on a weekly...
, the University's student paper, were raided by the PC.
The year 1979 became a landmark year for Silliman when its Van Houweling Research Laboratory, then headed by Dr. George Beran, produced a dog vaccine that gave a three-year immunity from rabies
Rabies
Rabies is a viral disease that causes acute encephalitis in warm-blooded animals. It is zoonotic , most commonly by a bite from an infected animal. For a human, rabies is almost invariably fatal if post-exposure prophylaxis is not administered prior to the onset of severe symptoms...
, making it the first and only laboratory to produce a rabies vaccine
Rabies vaccine
Rabies vaccine is a vaccine used to control rabies. Rabies can be prevented by vaccination, both in humans and other animals.-In animals:Currently, pre-exposure immunization has been used on domesticated and normal non-human populations...
with long-term immunity in the whole of Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia, South-East Asia, South East Asia or Southeastern Asia is a subregion of Asia, consisting of the countries that are geographically south of China, east of India, west of New Guinea and north of Australia. The region lies on the intersection of geological plates, with heavy seismic...
. The development of the vaccine resulted in the elimination of rabies in many parts of the Visayas
Visayas
The Visayas or Visayan Islands and locally known as Kabisay-an gid, is one of the three principal geographical divisions of the Philippines, along with Mindanao and Luzon. It consists of several islands, primarily surrounding the Visayan Sea, although the Visayas are considered the northeast...
and Mindanao
Mindanao
Mindanao is the second largest and easternmost island in the Philippines. It is also the name of one of the three island groups in the country, which consists of the island of Mindanao and smaller surrounding islands. The other two are Luzon and the Visayas. The island of Mindanao is called The...
Islands and was later on used by other countries in their fight against rabies conducted in collaboration with the World Health Organization
World Health Organization
The World Health Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations that acts as a coordinating authority on international public health. Established on 7 April 1948, with headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, the agency inherited the mandate and resources of its predecessor, the Health...
.
The 1980s saw the restoration of the University’s Student Government and the approval of its constitution. After years of suppression by the Marcos regime
Ferdinand Marcos
Ferdinand Emmanuel Edralin Marcos, Sr. was a Filipino leader and an authoritarian President of the Philippines from 1965 to 1986. He was a lawyer, member of the Philippine House of Representatives and a member of the Philippine Senate...
, students were again allowed to self-organize in 1981. The decade also witnessed the 100% board exam ratings of the Electrical Engineering, Nursing and Accountancy programs and the installation of solar-powered light posts in the campus in the years 1986 and 1989 respectively.
The 1990s saw the University shifting its grading system from alphabetical to numerical. In 1994, eleven Sillimanians landed in the top ten of that year’s nursing board exam, with twenty two other Sillimanian takers occupying the top twenty posts in said exam. In that same year, Silliman alumnus Gonzalo O. Catan Jr., was awarded Most Outstanding Inventor in the 5th National Technology Fair. The decade also witnessed Silliman being cited as the University with the best published scientific paper in the Dr. Elvira O. Tan Awards; and in 1995, the University hosted the first ever International Conference on Biology and Conservation of Small Cetaceans of Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia, South-East Asia, South East Asia or Southeastern Asia is a subregion of Asia, consisting of the countries that are geographically south of China, east of India, west of New Guinea and north of Australia. The region lies on the intersection of geological plates, with heavy seismic...
, as well as the International Coral Reef Initiative Workshop.
Towards the end of the decade, Silliman prepared for its centennial celebrations. To strengthen its local area network
Local area network
A local area network is a computer network that interconnects computers in a limited area such as a home, school, computer laboratory, or office building...
technology, the University installed fiber-optic cables that span the entire 62 hectare campus in 1999. In 2000, the Silliman Accountancy program ranked 1st in the country, culminating in its Physical Therapy program ranking 1st in 2001.
At present, Silliman University continues to draw support from the United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia (UBCHEA), as well as from its alumni and other benefactors. Envisioned by its founders as a mission institution, the University has adopted a policy of providing quality education to the surrounding regions without depending much on tuition and other fees to meet its operational expenses. Recently, Silliman constructed the Portal West Building, a five storey commercial building on campus, to help augment the University's operational expenses. In line with the same policy, it has leased portions of its properties to certain business entities to further raise its financial base.
Due to the fact that a significant portion of the student population ride on motorbikes and scooters, the University has also aggressively adopted a "No Helmet-No Entry" policy. Silliman has likewise adopted a "No-Smoking Policy" on campus.
Silliman is one of few private higher educational institutions in the country that have been granted full autonomous status by the Commission on Higher Education
Commission on Higher Education (Philippines)
The Commission on Higher Education of the Philippines, , abbreviated as CHED. The CHED is attached to the Office of the President for administrative purposes...
(CHED), the same government agency that recognized some of its programs as Centers of Excellence and Centers of Development. To date, fifteen of the University's academic programs have been given Level III accreditation by recognized accrediting agencies.
Campus
Silliman is located in Dumaguete CityDumaguete City
The City of Dumaguete is a city in the Philippine province of Negros Oriental. It is the capital, principal seaport, and largest city of the province. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 133,470 people. A person from Dumaguete is called a "Dumagueteño"...
, a quiet, peaceful seaside community with a population of 116,392. The University has two campuses: the Hibbard Avenue main campus, and the College of Agriculture and Marine Lab campus. Dotted by large acacia
Acacia
Acacia is a genus of shrubs and trees belonging to the subfamily Mimosoideae of the family Fabaceae, first described in Africa by the Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1773. Many non-Australian species tend to be thorny, whereas the majority of Australian acacias are not...
trees, the main campus has a land area of 33 hectares. It is home to most of the colleges and schools of the University and is adjacent to the city's downtown district. It faces the sea to the east, flanked by its portals
Portal (architecture)
Portal is a general term describing an opening in the walls of a building, gate or fortification, and especially a grand entrance to an important structure. Doors, metal gates or portcullis in the opening can be used to control entry or exit. The surface surrounding the opening may be made of...
which are now considered as symbols both of the University and of the city. The three most prominent portals are the Gates of Knowledge, Opportunity and Service. The Gate of Knowledge is the current and main entrance to the University and is the starting point of the two-kilometer long Hibbard Avenue which was named after Dr. David Sutherland Hibbard
David Sutherland Hibbard
-External links:* Official website...
, one of the founders of the institution. The other prominent landmarks on the main campus are the Silliman Hall, which now houses the Anthropology Museum; the Silliman University Church; the University Library; and the Luce Auditorium, the largest theater outside Metro Manila. Regularly frequented by tourists, the University maintains a campus cruiser, a 15-seater golf cart or tram-like vehicle used to ferry visitors around the campus. It is also utilized to service students during regular days.
Two kilometers to the north (the other end of Hibbard Avenue) is the College of Agriculture and Marine Lab campus. It has a land area of 29 hectares, and houses the College of Agriculture Complex, the Silliman Farm, a number of dormitories (known as the Cocofed Dormitories) and the Marine Laboratory. Adjacent to the Marine Laboratory is the Silliman Beach.
Silliman also has off-campus facilities located in Camp Lookout, Valencia
Valencia, Negros Oriental
Valencia is a first class municipality in the province of Negros Oriental, Philippines. It is located 9.4 kilometre west of Dumaguete, the largest city and capital of the province. According to the national 2000 census, Valencia has a population of 24,365 people in 4,860 households. Valencia has a...
and on Ticao Island
Ticao Island
Ticao Island is one of the three major islands of Masbate Province in the Philippines. The other two major Islands are Masbate Island and Burias Island ....
, in the Province of Masbate
Masbate
Masbate is an island province of the Philippines located in the Bicol Region. Its capital is Masbate City and consists of three major islands: Masbate, Ticao and Burias.-History:...
. The Camp Lookout facility houses the University's Creative Writing Center which now serves as the venue and permanent home of the Silliman National Writers Workshop
Silliman National Writers Workshop
The Silliman National Writers Workshop was founded by the late Edilberto K. Tiempo and National Artist for Literature Edith L. Tiempo of Silliman University...
. The Center has a two-storey main function hall and five duplex cottages.
