De La Salle University

De La Salle University
Name	De La Salle University
Established	1911
Type	Private Catholic research university
Founder	Brothers of the Christian Schools
City	Manila
Country	Philippines
Campus	Urban
Colors	Green and White
Athletics	UAAP

De La Salle University is a private Roman Catholic research university founded in 1911 by the Brothers of the Christian Schools in Manila, Philippines. It is part of the De La Salle Philippines network and is known for programs in business, engineering, computer science, architecture, and arts. The university maintains affiliations with international institutions such as the Association of Southeast Asian Institutions of Higher Learning and participates in regional consortia including the ASEAN University Network and collaborations with universities like Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Tokyo, and University of Sydney.

History

The institution traces roots to the arrival of the Brothers of the Christian Schools from France and the establishment of a school in Calle Nozaleda. Early expansion occurred under leaders influenced by St. John Baptist de La Salle traditions and connections to Catholic educational networks such as the International Federation of Catholic Universities. The school weathered major events including the World War II years and the Battle of Manila (1945), after which reconstruction paralleled developments in Philippine higher education like the passage of the Higher Education Act-era reforms and participation in postwar rebuilding with aid from agencies akin to the Belgian Development Agency and ties to European Lasallian provinces. In the late 20th century the university expanded graduate programs, attained accreditation from Philippine agencies and international bodies including the ASEAN University Network-Quality Assurance, and engaged in partnerships with institutions such as Harvard University, Stanford University, and the University of California, Berkeley for research and faculty exchange.

Campus and Facilities

The main campus sits in the Malate district of Manila, featuring heritage buildings and modern facilities like laboratories, libraries, and auditoria. Key structures include a central tower, research centers, and the Br. Andrew Gonzalez Hall named after a former university president linked to national education legislation and Lasallian networks. The campus houses specialized facilities such as fabrication labs used for collaboration with industry partners like Toyota Motor Corporation, Intel Corporation, and Philippine National Oil Company for applied research. The university library system contains collections relevant to Southeast Asian studies, Philippine history, and links to archives like the National Library of the Philippines and cooperative programs with museums such as the Ayala Museum and Museo Pambata.

Academics and Research

Academic offerings span undergraduate and graduate programs in colleges that include business, engineering, computer studies, liberal arts, science, and education. Degree programs have received recognition from bodies like the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities and international agencies including the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers-affiliated accreditation schemes. Research centers focus on areas such as information technology, materials science, public policy, and management; they collaborate with external partners including Department of Science and Technology (Philippines), World Bank, Asian Development Bank, UNESCO, and multinational firms like Microsoft and Samsung on funded projects. Faculty have published in journals such as the Journal of Philippine Development, Asian Journal of Social Science, and collaborated on grants with universities including University of Oxford, National University of Singapore, and Peking University.

Student Life and Organizations

Student activities are organized through councils, professional societies, and cultural groups. Major student bodies include a central student council modeled after student unions seen at University of the Philippines and Ateneo de Manila University, alongside program-specific organizations affiliated with professional groups like the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers and Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers. Cultural and service organizations maintain links with civic groups including Philippine Red Cross and Gawad Kalinga, and perform in venues such as the Cultural Center of the Philippines and Philippine International Convention Center. Media outlets include campus publications and student radio that mirror national media practices exemplified by partnerships with outlets like ABS-CBN Corporation and GMA Network during internships and training programs.

Athletics and Traditions

The university competes in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines and fields teams in basketball, volleyball, track and field, and football, facing rivals including Ateneo de Manila University and University of Santo Tomas. Iconic traditions include campus convocations, a commencement procession with ties to religious rites associated with Roman Catholicism and ceremonies comparable to those at Oxford University and Cambridge University in formality. School chants, colors, and mascots derive from Lasallian heritage and are showcased at events such as intramurals and national competitions like the Philippine University Games.

Notable Alumni and Faculty

Alumni and faculty have held prominent roles in Philippine public life, business, science, and the arts. Graduates include cabinet members associated with administrations referenced in histories of the People Power Revolution (1986), corporate leaders at corporations such as SM Investments Corporation, Ayala Corporation, and JG Summit Holdings, as well as artists exhibited at institutions like the National Gallery Singapore and recipients of awards such as the National Artist of the Philippines. Academics from the university have collaborated with scholars at Harvard Kennedy School, London School of Economics, and Johns Hopkins University and have been contributors to policy reports for organizations like the World Health Organization and International Monetary Fund.

Category:Lasallian educational institutions