Silliman University

Silliman University is located in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental.

The paramount and central goal of Silliman University is Christian education of the highest quality.

It is the mission of Silliman University to develop the whole person within the context of a Christian environment, Silliman University seeks to achieve the ideals of excellence for its students, faculty, staff, and administrators.

It aims to develop persons for responsible roles for human and national development, to be sensitive to the realities of change, and responsive to the demands of social justice.

The following commitments guide Silliman University in fulfilling its mission: As an institution of faith and learning, Silliman University is committed to provide opportunities for all members of the academic community to seek truth, justice and love.

Christian values, therefore, permeate every facet of University life. Related to the United Church of Christ in the Philippines, Silliman University respects the religious freedom of all members of the community. Believing in the integrity of Christian higher education, Silliman University is committed to the pursuit of excellence in every dimension of inquiry, learning, and teaching.


It makes high quality education available to all students regardless of social and economic background. It is committed to an administration that is democratic and participatory. Committed to an education for the service of others, Silliman University seeks to instill in all members of the University community, including all its integral parts, such as the University Extension Program, the University Research Center, the SU Press, the SU Church Learning Center, and all other related entities, an enlightened social consciousness, a profound sense of involvement, and a genuine compassion for every person.

It seeks to enhance national development and unity by making its life and programs relevant to the total environment.

History
Silliman Institute. Silliman University was founded on August 28, 1901 as Silliman Institute. It was an elementary school for boys founded by Protestant missionaries Dr. David Sutherland Hibbard and Laura Crooks Hibbard under the Board of Foreign Missions of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America.

Operations started through a gift donation from a businessman and a Christian philanthropist of Cohoes, New York, Dr. Horace Brinsmade Silliman (where Silliman University got its name). Era of Rapid Advance (1905-1921).

In 1910, Silliman Institute was awarded government recognition and the right to grant a degree. In the same year it was incorporated under the laws of the Philippines.

In 1912, girls were admitted to the institute. In 1921, the Silliman Bible School (later became the College of Theology) was established in cooperation with the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, representing the Congregational Churches of the United States. Preparation for University Status (1921-1938).

In its early years, Silliman was a single college with various departments, some of which developed into colleges. In 1935, the articles of incorporation of Silliman University were approved by the Board of Trustees and filed with the Philippine Government.

In 1936, the Philippine National Assembly passed a law establishing requirements from institutions to qualify for university status. Silliman won full recognition as a university in 1938.

Funding
Silliman was receiving 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).

In 1957, the United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia (New York) assumed responsibility for channeling all American aid to the University.

The United Board is an interdenominational organization supported by ten (10) Protestant mission boards. It assists and sponsors seven (7) Christian colleges and universities in Asia. Presidents. From 1901-1953, Silliman University was administered by three American Presidents. Dr. David S. Hibbard was the founder and the first President followed by Dr. Roy H. Brown and then by Dr. Arthur L. Carson.

In line with the government policy of giving the top leadership to Filipinos, Dr. Leopoldo Ruiz was elected as the first Filipino President. Silliman University continues to strive to be an effective witness of Jesus Christ in the evangelical tradition.

It nurtures a close relationship with the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP), and it continues to cooperate with various ecumenical groups.

The policy-making and governing body of Silliman University is the Board of Trustees, whose constituency is equally represented by 15 members coming from the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP), the alumni and the general community at large. The University President is an ex-officio member of the Board of Trustees. (Silliman University)