The University's Ticao Island
Ticao Island
Ticao Island is one of the three major islands of Masbate Province in the Philippines. The other two major Islands are Masbate Island and Burias Island ....
facility on the other hand is a 465 hectare property located in the Province of Masbate
Masbate
Masbate is an island province of the Philippines located in the Bicol Region. Its capital is Masbate City and consists of three major islands: Masbate, Ticao and Burias.-History:...
, another island in the Visayas
Visayas
The Visayas or Visayan Islands and locally known as Kabisay-an gid, is one of the three principal geographical divisions of the Philippines, along with Mindanao and Luzon. It consists of several islands, primarily surrounding the Visayan Sea, although the Visayas are considered the northeast...
. Donated by the family of Mrs. Elizabeth How, the facility is a combination of a working ranch, agricultural plantations, and patches of secondary forests. A framework for a long-term development plan has been made and is now the subject for validation by local stakeholders in the area. The plan includes programs for agriculture, Christian ministry, coastal resource management and public health.
Dumaguete has been called a "center of learning in the south", or a "university town" due to the presence of Silliman and other local universities that have made their mark nationally and abroad. The city has become a melting pot of students, professionals, artists, scholars and the literati coming from different parts of the country and the world.
Museums
Silliman maintains three museums: the Anthropology Museum, the Gonzales Museum of Natural History, and the Marine Mammal Museum of the Institute of Environmental and Marine Sciences (IEMS). The AnthropologyAnthropology
Anthropology is the study of humanity. It has origins in the humanities, the natural sciences, and the social sciences. The term "anthropology" is from the Greek anthrōpos , "man", understood to mean mankind or humanity, and -logia , "discourse" or "study", and was first used in 1501 by German...
Museum
Museum
A museum is an institution that cares for a collection of artifacts and other objects of scientific, artistic, cultural, or historical importance and makes them available for public viewing through exhibits that may be permanent or temporary. Most large museums are located in major cities...
is located at the old Silliman Hall on the southeastern side of the main campus. Established in 1973, it was opened to bring the importance of the Filipino’s cultural heritage to the attention of the public. The bulk of the artifacts displayed came from fieldworks, excavations, purchases and donations. The museum has seven galleries. The first three, contain exhibits which have been collected from known cultural or ethnic groups all over the country. These items or artifacts include simple tools and instruments such as basketry, agricultural and aquatic tools, weapons, clothing and ornaments as well as musical instruments. The display is based on two general criteria namely –the type of social organization (incipient, tribal or sultanate) and the type of economic subsistence (hunting, and gathering, marginal agriculture or farming) under which ethnic group is categorized. The exhibit on the last four galleries are artifacts excavated from different parts of Negros Island and in the mountain areas of Cotabato
Cotabato
Cotabato , is a landlocked province of the Philippines located in the SOCCSKSARGEN region in Mindanao...
. A number of excavations done by Sillimanian anthropologists way back in the 1970s yielded ancient artifacts, like burial urns, and porcelain pieces which date back to the Sung period in the twelfth century.
The other two museums are the Gonzales Museum of Natural History and the Marine Mammal Museum. The Gonzales Museum of Natural History is located at the first floor of the Science Complex. It showcases a collection of preserved animals traditionally found in the tropics such as different kinds of fishes, crustaceans, snakes, eagle
Eagle
Eagles are members of the bird family Accipitridae, and belong to several genera which are not necessarily closely related to each other. Most of the more than 60 species occur in Eurasia and Africa. Outside this area, just two species can be found in the United States and Canada, nine more in...
s, birds, flying lemurs, etc. The museum was named in honor Prof. Rodolfo Gonzales, a former biology teacher of the University. The Marine Mammal Museum on the other hand contains a large collection of whale and dolphin bones. It is located at a facility of the Institute of Environmental and Marine Sciences two kilometers north of the main campus.
Administration
Silliman is governed by an independent Board of Trustees composed of fifteen members. Five of its members come from the Silliman University Foundation Incorporated (SUFI); five from the UCCPUnited Church of Christ in the Philippines
The United Church of Christ in the Philippines is a Christian denomination in the Philippines...
; and another five from the alumni. The President of the University sits as an ex-officio member. Under the Board are the different administrators composed of the University President, the Vice-President for Academic Affairs, Vice-President for Finance, the University Registrar, Treasurer and Auditor as well as the Manager for Human Resource (HRD). Assisting the VPs for Academic Affairs and Finance are the different Deans, Directors, Department Chairpersons, Coordinators and Unit Heads of the different colleges, schools, institutes, units, research centers, programs and extension projects of the University. Though the University is affiliated with the United Church of Christ in the Philippines
United Church of Christ in the Philippines
The United Church of Christ in the Philippines is a Christian denomination in the Philippines...
, it is officially nonsectarian
Nonsectarian
Nonsectarian, in its most literal sense, refers to a lack of sectarianism. The term is also more narrowly used to describe secular private educational institutions or other organizations either not affiliated with or not restricted to a particular religious denomination though the organization...
for not having adopted any "articles of faith." Its academic environment has remained generally liberal and its Christian orientation has in no way discouraged the expression or exercise of other beliefs. A majority of the University's student and faculty population are Roman Catholics, with a significant portion of Muslims from Mindanao
Mindanao
Mindanao is the second largest and easternmost island in the Philippines. It is also the name of one of the three island groups in the country, which consists of the island of Mindanao and smaller surrounding islands. The other two are Luzon and the Visayas. The island of Mindanao is called The...
and the Middle East
Middle East
The Middle East is a region that encompasses Western Asia and Northern Africa. It is often used as a synonym for Near East, in opposition to Far East...
.
Academics
| Presidents of Silliman University |
| David S. Hibbard David Sutherland Hibbard -External links:* Official website... , M.A. (Princeton Princeton University Princeton University is a private research university located in Princeton, New Jersey, United States. The school is one of the eight universities of the Ivy League, and is one of the nine Colonial Colleges founded before the American Revolution.... ), 1901-1930 |
| Roy H. Brown, D.D. (Park U Park University Park University is an independent, private institution of higher education based in Parkville, Missouri. Established in 1875 as a small church-related college, it has now expanded into an electronic learning institution and provider of education courses for the U.S... ), 1932-1936 |
| Arthur L. Carson, Ph.D. (Cornell Cornell University Cornell University is an Ivy League university located in Ithaca, New York, United States. It is a private land-grant university, receiving annual funding from the State of New York for certain educational missions... ), 1939-1953 |
| Leopoldo T. Ruiz, Ph.D. (Columbia Columbia University Columbia University in the City of New York is a private, Ivy League university in Manhattan, New York City. Columbia is the oldest institution of higher learning in the state of New York, the fifth oldest in the United States, and one of the country's nine Colonial Colleges founded before the... /Yale Yale University Yale University is a private, Ivy League university located in New Haven, Connecticut, United States. Founded in 1701 in the Colony of Connecticut, the university is the third-oldest institution of higher education in the United States... ),1953-1961 |
| Cicero D. Calderon, J.S.D. (Yale Yale University Yale University is a private, Ivy League university located in New Haven, Connecticut, United States. Founded in 1701 in the Colony of Connecticut, the university is the third-oldest institution of higher education in the United States... ), 1962-1971 |
| Quintin S. Doromal, M.A. (Harvard Harvard University Harvard University is a private Ivy League university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States, established in 1636 by the Massachusetts legislature. Harvard is the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States and the first corporation chartered in the country... ), 1973-1982 |
| Venancio D. Aldecoa, Jr., Ll.B. (Silliman), 1983-1986 |
| Pedro V. Flores, Ed.D. (Penn State Pennsylvania State University The Pennsylvania State University, commonly referred to as Penn State or PSU, is a public research university with campuses and facilities throughout the state of Pennsylvania, United States. Founded in 1855, the university has a threefold mission of teaching, research, and public service... ), 1987-1989 |
| Angel C. Alcala, Ph.D. (Stanford Stanford University The Leland Stanford Junior University, commonly referred to as Stanford University or Stanford, is a private research university on an campus located near Palo Alto, California. It is situated in the northwestern Santa Clara Valley on the San Francisco Peninsula, approximately northwest of San... ), 1991-1992 |
| Mervyn J. Misajon, Ph.D. (Michigan Michigan State University Michigan State University is a public research university in East Lansing, Michigan, USA. Founded in 1855, it was the pioneer land-grant institution and served as a model for future land-grant colleges in the United States under the 1862 Morrill Act.MSU pioneered the studies of packaging,... ), 1994-1996 |
| Agustin A. Pulido, Ph.D. (Indiana Indiana University Indiana University is a multi-campus public university system in the state of Indiana, United States. Indiana University has a combined student body of more than 100,000 students, including approximately 42,000 students enrolled at the Indiana University Bloomington campus and approximately 37,000... ), 1996-2006 |
| Ben S. Malayang III, Ph.D. (Ohio Ohio University Ohio University is a public university located in the Midwestern United States in Athens, Ohio, situated on an campus... /UC Berkeley University of California, Berkeley The University of California, Berkeley , is a teaching and research university established in 1868 and located in Berkeley, California, USA... ), 2006–Present |
Rankings
In a 2007 report released by the Professional Regulation CommissionProfessional Regulation Commission
The Professional Regulation Commission , otherwise known as the PRC, is a three-man commission attached to the office of the President of the Republic of the Philippines. Its mandate is to regulate and supervise the practice of the professionals who constitute the highly skilled manpower of the...
