SMU History

Saint Marys University traces its roots back to the dream and initiative of the late Msgr.
Constant Jurgens, CICM, then Parish Priest of Bayombong and one of the earliest CICM
missionaries to arrive in the Philippines. He wanted to establish a school to give the children of
his parishioners the benefit of a Christian education. He purchased a lot and some materials for
this purpose but then, he was recalled to Europe, thus, it was Rev. Fr. Achilles de Gryse, CICM,
his successor, who saw his dream through. Thus, St. Marys Elementary School was inaugurated
in June 1928. In 1934, with Fr. Godfrey Lambrecht, the High School was opened and in 1947,
the College Department, offering A.A., B.S.E., A. B. and Jr. Normal course (ETC). Gradually,
the course offerings expanded with Bachelor of Science in Commerce, (1951), Bachelor of
Science in Civil Engineering, (1955) and the Graduate School, (1962). Through the years, many
more Departments, Colleges/Schools were opened with more degrees and title course offerings.

The Colleges physical expansion program started with the purchase and development of the
campus by the Magat River in 1968. The College was transferred to its new site in 1969. First to
rise on the new site was the academic building named Godfrey Lambrecht Hall in memory of the
late Rev. Godfrey Lambrecht. This was followed by the construction of the Science Building or
Gomburza Hall in 1971 and the Multi-purpose Marian Hall or D Building in 1972.

Over the years, imposing edifices were put up, such as the Gym-Auditorium (1981), Chapel-
Library Building (1983), new Elementary Central Building (1985), High School Science
Building (1986), Elementary Central Annex (1990), new High School Building (1992),
University Building constructed in commemoration of the Colleges elevation to University
Status (1995), College of Law Building (1996), Hantson Hall (1998), Institute of Science and
Mathematics Building (1999), St. Josephs Inn (2001), Sacred Heart Center (2002), High School
Building (Phase I) 2003, and Balay na Alumni (2003).

To rise up to the challenge of maintaining quality education, the institution has submitted itself
for accreditation by the PAASCU. Thus, the PAASCU granted Level I accreditation to the
Liberal Arts, Commerce and Education Programs in 1983, Level II in 1985, Level III in 1988
with Level III re-accreditation for the Liberal Arts, Education, Commerce and Accountancy
Programs in 2000. The Engineering Program was granted Level I accreditation in l995 and Level
II in 2001.The High School Department was granted Level I accreditation in 1988, Level II in
1996 with Level II re-accreditation in 1999.The Grade School was granted Level I accreditation
in 1985, Level II accreditation in 1989 with Level II re-accreditation in 1999. For the Graduate
School Programs in Arts and Sciences, Education and Business Administration, Level I
accreditation was granted in 2000.

Some significant dates/events are: 1967, when the CICM Congregation took over the
management and ownership of the school from the Parish; 1969, the College was transferred to
its new site; 1984, the St. Marys High School celebrated its 50th Anniversary; 1978, the 50th
Founding Anniversary of St. Marys College; 1994, St. Marys College was elevated to
University Status with Rev. Fr. John Van Bauwel, CICM, as the First University President; 1995,
the 40th Founding Anniversary of the College of Engineering; 1997, the 50th Founding
Anniversary of the College of Education; 1998, when Rev. Jessie M. Hechanova, CICM, was
installed as SMUs Second University President and 2001, the 50th Founding Anniversary of the
College of Commerce (now, School of Business); 2003, SMU Diamond Jubilee of the founding
of SMU.

Thus from its birth throes in 1928, Saint Mary's University has steadily grown over the years and
has metamorphosed into one of the more developed and important institutions in the Philippines,
particularly in the Cagayan Valley Region.
The School of Engineering and Architecture, established in 1955, offers Bachelor of Science
in Civil Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Geodetic Engineering, Bachelor of Science in
Computer Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Bachelor of Science in
Computer Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Electronics and Communications Engineering,
Bachelor of Science in Architecture, Associate in Geodetic Engineering, Master of Science in
Management Engineering, and Master in Engineering major in Civil Engineering. The school
previously offered Bachelor of Science in Mechatronics. ("Lend me your son, i will return him
an engineer.")-Engr. Bayabos