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The
story of Miriam College dates back to 1926 when
the Archbishop of Manila, requested the Sisters of the Maryknoll
Congregation in New York to initiate a teacher-training
program for women in the Philippines. In an old
remodeled Augustinian Convent in Malabon, Rizal,
the Malabon Normal School was established. The school
transferred sites several times until finally in
1952, with its name officially changed to Maryknoll
College, it laid down its permanent roots in Diliman
(or Loyola Heights), Quezon City.
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A
long period of stability and growth followed. Maryknoll
College expanded its programs from training teachers
to the formation of women leaders, thus a liberal
arts college was developed. The school grew in student
population, in programs, services and reputation,
justifiably achieving recognition as a school where
academic excellence, communication skills, competence,
individuality and social responsibility were developed
in its students.
Its
graduates have distinguished themselves in various
professions. Several have been cabinet secretaries,
legislators, accomplished businesswomen, entrepreneurs,
educators and leaders of government and non-governmental
organizations. To date, nineteen alumnae have been
selected as “The Outstanding Women in the Nation’s
Service” (TOWNS) awardees.
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After
Vatican II, the Maryknoll congregation began to
evaluate its work, not only in the Philippines but
worldwide, in the light of their original apostolate
as a missionary order. In the 60s, the Maryknoll
congregation saw the readiness of the Filipino laity
to continue the educational mission they had started.
In 1977, the ownership and management of the school
was turned over to lay administrators. In accordance
with the agreement, the name Maryknoll was to be
changed to pave the way for the promotion of the
school’s unique identity, distinct although not
disconnected from the identity of the Maryknoll
sisters. In 1989, after a series of consultations,
Maryknoll College was re-named Miriam College.
To
meet the challenges of the times, Miriam College
has expanded its course offerings and set up four
major centers for curriculum development, research
and community outreach – the Environmental Studies
Institute, the Center for Peace Education, the Institutional Network for Social Action and the
Women and Gender Institute.
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