(PRC) and the Commission on Higher Education
Commission on Higher Education (Philippines)
The Commission on Higher Education of the Philippines, , abbreviated as CHED. The CHED is attached to the Office of the President for administrative purposes...
(CHED), Silliman University was ranked 4th in the country, following three schools of the University of the Philippines
University of the Philippines
The ' is the national university of the Philippines. Founded in 1908 through Act No...
(UP) namely, UP-Diliman, UP-Los Baños, and UP-Manila, which ranked 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively. The survey was based on average passing rates in Board examinations from 1991 - 2001 in all courses of all universities and colleges in the Philippines
Philippines
The Philippines , officially known as the Republic of the Philippines , is a country in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. To its north across the Luzon Strait lies Taiwan. West across the South China Sea sits Vietnam...
. The study is conducted every ten years.
In other board or licensure examination-related reports released by the CHED
Commission on Higher Education (Philippines)
The Commission on Higher Education of the Philippines, , abbreviated as CHED. The CHED is attached to the Office of the President for administrative purposes...
in the year 2009, Silliman was ranked 1st in the country in the field of Nursing Education and 2nd in the fields of Accountancy and Mechanical Engineering.
Internationally, Silliman is ranked among the top 150 universities in Asia based on International Students' Review by the QS Quacquarelli Symonds
Quacquarelli Symonds
Quacquarelli Symonds is a company specializing in education and study abroad. The company was founded in 1990 by Wharton School MBA graduate Nunzio Quacquarelli...
, an institution that ranks the world's top universities.
Recognition
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) designated Silliman as a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education and Teacher Education, and a Center of Development in Biology, Information Technology and Accountancy Education. Aside from these, the University was also named by the United States Agency for International DevelopmentUnited States Agency for International Development
The United States Agency for International Development is the United States federal government agency primarily responsible for administering civilian foreign aid. President John F. Kennedy created USAID in 1961 by executive order to implement development assistance programs in the areas...
as a Center of Excellence in Coastal Resource Management, and by the Haribon Foundation
Haribon Foundation
The Haribon Foundation for the Conservation of Natural Resources, simply known as Haribon Foundation, is a membership organization dedicated to the conservation of Philippine biodiversity. It aims to build a constituency for environmental issues that will prioritize conservation actions on habitats...
as an Academic Center of Excellence in Biodiversity Conservation. Due to the University's community-based coastal resource management program, Apo Island
Apo Island
Apo Island is a volcanic island covering 12 hectares in land area, 7 kilometers off the southeastern tip of Negros Island and 30 kilometers south of the Negros Oriental capital of Dumaguete City in the Philippines....
, a small island off the coast of Dauin, was recognized as one of the best diving spots in the world.
International Linkages
On top of its strong affiliation with the United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia (UBCHEA) and other international development organizations, Silliman maintains various linkages on collaborative research as well as on faculty and student exchange, with universities in the United States and Asia. Its longest running student exchange programs are with three Japanese universities: International Christian UniversityInternational Christian University
There are several rankings related to ICU, shown below.-Alumni rankings:According to the Weekly Economist's 2010 rankings and the PRESIDENT's article on 2006/10/16, graduates from ICU have the 24th best employment rate in 400 major companies, and their average graduate salary is the 4th best in...
, Ferris University
Ferris University
is a private women's college in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan. The predecessor of the school was founded by American Presbyterian missionaries in 1870 with the assistance of James Curtis Hepburn, primarily to teach the English language and western cultural values to women. The male counterpart of the...
and Shikoku Gakuin University
Shikoku Gakuin University
is a private university in Zentsūji, Kagawa, Japan. The predecessor of the school was founded in 1949.-External links:*...
. Silliman also maintains research and academic linkages with the University of Washington
University of Washington
University of Washington is a public research university, founded in 1861 in Seattle, Washington, United States. The UW is the largest university in the Northwest and the oldest public university on the West Coast. The university has three campuses, with its largest campus in the University...
(USA), California State University, East Bay
California State University, East Bay
California State University, East Bay is a public university located in the eastern region of the San Francisco Bay Area. The university, as part of the 23-campus California State University system, offers over 100 areas of study...
(USA), Gordon College
Gordon College (Massachusetts)
Gordon College is a liberal arts college located on the former Princemere estate in Wenham, Massachusetts, northeast of Beverly. Founded by Baptist minister A. J...
(USA), the Smithsonian Institution
Smithsonian Institution
The Smithsonian Institution is an educational and research institute and associated museum complex, administered and funded by the government of the United States and by funds from its endowment, contributions, and profits from its retail operations, concessions, licensing activities, and magazines...
(USA), Texas Tech University
Texas Tech University
Texas Tech University, often referred to as Texas Tech or TTU, is a public research university in Lubbock, Texas, United States. Established on February 10, 1923, and originally known as Texas Technological College, it is the leading institution of the Texas Tech University System and has the...
(USA), Old Dominion University
Old Dominion University
Old Dominion University is a state university located in Norfolk, Virginia, United States, and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools...
(USA), Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University
Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University
, or APU, is a private institution inaugurated April 2000 in Beppu, Ōita, Japan. APU was made possible through the collaboration of three parties from the public and private sectors: Ōita Prefecture, Beppu City and the Ritsumeikan Academy. APU has an enrollment of over 6,000 students...
(Japan), Sookmyung Women’s University (South Korea), Soongsil University
Soongsil University
Soongsil University is a private Christian university in South Korea. The campus is located in 511 Sangdo-dong, Dongjak-gu, Seoul.- History :...
(South Korea), Hanyang University
Hanyang University
Hanyang University is one of the most prestigious universities in South Korea. In particular, Hanyang's School of Engineering is one of the oldest engineering schools in Korea. The main campus is Hanyang University at Seoul, located in the Seoul, with its branch campus, the ERICA campus , located...
(South Korea), Sam Ratulangi University
Sam Ratulangi University
Sam Ratulangi University is a public university in Manado, North Sulawesi, Indonesia. It was established on September 14, 1965; and since then, Sam Ratulangi University has been considered as one of the most leading public Universities in Central and Eastern Regions of Indonesia. The University's...
(Indonesia) and the Asian College of Nursing and Health (Malaysia).
Academic Units
Silliman University confers bachelor'sBachelor's degree
A bachelor's degree is usually an academic degree awarded for an undergraduate course or major that generally lasts for three or four years, but can range anywhere from two to six years depending on the region of the world...
, master's
Master's degree
A master's is an academic degree granted to individuals who have undergone study demonstrating a mastery or high-order overview of a specific field of study or area of professional practice...
, and doctoral degrees accredited by either ACSCU-AAI, PAASCU (a member of FAAP
Federation of Accrediting Agencies of the Philippines
Federation of Accrediting Agencies of the Philippines , was established in 1977 and is authorized by the Philippine Commission on Higher Education to certify the quality levels of accredited programs at the tertiary level, for the purpose of granting progressive deregulation and other benefits....
