Silliman University Brief History

Summary

Silliman University, a premier Christian institution in the Philippines, has a rich history that dates back over 117 years. Founded by philanthropist Dr. Horace Brinsmade Silliman and missionary couple Dr. David Sutherland Hibbard and Laura, the university has grown into a center of academic excellence, offering a wide range of programs. With a strong focus on education, community service, and Christian faith, Silliman has become a leader in the Visayas region and beyond, producing successful graduates who excel in various fields worldwide. The university fosters holistic development through its unique approach to education, emphasizing intellectual, physical, spiritual, and social growth.

Takeaways

• 😀 Silliman University is a premier Christian institution in the Philippines, known for fostering competence, character, and faith.
• 😀 The university's history began with Dr. Horace Brinsmaid Silliman, who funded the creation of the school in 1899.
• 😀 Dr. Silliman's vision was to educate young people in the Philippines, a place he would never visit, through a generous donation of $10,000.
• 😀 Dr. David Sutherland Hibbard and his wife Laura, missionary educators, were instrumental in establishing the school in Dumaguete after being led there by destiny.
• 😀 Silliman University is now over 117 years old and is currently led by Dr. Betty Cernal McCann, its first female president.
• 😀 It is a recognized center of excellence in various fields, including nursing, information technology, and teacher education.
• 😀 The university has earned institutional re-accreditation from the ACSCU, the highest accreditation award given by the organization.
• 😀 Silliman is a leader in community service, having pioneered projects in health, agriculture, education, environmental protection, and more.
• 😀 Silliman graduates are highly sought after both locally and internationally, excelling in various professions across the globe.
• 😀 The university emphasizes 'whole person education' through the 'five C's' — the classroom, the church, the cultural center, the athletic courts, and the community.
• 😀 Silliman promotes a service-learning approach that combines community-based learning with the development of critical thinking, civic responsibility, and leadership.

Q & A

Who was the determined man behind the founding of Silliman University?

The determined man was Dr. Horace Brinsmaid Silliman, a retired businessman and philanthropist from Coho City, New York, who initiated the establishment of the university in 1899.

How did Dr. Silliman contribute to the creation of Silliman University?

Dr. Silliman requested the Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions in Manhattan to establish an industrial school in the Philippines. He provided an initial fund of $10,000 to set up the school.

Who were the two educators tasked with establishing the school?

The two educators were Dr. David Sutherland Hibbard and his wife, Laura, a missionary couple commissioned by the Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions to establish and operate the school.

Why was Dumaguete chosen as the location for Silliman University?

Dumaguete was chosen because of its idyllic seaside setting, friendly and healthy community, and capable local leaders, which made it the ideal location for the new school.

Who is the current president of Silliman University?

The current president is Dr. Betty Cernal McCann, who became the 13th president of the university in 2018. She is the first woman to hold this position.

What are some of the programs and centers of excellence at Silliman University?

Silliman University is a center of excellence in nursing, information technology, and teacher education. It also has centers of development in biology, medical technology, and marine sciences.

What is the significance of the university's institutional re-accreditation?

The institutional re-accreditation granted by the Association of Christian Schools, Colleges, and Universities Accrediting Council Incorporated is the highest accreditation award, recognizing the university's educational standards.

What are the five 'C's of Silliman education?

The five 'C's of Silliman education are: the Classroom, the Church, the Cultural Center, the Athletic Courts, and the Community.

How does Silliman University emphasize the development of Christian faith among its students?

Silliman University emphasizes the development of Christian faith through activities for worship, fellowship, and service. The church is the heart of the campus, and students engage in activities that nurture their faith while respecting spiritual diversity.

What is the university's approach to community service and engagement?

Silliman University promotes service learning, where students participate in community-based projects that integrate theory, practice, and values, fostering critical thinking, civic responsibility, leadership, and compassion.

Can you name a few notable alumni of Silliman University?

Notable alumni include Senator Lorenzo G. Tevez in public administration, Secretary Leonor Montolís Briones in education, Dr. Angel C. Alcala in environmental sciences, and Director Eddie Romero in filmmaking.

How does Silliman University contribute to arts and culture in the Philippines?

Silliman University has a long history of arts development. It has produced top artists in music, dance, theater, and the visual and literary arts. It also hosts the longest-running literary workshop in Asia, the Silliman University National Writers Workshop.