| In 1928, a group of eminent
educators led by Dr. Nicanor Reyes, Sr. founded the Institute of Accountancy.
And in November 5, 1933, Far Eastern College, a school offering liberal
arts courses, merged with the Institute of Accountancy to bolster multidisciplinary
degrees in accountancy, business, finance, the arts and sciences, technology,
and law.
During the Japanese Occupation,
the university was closed down. University records, books, and facilities
were burned, and the founder and some members of his family were massacred.
With the Liberation of Manila, the university reopened in October, 1945.
It underwent massive expansion programs to cope up with the increasing
student population and demands of a modern and relevant educational system
for a developing nation rising from the ashes of war. Many art deco buildings,
designed by renowned architect, National Artist Pablo Antonio, were built.
The university auditorium became the seat of cultural performances in the
country during that time until the Cultural Center of the Philippines was
erected. Other institutes were subsequently created, such as the architecture
and fine arts, medicine, nursing, and education.
In 1992, a computer technology
course offering degrees and certificates in computer science was established
in cooperation with East Asia Computer
Center, Inc.
Far Eastern University, again,
underwent massive revitalization during the incumbency of Dr. Lourdes Reyes-Montinola
when she was Chair of the Board of Trustees. The present acting President
is Dr. Lydia B. Echauz who replaced Dr. Edilberto C. De Jesus after he
was appointed Secretary of the Department of Education by President Gloria
Macapagal-Arroyo.
Today, the Far Eastern University
is gearing towards sustained growth and development, continuous improvement
in the quality and relevance in teaching, research, and outreach functions
and significant strides in the areas of facilities, curricula, and faculty
development. Internet laboratories and electronic library were installed
to give faculty and students access to the information highway. A foundation
was created to shoulder expenses for the advance studies of faculty members
here and abroad. International linkages and exchange programs were forged
to further educational programs.
All these improvements are
hinged on the university's legacy of a holistic education that is premised
on the fact that whatever benefits an individual gets from the educational
process are meant not only for himself, but also for others. As a private
and non-sectarian institute of learning, Far Eastern University is dedicated
to the intellectual, moral, and economic uplift of the Filipino, particularly
the working class or less privileged members of the society. |