), or ATESEA in its present colleges, schools and institutes:
Colleges
- The College of Agriculture offers undergraduateUndergraduate educationUndergraduate education is an education level taken prior to gaining a first degree . Hence, in many subjects in many educational systems, undergraduate education is post-secondary education up to the level of a bachelor's degree, such as in the United States, where a university entry level is...
programs in AgribusinessAgribusinessIn agriculture, agribusiness is a generic term for the various businesses involved in food production, including farming and contract farming, seed supply, agrichemicals, farm machinery, wholesale and distribution, processing, marketing, and retail sales....
, AgronomyAgronomyAgronomy is the science and technology of producing and using plants for food, fuel, feed, fiber, and reclamation. Agronomy encompasses work in the areas of plant genetics, plant physiology, meteorology, and soil science. Agronomy is the application of a combination of sciences like biology,...
and Animal ScienceAnimal scienceAnimal Science is described as "studying the biology of animals that are under the control of mankind". Historically, the animals studied were farm animals, including livestock and horses, but courses available now look at a far broader area to include companion animals, for example dogs, cats and...
. Located in a 24 hectare agricultural complex, two kilometers north of the main campus, the College’s beginnings can be traced to as early as 1913, when Dr. David S. Hibbard, first president of Silliman Institute, was instructed by the founders to make provisions for a “school garden and a farm”. In 1950, it was formally established as a Department, and in 1976, was elevated into what was then known as the School of Agriculture. The years 1977 to 1980 saw the construction of modern classrooms, a laboratory complex, eight dormitories and a library, transforming it into what is now known as the “College of Agriculture”.
- The College of Arts and Sciences has 18 major courses leading to several degree programs. At present, it is composed of the departments of AnthropologyAnthropologyAnthropology is the study of humanity. It has origins in the humanities, the natural sciences, and the social sciences. The term "anthropology" is from the Greek anthrōpos , "man", understood to mean mankind or humanity, and -logia , "discourse" or "study", and was first used in 1501 by German...
and SociologySociologySociology is the study of society. It is a social science—a term with which it is sometimes synonymous—which uses various methods of empirical investigation and critical analysis to develop a body of knowledge about human social activity...
, BiologyBiologyBiology is a natural science concerned with the study of life and living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, distribution, and taxonomy. Biology is a vast subject containing many subdivisions, topics, and disciplines...
, ChemistryChemistryChemistry is the science of matter, especially its chemical reactions, but also its composition, structure and properties. Chemistry is concerned with atoms and their interactions with other atoms, and particularly with the properties of chemical bonds....
, EnglishEnglish studiesEnglish studies is an academic discipline that includes the study of literatures written in the English language , English linguistics English studies is an academic discipline that includes the study of literatures written in the English language (including literatures from the U.K., U.S.,...
and LiteratureLiteratureLiterature is the art of written works, and is not bound to published sources...
, HistoryHistoryHistory is the discovery, collection, organization, and presentation of information about past events. History can also mean the period of time after writing was invented. Scholars who write about history are called historians...
and Political SciencePolitical sciencePolitical Science is a social science discipline concerned with the study of the state, government and politics. Aristotle defined it as the study of the state. It deals extensively with the theory and practice of politics, and the analysis of political systems and political behavior...
, FilipinoFilipino languageThis move has drawn much criticism from other regional groups.In 1987, a new constitution introduced many provisions for the language.Article XIV, Section 6, omits any mention of Tagalog as the basis for Filipino, and states that:...
and Foreign Languages, MathematicsMathematicsMathematics is the study of quantity, space, structure, and change. Mathematicians seek out patterns and formulate new conjectures. Mathematicians resolve the truth or falsity of conjectures by mathematical proofs, which are arguments sufficient to convince other mathematicians of their validity...
, PhilosophyPhilosophyPhilosophy is the study of general and fundamental problems, such as those connected with existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. Philosophy is distinguished from other ways of addressing such problems by its critical, generally systematic approach and its reliance on rational...
and ReligionReligionReligion is a collection of cultural systems, belief systems, and worldviews that establishes symbols that relate humanity to spirituality and, sometimes, to moral values. Many religions have narratives, symbols, traditions and sacred histories that are intended to give meaning to life or to...
, PhysicsPhysicsPhysics is a natural science that involves the study of matter and its motion through spacetime, along with related concepts such as energy and force. More broadly, it is the general analysis of nature, conducted in order to understand how the universe behaves.Physics is one of the oldest academic...
, PsychologyPsychologyPsychology is the study of the mind and behavior. Its immediate goal is to understand individuals and groups by both establishing general principles and researching specific cases. For many, the ultimate goal of psychology is to benefit society...
, Social WorkSocial workSocial Work is a professional and academic discipline that seeks to improve the quality of life and wellbeing of an individual, group, or community by intervening through research, policy, community organizing, direct practice, and teaching on behalf of those afflicted with poverty or any real or...
, and the SpeechSpeechSpeech is the human faculty of speaking.It may also refer to:* Public speaking, the process of speaking to a group of people* Manner of articulation, how the body parts involved in making speech are manipulated...
Department. During the early years of its founding (1902 up to the war years), the College of Arts and Sciences was composed of the College of Liberal Arts and the College of Sciences. Starting in 1947, however, both colleges merged to become the College of Arts and Sciences.
- The College of Business Administration offers five undergraduate courses in Business Administration (majors in General Business, ManagementManagementManagement in all business and organizational activities is the act of getting people together to accomplish desired goals and objectives using available resources efficiently and effectively...
and EconomicsEconomicsEconomics is the social science that analyzes the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. The term economics comes from the Ancient Greek from + , hence "rules of the house"...
), AccountancyAccountancyAccountancy is the process of communicating financial information about a business entity to users such as shareholders and managers. The communication is generally in the form of financial statements that show in money terms the economic resources under the control of management; the art lies in...
, EntrepreneurshipEntrepreneurshipEntrepreneurship is the act of being an entrepreneur, which can be defined as "one who undertakes innovations, finance and business acumen in an effort to transform innovations into economic goods". This may result in new organizations or may be part of revitalizing mature organizations in response...
, Business Computer Applications, and Office ManagementOffice managementOffice manager is a profession related to office supervisory positions.People that hold office management positions conduct special studies and based on the results of these special studies, they develop reports. Apart from developing reports, they also provide input to management on the...
. It also has one graduate program in Business Administration namely Master in Business Administration. Established as a college in 1938, it is currently composed of the departments of Management, Economics, Accountancy, Business Computer Applications, Entrepreneurship, and Commercial Science. Due to its consistently high performance in accountancy board examinations, the College has been designated by CHED as a Center of Development in Accountancy Education. In the October 2009 CPA Licensure Examinations (10-25 examinees category), Silliman ranked 2nd in the country.
- The College of Computer Studies offers undergraduateUndergraduate educationUndergraduate education is an education level taken prior to gaining a first degree . Hence, in many subjects in many educational systems, undergraduate education is post-secondary education up to the level of a bachelor's degree, such as in the United States, where a university entry level is...
courses in Computer ScienceComputer scienceComputer science or computing science is the study of the theoretical foundations of information and computation and of practical techniques for their implementation and application in computer systems...
, Information TechnologyInformation technologyInformation technology is the acquisition, processing, storage and dissemination of vocal, pictorial, textual and numerical information by a microelectronics-based combination of computing and telecommunications...
, and Information SystemsInformation systemsInformation Systems is an academic/professional discipline bridging the business field and the well-defined computer science field that is evolving toward a new scientific area of study...
. Due to its established IT infrastructure and well-developed curriculum, the College was designated by CHED as a Center of Development in Information Technology Education. Silliman is one of only two universities in the Philippines that has an extensive fiber-optic backboneBackbone networkA backbone network or network backbone is a part of computer network infrastructure that interconnects various pieces of network, providing a path for the exchange of information between different LANs or subnetworks. A backbone can tie together diverse networks in the same building, in different...
and the only school in the country that owns its fiber-optic system. Costing US $2.5 million in 1997, this backbone connects all buildings in the campus. Silliman was also the first school in the country to use wireless Wi-FiWi-FiWi-Fi or Wifi, is a mechanism for wirelessly connecting electronic devices. A device enabled with Wi-Fi, such as a personal computer, video game console, smartphone, or digital audio player, can connect to the Internet via a wireless network access point. An access point has a range of about 20...
