University of The Assumption - The Beginning

The Beginning

The university was originally called Assumption Junior College, and was located on the third floor of the Assumpta Building in downtown San Fernando. The school was under the watchful eyes of Sr. Gunfrida Schneyer, O.S.B., who was also at the time the Superior of the Community of Missionary Benedictine Sisters of Tutzing (Germany). The college began with a total enrollment of 275 students. The initial degrees originally offered were Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science in Commerce,Bachelor of Science in Education,and Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education.

In 1965 the campus was transferred to its present site at the University Site Subdivision, in Barangay Del Pilar. The Puno Building was then the only edifice in the campus. In the same year, the institution was granted government recognition as "Assumption College of Pampanga".

The administration reorganization in 1966 brought a member of the clergy to the top management of the institution. The administration of Rev. Fr. Aniceto M. Franco, then dean and rector, reorganize the high school and grade school on campus. Sr. Mary Philip Ryan, O.P. and the Dominican Sisters of Our Lady of Remedies assisted in the supervision of both departments. Sr. Mary Philip Ryan was also the superior of the Dominican community whose members performed active roles in the institution's affairs as faculty members and administrators.

In 1969, the Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering was added to the original roster of degrees offered at the college. It was also during Rev.Father Franco's incumbency when the construction of the Ryan building, the Benedictine Building, and the Archbishop Emilio Cinense Gymnasium were built.

In 1974, Archbishop Emilio Cinense appointed Rev. Fr. Octavio M. Ramos as the first president of the institution . During his term he worked for the recognition of additional degrees namely, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics, Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering, and Bachelor of Science in Architecture. The Graduate School was also organized with Master in Business Administration as its first program.