HISTORY OF ADAMSON UNIVERSITY

Forty students were enrolled on that first day. The school was under the supervision of the Bureau of Commerce whose director, Tomas Confesor, understood the value of such an institution and encouraged the Adamsons to proceed with their mission. In two years, with Senator Elpidio Quirino, then Secretary, as commencement speaker, the school graduated seventy-six students as industrial chemists.

As the enrollment grew, the need for expanded quarters made the move necessary to Calle General Solano to the large building formerly occupied by the Philippine Senate. The Secretary of Public Instruction had now authorized four year courses and the creation of three colleges: Engineering, Liberal Arts Sciences, and Commerce. The school was then called Adamson School of Industrial Chemistry and Engineering.

The unique pilot plants and laboratories at the school which exposed students to practical training in the manufacture of leather, soap-making, the production of ceramic goods, even the smoking and curing of hams, attracted more and more students.

By 1939, the enrollment had reached 1,200 students and the General Solano campus was not large enough to accomodate them. Another move was made to the beautiful new and historic building on Calle Real in Intramuros owned by the Agustinian Fathers who built a new building on the ancient foundations of the old Bureau of Public Works. This was designed to the specifications of the newly recognized and accredited Adamson University. It now had four colleges, the College of Education its latest.

After two years in the modern and spledidly suited facilities, World War II saw the building occupied by the Japanese Imperial Forces and its complete destruction upon the reoccupation of Manila by the liberating army and vicious battles on its very premises.

In 1947, the University reopened in its present location on buildings owned by the Vincentian Fathers. The University enrollment steadily increased until 1964 when, after thirty-two years as administrators of the University, the control was passed to the Vincentian Fathers in order to maintain the Adamson name in perpetuity, a requirement of the Bureau of Public Instructions.

Adamson University, with its increasing enrollment, continues to serve the nation and was recognized in 1982 for its fiftieth year of "service to national development" by the Philippine Government which expressed this recognition by issuing postage stamps honoring the university.

Its alumni continue bringing honors to Adamson University in their work throughout the world. It is one of the few accredited Philippine Educational Institutions in the United States.