B2B LANLänLän and lääni refer to the administrative divisions used in Sweden and previously in Finland. The provinces of Finland were abolished on January 1, 2010....
technology. Recently, the College opened its masters degree in Information SystemsInformation systemsInformation Systems is an academic/professional discipline bridging the business field and the well-defined computer science field that is evolving toward a new scientific area of study...
, and pilot tested the Silliman Online University Learning (SOUL) website, a virtual classroom for students. It has also formed partnerships with MicrosoftMicrosoftMicrosoft Corporation is an American public multinational corporation headquartered in Redmond, Washington, USA that develops, manufactures, licenses, and supports a wide range of products and services predominantly related to computing through its various product divisions...
and IBM. The Microsoft Developer Network Academic Alliance has given the College a 3-year complimentary MSDNAA subscription which allows it to download available software in MSDNAA for free to all students and faculty for teaching and learning purposes, while the College's partnership with IBM resulted in the introduction of the IBM Academic Exchange Offering. Electives under the program are developed for junior and graduating students majoring in Information Technology, Information Systems and Computer Science.
- The College of Engineering and Design started as a Department of Engineering in June 1932, offering an undergraduate program in Civil Engineering. In March 1935, the Board of Trustees authorized the change in status of Silliman from an Institute to a University. With government approval of this change, Silliman proceeded to adopt additional undergraduate programs in Mining Engineering, Chemical Engineering and Industrial Engineering. Today, the College offers four undergraduate courses in: Civil EngineeringCivil engineeringCivil engineering is a professional engineering discipline that deals with the design, construction, and maintenance of the physical and naturally built environment, including works like roads, bridges, canals, dams, and buildings...
; Computer EngineeringComputer engineeringComputer engineering, also called computer systems engineering, is a discipline that integrates several fields of electrical engineering and computer science required to develop computer systems. Computer engineers usually have training in electronic engineering, software design, and...
; Electrical EngineeringElectrical engineeringElectrical engineering is a field of engineering that generally deals with the study and application of electricity, electronics and electromagnetism. The field first became an identifiable occupation in the late nineteenth century after commercialization of the electric telegraph and electrical...
; and Mechanical EngineeringMechanical engineeringMechanical engineering is a discipline of engineering that applies the principles of physics and materials science for analysis, design, manufacturing, and maintenance of mechanical systems. It is the branch of engineering that involves the production and usage of heat and mechanical power for the...
. In the October 2009 Mechanical Engineering Licensure Examinations (Category A), Silliman was ranked 2nd in the country.
- The College of Education has been designated by CHED as Center of Excellence in Teacher EducationTeacher educationTeacher education refers to the policies and procedures designed to equip prospective teachers with the knowledge, attitudes, behaviors and skills they require to perform their tasks effectively in the classroom, school and wider community....
. The College has three departments: Physical Education, Teacher Education, and Nutrition and Dietetics. Its beginnings can be traced way back in 1924 when it first offered diplomas in Bachelor of Science in Education. From then on, the Teacher Education Program grew and developed into what is now known as the College of Education.
- The College of Law was established in 1935, starting with a freshman class of 22 members. Guided by its motto "Law with a Conscience", the College seeks to teach its students not just the correct understanding of legal provisions and principles but their ethical implementation to society and people. It is also home to the Dr. Jovito R. Salonga Center for Law and Development. Starting SY 2009-2010, the College shifted its course offering from Bachelor of LawsBachelor of LawsThe Bachelor of Laws is an undergraduate, or bachelor, degree in law originating in England and offered in most common law countries as the primary law degree...
(LLB) to Juris DoctorJuris DoctorJuris Doctor is a professional doctorate and first professional graduate degree in law.The degree was first awarded by Harvard University in the United States in the late 19th century and was created as a modern version of the old European doctor of law degree Juris Doctor (see etymology and...
(JD). Silliman is the first law school to offer the JD program in the VisayasVisayasThe Visayas or Visayan Islands and locally known as Kabisay-an gid, is one of the three principal geographical divisions of the Philippines, along with Mindanao and Luzon. It consists of several islands, primarily surrounding the Visayan Sea, although the Visayas are considered the northeast...
and MindanaoMindanaoMindanao is the second largest and easternmost island in the Philippines. It is also the name of one of the three island groups in the country, which consists of the island of Mindanao and smaller surrounding islands. The other two are Luzon and the Visayas. The island of Mindanao is called The...
area.
- The College of Mass Communication was established in 1966 as the first school outside of metropolitan Manila to offer a degree program in JournalismJournalismJournalism is the practice of investigation and reporting of events, issues and trends to a broad audience in a timely fashion. Though there are many variations of journalism, the ideal is to inform the intended audience. Along with covering organizations and institutions such as government and...
. Its founding director was D. Wayne Rowland, Ph.D., a visiting professor in journalism from Texas Christian UniversityTexas Christian UniversityTexas Christian University is a private, coeducational university located in Fort Worth, Texas, United States and founded in 1873. TCU is affiliated with, but not governed by, the Disciples of Christ...
. In 1976, the College (then known as the School of Communication) changed its course offering from a bachelor's degree in Journalism to that of Mass CommunicationMass communicationMass communication is the term used to describe the academic study of the various means by which individuals and entities relay information through mass media to large segments of the population at the same time...
to cover the ever expanding field of mass communication.
- The College of Nursing has been designated by CHED as a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education. The College offers one undergraduate course in NursingNursingNursing is a healthcare profession focused on the care of individuals, families, and communities so they may attain, maintain, or recover optimal health and quality of life from conception to death....
and three graduate courses namely: (1) Master in Nursing [non-thesis] Majors in Family Nursing Practice, Administration, Public Health Nursing, Adult Health and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing; (2) Master of Science in Nursing Majors in Parent-Child Nursing, Nursing School Administration, Nursing Service Administration, Public Health Nursing, Medical Surgical Nursing, Psychiatric-Mental Nursing, Family Nursing Practice, Community Health Nursing and Adult Health; and (3) Ph.D. in Nursing. Founded in 1947, the College is known for its ratings in the professional licensure exams which have been consistently higher than the national average. In a 2009 report handed down by CHED, Silliman was ranked 1st in the country.
- The College of Performing Arts is home to three areas of specialization: Fine Arts, MusicMusicMusic is an art form whose medium is sound and silence. Its common elements are pitch , rhythm , dynamics, and the sonic qualities of timbre and texture...
, and Theater Arts.The College started in 1912 as a music department in the College of Arts and Sciences. With the arrival of American missionary Geraldine Kate in 1934, it was transformed into a Conservatory of Music, with Kate as its founding director. In 1941, it became a School of Music, and with the addition of the Fine Arts Department in 1969, it was renamed as the School of Music and Fine Arts. Due to developments within the school it was given college status in 2001 and renamed as the College of Performing Arts.
Schools
- The Divinity School offers undergraduateUndergraduate educationUndergraduate education is an education level taken prior to gaining a first degree . Hence, in many subjects in many educational systems, undergraduate education is post-secondary education up to the level of a bachelor's degree, such as in the United States, where a university entry level is...
and graduate programs in DivinityDivinityDivinity and divine are broadly applied but loosely defined terms, used variously within different faiths and belief systems — and even by different individuals within a given faith — to refer to some transcendent or transcendental power or deity, or its attributes or manifestations in...
, Ministry and TheologyTheologyTheology is the systematic and rational study of religion and its influences and of the nature of religious truths, or the learned profession acquired by completing specialized training in religious studies, usually at a university or school of divinity or seminary.-Definition:Augustine of Hippo...
. Starting in 1921 as the Silliman Bible School, this academic unit used to be a Congregationalist-Presbyterian training school for Visayan-speaking candidates in pastoral ministry. Today, the Divinity School has in its roster, students from Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, and the Southeast Asian region.
- The Medical School is a new addition to the University. Established in 2004, it has a faculty of 50 medical doctors specializing in Anesthesiology, Cardiology, Endocrinology, Eye-Ear-Nose-Throat, Family Medicine Gastroenterology, General Surgery, Hematology, Infectious Diseases, Internal Medicine, Nephrology, Neurology, Neuro-Surgery, Nuclear Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oncology, Orthopedic Surgery, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, Public Health Administration, Pulmonary Medicine, Rehabilitation Medicine, and Urology.
- The School of Public Affairs and Governance started in June 2007 to provide formal training in the management of local government affairs. It specializes in three areas: Fiscal Administration, Local Governance, and Criminal Justice System. The School aims to beef up the expertise of public servants to become more efficient administrators who can discharge their duties in the most economical way with maximum results. A distinguished panel of guest lecturers from Manila and abroad join the resident faculty of Silliman in teaching the courses.
- The School of Basic Education is home to three departments: Early Childhood, Elementary, and High School. When Silliman Institute (former name of Silliman University) was founded in 1901, it started as an elementary school; thus, making the Elementary Department the oldest unit in the University. In 1916, the first high school diplomas were awarded, and in 1957-58, funding for an Early Childhood School building was secured. Historically, the Early Childhood, Elementary and High School departments operated separately. Due to developments within the University in 2001, however, and to facilitate better coordination between these departments, the early childhood, elementary, and high schools, were merged as one unit, forming what is now known as the School of Basic Education.
Institutes
- The Institute of Clinical Laboratory Sciences offers one undergraduate course in Medical TechnologyMedical technologyMedical Technology encompasses a wide range of healthcare products and is used to diagnose, monitor or treat diseases or medical conditions affecting humans. Such technologies are intended to improve the quality of healthcare delivered through earlier diagnosis, less invasive treatment options and...
. The Institute started as a program under the Biology Department of the College of Arts and Sciences in 1970. Due to its growing population, exemplary performance in licensure examinations and need for autonomy, it was separated and converted into a department under the same college in 1987, making it into a Department of Medical Technology. In 1995, the University reorganized some of its programs and transferred the Medical Technology department to the College of Nursing, creating a new college named College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences. Starting SY 2009-2010 however, in a bid to give the Department more autonomy in crafting its own academic direction, it was separated from the College of Nursing as an entirely autonomous institute.
- The Institute of Rehabilitative Sciences, offers one undergraduate course in Physical TherapyPhysical therapyPhysical therapy , often abbreviated PT, is a health care profession. Physical therapy is concerned with identifying and maximizing quality of life and movement potential within the spheres of promotion, prevention, diagnosis, treatment/intervention,and rehabilitation...
. Like the Medical Technology Department, the Institute also started as a program under the College of Arts and Sciences. It was subsequently transferred to the College of Nursing together with the Medical Technology Department, forming a new College, the College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences. For over a decade, the Physical Therapy program was attached to the College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences. However, to give it more autonomy the program was separated from the College in SY 2009-2010 and reorganized as the Institute of Rehabilitative Sciences.
Library System
Aside from the main section of the library which contains the bulk of its book and periodical collection, other notable sections of the facility include the Filipiniana section, containing books and materials published by famous Filipino authors during the Spanish and pre-war periods of the country, and the Sillimaniana section, containing Silliman memorabilia from 1901 up to the present (e.g. trophies, plaques of recognition, portraits of past presidents, etc.), and an archive of past publications and documents.
The university library is likewise home to two notable centers: The American Studies Resource Center (ASRC) and the World Bank
World Bank
The World Bank is an international financial institution that provides loans to developing countries for capital programmes.The World Bank's official goal is the reduction of poverty...
Knowledge for Development Center (WB-KDC). The American Studies Resource Center (ASRC) is a result of a memorandum of agreement between the United States Embassy in Manila and Silliman University. It is the only ASRC in Region VII hosted by an academic institution. The ASRC provides a variety of materials: books, periodicals, CD-ROMS, DVDs, VCDs, VHS tapes, electronic materials for those interested in studies and issues related to the United States.
The World Bank Knowledge for Development Center on the other hand is a result of a partnership between the University and the World Bank. It contains an extensive collection of development publications and World Bank project documents to people involved in the academe, researchers, NGOs, media, government agencies and the business sector. The section is open to the public.
To date, the Silliman Library remains as one of the biggest libraries in the Philippines. In 2008, the Silliman University Library System was given the "Outstanding Library Award" by the Philippine Association of Academic and Research Librarians (PAARL) for its growing collection and ongoing computerization program.
Medical Center
Silliman Medical Center, is a 140-bed hospital located on campus, with comprehensive medical services available both to students and to the community in general. It currently has collaborative ties with St. Luke's Medical Center
St. Luke's medical center
St. Luke's Medical Center is a Tertiary referral hospital located in Quezon City and Taguig City, Philippines. It has a bed capacity of 660. It is the first in the Philippines and second in Asia to be accredited by the USA-based Joint Commission International , one of the leading international...
. The Silliman Medical Center started as an infirmary in 1901 until it became a hospital in 1923. In 1974, the cornerstone for a New Medical Center was laid down by the Netherlands Ambassador to the Philippines to commence the building of a four-storey structure with passenger elevators (the first in Negros Oriental). Inaugurated in 1976, it is considered as one of the most modern hospitals outside Metro Manila and Cebu. In 1979, the Medical Center made history when its Van Houweling Laboratory discovered and produced a dog vaccine that gave a three-year immunity from rabies. The development of the vaccine was later used by other countries, in collaboration with the World Health Organization
World Health Organization
The World Health Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations that acts as a coordinating authority on international public health. Established on 7 April 1948, with headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, the agency inherited the mandate and resources of its predecessor, the Health...
, on their fight against rabies. Recently, a new Medical Arts Building was added to the main structure of the hospital to further address the growing needs of the surrounding community.
Research and Extension
Concurrent with its academic undertakings, the University is engaged in collaborative research and community extension programs. It has established a number of research centers foremost of which is the Silliman University Marine Laboratory (SUML) now the Institute of Environmental and Marine Sciences (IEMS). The Institute is a research facility in the field of marine sciences located at Silliman Beach, two kilometers north of the main campus. It was established in 1974 through a modest grant from the United Church of CanadaUnited Church of Canada
The United Church of Canada is a Protestant Christian denomination in Canada. It is the largest Protestant church and, after the Roman Catholic Church, the second-largest Christian church in Canada...
. Since then, it has produced notable research in conservation and management which are being applied in cooperative projects in different local communities, such as the conservation programs in Sumilon and Apo Island
Apo Island
Apo Island is a volcanic island covering 12 hectares in land area, 7 kilometers off the southeastern tip of Negros Island and 30 kilometers south of the Negros Oriental capital of Dumaguete City in the Philippines....
s. Since its founding, the Institute's research and conservation activities has led to the establishment of 20 marine protected areas (MPAs) and provided assistance to 61 others in the Visayas
Visayas
The Visayas or Visayan Islands and locally known as Kabisay-an gid, is one of the three principal geographical divisions of the Philippines, along with Mindanao and Luzon. It consists of several islands, primarily surrounding the Visayan Sea, although the Visayas are considered the northeast...
and Mindanao
Mindanao
Mindanao is the second largest and easternmost island in the Philippines. It is also the name of one of the three island groups in the country, which consists of the island of Mindanao and smaller surrounding islands. The other two are Luzon and the Visayas. The island of Mindanao is called The...
. For its research and biodiversity conservation efforts, Silliman University was recognized by the Commission on Higher Education as the best in research program in the country.
As a research extension and teaching facility, the Institute works with other departments of the University, namely, the Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Social Work departments, the College of Law, and the Silliman University Extension Program. Currently, the Institute is involved in numerous projects such as the Giant Clam Project, Grouper Culture, Crocodylus mindorensis (Philippine crocodile) Breeding Project, and the Bais Bay and Apo Island Continuing Support Program.
Other research centers and extension programs of the University include:
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Culture and Traditions
Via, Veritas, Vita
Is a LatinLatin
Latin is an Italic language originally spoken in Latium and Ancient Rome. It, along with most European languages, is a descendant of the ancient Proto-Indo-European language. Although it is considered a dead language, a number of scholars and members of the Christian clergy speak it fluently, and...
phrase which means “The Way, The Truth, and The Life.” Chosen by the University as its motto, this phrase is attributed to Jesus Christ and is found in the Gospel of John
Gospel of John
The Gospel According to John , commonly referred to as the Gospel of John or simply John, and often referred to in New Testament scholarship as the Fourth Gospel, is an account of the public ministry of Jesus...
chapter 14, verse 6, which reads: “5Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?" 6Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him." (New International Version) The choice of the motto is firmly rooted in the University’s belief that religious instruction, particularly in the teachings of Jesus Christ, is essential to the moral development of every young person. Incidentally, the motto has also been adopted by the Province
Province
A province is a territorial unit, almost always an administrative division, within a country or state.-Etymology:The English word "province" is attested since about 1330 and derives from the 13th-century Old French "province," which itself comes from the Latin word "provincia," which referred to...
of Negros Oriental
Negros Oriental
Negros Oriental is a province of the Philippines located in the Central Visayas region. It occupies the south-eastern half of the island of Negros, with Negros Occidental comprising the north-western half. It also includes Apo Island — a popular dive site for both local and foreign tourists...
by incorporating it in its provincial seal.
Galilean Fellowships
Once every semester, the Silliman academic community celebrates the University Christian Life Emphasis Week (UCLEW). In this week-long celebration, the University encourages all students to participate in the different Bible study or fellowship activities held in the homes and cottages of assigned members of the Silliman academic or religious community. Conducted after classes, these sessions are called the Galilean Fellowships. Galilean fellowships are brief devotional sessions where participants are given the opportunity to reflect on the teachings of the Bible, relax, share their thoughts and experiences, and have fellowship with other members of the academic community.Founders Day
Founders Day is part of a week-long event (sometimes referred to as the Founders Week), conducted by the Silliman community to commemorate the founding of the University. This event is held on the last week of August. The celebration is characterized by class reunions, alumni, fraternity and organizational gatherings, concerts, exhibits, booth-building, awarding ceremonies (e.g. the Outstanding Sillimanian Awards), and invitational games with other schools. The week-long celebration is traditionally commenced by an early morning worship service called, "Sunrise Service", at the Silliman University Church, and culminated with a city-wide parade held on the anniversary of the University's founding, August 28. The parade is referred to as the "Parada Sillimaniana" and August 28 is referred to as the "Founders Day" in honor of the pioneers. For the past few years,however, the University moved the parades to August 27. Traditionally, the parade is characterized by the use of floatsFloat (parade)
A float is a decorated platform, either built on a vehicle or towed behind one, which is a component of many festive parades, such as those of Mardi Gras in New Orleans, the Carnival of Viareggio, the Maltese Carnival, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Key West Fantasy Fest parade, the...
, with each float representing a particular college, department, or school.
Silliman Song
Before the end of an important event or ceremony the Silliman Song is sung by the attendees. The lyrics of the song was written in 1918 by Dr. Paul Doltz, then the Vice-President of Silliman Institute and pastor of Silliman Church. The tune of the song is an adaptation or modification of "Old Nassau" of Princeton UniversityPrinceton University
Princeton University is a private research university located in Princeton, New Jersey, United States. The school is one of the eight universities of the Ivy League, and is one of the nine Colonial Colleges founded before the American Revolution....
, Dr. Doltz's alma mater
Alma mater
Alma mater , pronounced ), was used in ancient Rome as a title for various mother goddesses, especially Ceres or Cybele, and in Christianity for the Virgin Mary.-General term:...
. It briefly describes Silliman's tranquil location; the student's college or university experience; the student's victories, whether it be in the classroom, the court, the track, or the field; the highs and lows in life; and the principles that the graduate brings as the latter leaves the halls of the University. Sang by the Silliman community for almost a hundred years, the Silliman Song has popularized the phrases "Dear old Silliman", and "Silliman beside the sea".
Athletics
Silliman has several athletic facilities. The University GymGym
The word γυμνάσιον was used in Ancient Greece, that mean a locality for both physical and intellectual education of young men...
nasium is a multipurpose facility used for basketball, volleyball, badminton, rock-climbing, table-tennis, cheering, and other indoor activities. The Silliman Ballfield is primarily used for soccer, and for track and field events. Other athletic facilities include a swimming pool, three tennis courts, two pelota courts, and an archery range.
Silliman also has varsity teams for almost every major sport. A regular participant of the Philippine University Games
Philippine University Games
The Philippine University Games, abbreviated as the UNIGAMES, is a national collegiate sports competition in the Philippines organized by the UNIGAMES, Incorporated. Founded in 1996, it was first held at the University of St. La Salle, the founding host, in Bacolod City, Philippines...
(UniGames) and the Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA), Silliman is represented by a red and white Stallion or Mare. In the recent Beijing Olympics, Mark Javier
Mark Javier
Mark Pinili Javier is a professional archer from the Philippines. He competed in Archery at the 2006 Asian Games in Doha, Qatar but was defeated by the Korean Im Dong Hyun 113-104 in the 1/16 Elimination Round...
,a Sillimanian, represented the Philippines in the field of Archery. He was the lone male archer that represented the country. Other notable Philippine Olympians that came from Silliman include Jennifer Chan, who recently won a gold medal in the 25th SEA Games
Southeast Asian Games
The Southeast Asian Games , is a biennial multi-sport event involving participants from the current 11 countries of Southeast Asia...
, Lisa Ygnalaga, and long jumper Simeon Toribio
Simeon Toribio
Simeon G. Toribio was a Filipino athlete, who won the bronze medal in the high jump at the 1932 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, United States. He represented the Philippines in three consecutive Summer Olympics, starting in 1928.In 1930, Toribio was awarded the Helms World Trophy for being Asia's...
.
Student government
Organizations
Student Publications
There are five student publications in the University namely, the Weekly SillimanianWeekly Sillimanian
The Weekly Sillimanian, also known as tWS, is the official weekly student paper of Silliman University, a private university in Dumaguete City, Philippines. Its origin dates back to as early as 1903. Today, the paper is one of only four campus publications in the country that publishes on a weekly...
, one of the first weekly student papers
Student newspaper
A student newspaper is a newspaper run by students of a university, high school, middle school, or other school. These papers traditionally cover local and, primarily, school or university news....
in the country, with its existence dating back as early as 1903; the Portal, official yearbook
Yearbook
A yearbook, also known as an annual, is a book to record, highlight, and commemorate the past year of a school or a book published annually. Virtually all American, Australian and Canadian high schools, most colleges and many elementary and middle schools publish yearbooks...
of the University, first published in 1913; the Dark Blue Southern Seas, a literary journal published in cooperation with the Department of English; the Junior Sillimanian, a publication of students from the High School Department; and the Stones and Pebbles, a publication of students from the Elementary School.
Except for the Junior Sillimanian and the Stones and Pebbles, key positions in these publications carry honoraria and are available to all students through competitive examinations. These publications are supported by the students through a publication fee.
Dormitories and Faculty Housing
The second type of dormitories are the cooperative dormitories. Under these dormitories, residents undertake the housekeeping and planning of the food. Named after flowers except one, the cooperative dormitories for women are the Azucena, Rosal, and Sampaguita Cottage
Cottage
__toc__In modern usage, a cottage is usually a modest, often cozy dwelling, typically in a rural or semi-rural location. However there are cottage-style dwellings in cities, and in places such as Canada the term exists with no connotations of size at all...
s, as well as Channon Hall. For men, the dormitories are named after trees. These are the Ipil, Molave, and Narra Cottage
Cottage
__toc__In modern usage, a cottage is usually a modest, often cozy dwelling, typically in a rural or semi-rural location. However there are cottage-style dwellings in cities, and in places such as Canada the term exists with no connotations of size at all...
s.
In addition to the aforementioned dormitories, the University maintains a number of cottages for some members of its faculty and staff as well as for guests and visiting alumni.
Alumni
Presently, Silliman has forty duly organized and recognized alumni chapters throughout the world. Five (5) of these are based in the U.S and Canada. Notable alumni of the university include Carlos P. GarciaCarlos P. Garcia
Carlos Polistico García was a Filipino teacher, poet, orator, lawyer, public official, political economist and guerrilla leader...
, 8th President of the Philippines; Senators Robert Barbers
Robert Barbers
Robert Zabala Barbers was a police officer, Secretary of Interior and Local Government and Senator of the Philippines.-Early life and studies:...
, Lorenzo Teves
Lorenzo Teves
Lorenzo G. Teves was a Philippine politician who served in various positions in the Philippine Government. Teves hailed from the Province of Negros Oriental, where he took his college and law degrees from Silliman University...
, and the Great Filibuster Roseller Lim; House Speaker Cornelio Villareal
Cornelio Villareal
Cornelio T. Villareal was a Filipino politician who served as Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Philippines from 1962 to 1967, and again from 1971 to 1972. Popularly known as Kune, his congressional career representing the Second District of Capiz spanned six decades.- Early...
; John Gokongwei, Sr., a Philippine business magnate; Frederick Dael, former CEO and President of Pepsi Cola Asia Pacific, and former CEO of Islacom; William Torres, "Father of Philippine Internet" and co-founder of Mozaic Corporation; Vicente Sinco, one of the signatories of the UN Charter in 1945, the 8th President of the University of the Philippines
University of the Philippines
The ' is the national university of the Philippines. Founded in 1908 through Act No...
, and founder of Foundation University
Foundation University
Foundation University, sometimes simply called Foundation or FU, is a private non-sectarian university in Dumaguete City, Province of Negros Oriental, Philippines. It was founded by Dr. Vicente Guzman-Sinco, former president of the University of the Philippines and an alumnus of Silliman University...
; MacArthur Corsino, current Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Cuba; Antonio P. Villamor, Philippine Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Juanita Amatong
Juanita Amatong
Juanita Amatong is a member of the Monetary Board of the Philippines, a policy-making body of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas , and former Secretary of Finance in the Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo administration. Amatong has been in government service since 1971 starting as Senior Financial Analyst...
, former Secretary of the Department of Finance and First Woman Executive Director in the World Bank Group
World Bank Group
The World Bank Group is a family of five international organizations that makes leveraged loans, generally to poor countries.The Bank came into formal existence on 27 December 1945 following international ratification of the Bretton Woods agreements, which emerged from the United Nations Monetary...
from the Philippines; Angel C. Alcala, Ramon Magsaysay Award
Ramon Magsaysay Award
The Ramon Magsaysay Award is an annual award established to perpetuate former Philippine President Ramon Magsaysay's example of integrity in government, courageous service to the people, and pragmatic idealism within a democratic society. The Ramon Magsaysay Award is often considered Asia's Nobel...
ee for Public Service and former Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources; Leonor M. Briones
Leonor Briones
Leonor Magtolis Briones is a professor at the University of the Philippines and a former Presidential Adviser for Social Development with Cabinet Rank at the Office of the President...
, former National Treasurer of the Republic of the Philippines; Emilio Macias II, former Governor of Negros Oriental
Negros Oriental
Negros Oriental is a province of the Philippines located in the Central Visayas region. It occupies the south-eastern half of the island of Negros, with Negros Occidental comprising the north-western half. It also includes Apo Island — a popular dive site for both local and foreign tourists...
; Efren N. Padilla, Executive Director, Center for Filipino Studies California State University, East Bay
California State University, East Bay
California State University, East Bay is a public university located in the eastern region of the San Francisco Bay Area. The university, as part of the 23-campus California State University system, offers over 100 areas of study...
; Jose Andrada, first commanding officer of the Philippine Navy (formerly Off Shore Patrol) under the Philippine Commonwealth way back 1939 and after whom the Headquarters of the Philippine Navy is now named; Edith L. Tiempo
Edith L. Tiempo
Edith L. Tiempo , poet, fiction writer, teacher and literary critic was a Filipino writer in the English language.Tiempo was born in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya...
, National Artist
National Artist of the Philippines
A National Artist of the Philippines is a title given to a Filipino who has been given the highest recognition for having made significant contributions to the development of Philippine arts...
for Literature (1999); Edilberto K. Tiempo
Edilberto K. Tiempo
Edilberto Kaindong Tiempo , also known as E.K. Tiempo, was a Filipino writer and professor. He and his wife, Edith L. Tiempo, are credited by Silliman University with establishing "a tradition in excellence in creative writing and the teaching of literacy craft which continues to this day" at that...
, Filipino writer, professor and founder of the Silliman National Writers Workshop
Silliman National Writers Workshop
The Silliman National Writers Workshop was founded by the late Edilberto K. Tiempo and National Artist for Literature Edith L. Tiempo of Silliman University...
. Eddie S. Romero
Eddie Romero
Eddie Romero is an acclaimed and influential Filipino film director, film producer and screenwriter, considered one of the finest in the Cinema of the Philippines.Romero was named National Artist of the Philippines in 2003....
, National Artist
National Artist of the Philippines
A National Artist of the Philippines is a title given to a Filipino who has been given the highest recognition for having made significant contributions to the development of Philippine arts...
for Cinema and Broadcast Arts (2003); Leoncio P. Deriada
Leoncio P. Deriada
Leoncio P. Deriada was born in Iloilo but spent most of his life in Davao. He went to school at the Davao City High School and graduated in 1955. He earned his BA English degree at the Ateneo de Davao University where he graduated cum laude in 1959...
, Palanca Awards
Palanca Awards
The Palanca Awards or Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature is the Philippines' most prestigious and most enduring literary awards and is dubbed as the "Pulitzer Prize" of the Philippines...
Hall of Famer;César Ruiz Aquino
César Ruiz Aquino
César Ruiz Aquino is a Filipino poet and fictionist. He was born and raised in Zamboanga City, Philippines. He was educated at the Ateneo de Manila University, University of the Philippines and Silliman University. He began his writing career when Philippine Graphic published his story Noon and...
, Filipino poet and fictionist; and Simeon Toribio
Simeon Toribio
Simeon G. Toribio was a Filipino athlete, who won the bronze medal in the high jump at the 1932 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, United States. He represented the Philippines in three consecutive Summer Olympics, starting in 1928.In 1930, Toribio was awarded the Helms World Trophy for being Asia's...
, one of few Filipinos who won medals in the history of World Olympics.
Sillimanians have also excelled in the field of journalism such as Claire Delfin
Claire Delfin
MelClaire Sy-Delfin, or better known as Claire Delfin, is a Filipino broadcast journalist from GMA Network, a popular TV network in the Philippines. Delfin serves as correspondent of GMA-7's 24 Oras which provides local news in Tagalog. An alumna of Silliman University where she obtained her B.A...
of GMA Network
GMA Network
GMA Network is a major commercial television & radio network in the Philippines. GMA Network is owned by GMA Network, Inc. a publicly listed company...
and Ina Reformina of ABS-CBN; while there are those who entered showbusiness such as Bret Jackson and Beauty Gonzalez
Beauty Gonzalez
Katrina Marie Gonzalez , known by her screen name Beauty, is a Filipino-Spanish actress and former reality show contestant. She became the 4th grand placer of Pinoy Big Brother: Teen Edition Plus...
.
Sister Institution
- Central Philippine UniversityCentral Philippine UniversityCentral Philippine University is a non-stock, non-profit Christian institution of higher learning in Iloilo City, Iloilo, Philippines. It was founded in 1905 by American Baptist missionaries as an elementary school for poor boys which eventually opened up a high school in 1920. It converted into...
(BaptistBaptistBaptists comprise a group of Christian denominations and churches that subscribe to a doctrine that baptism should be performed only for professing believers , and that it must be done by immersion...
)-1905, Iloilo CityIloilo CityThe City of Iloilo is a highly urbanized city in the Philippines and the capital city of Iloilo province. It is the regional center of the Western Visayas, as well as the center of the Iloilo-Guimaras Metropolitan Area...
, PhilippinesPhilippinesThe Philippines , officially known as the Republic of the Philippines , is a country in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. To its north across the Luzon Strait lies Taiwan. West across the South China Sea sits Vietnam...
External links
- Silliman University Official website
- Silliman University Facebook
- Silliman Online University Learning (SOUL) Virtual classroom
- Silliman Alumni Association, Inc.. Official alumni website
- Silliman University Alumni Council of North America. Official alumni website
- Silliman University Main Library. Facebook
- Silliman Song at YouTubeYouTubeYouTube is a video-sharing website, created by three former PayPal employees in February 2005, on which users can upload, view and share videos....
- Silliman University at the Philippine Education Network