Holy Name University: The Early Years

Pioneering SVD priests 

It was around the mid 1940's and World War II had just ended. The municipality of Tagbilaran was in the process of rebuilding itself and picking up the pieces.

It was around this time in 1946 when the foundation for Holy Name University was slowly and steadily put into place by its founder, Fr. Alphonse Lesage, SVD. 

This was through the vision of  Most Rev. Julio D. Rosales who wanted an institution of higher learning providing quality education and instilling Catholic Christian principles.

This lofty idea was the inspiration of a man who became the first Catholic Bishop of Tagbilaran.  

 L-R: Bishop Rosales. Fr. Lesage & Monsignor Ramirez

The biggest Catholic university in the province of Bohol started as a diocesan school named Holy Name College on July 14, 1947 and owned by the Diocese of Tagbilaran.  

  Facade of the old building

The first school building was located along Libertad Street (now Carlos P. Garcia Avenue).

The lot was donated by the Diocese of Tagbilaran through the efforts and generosity of Monsignor Gelacio T. Ramirez (1881-1948), the philanthropic former Vicar General of the Diocese of Tagbilaran

It was only in 1963 or 50 golden years ago that the SVDs gained full ownership of the college.

  iconic facade of the campus during its early years

It was renamed Divine Word College of Tagbilaran. 

It was on November 19, 2001 when the school was granted full university status and the name changed to Holy Name University.

On the occasion of Tagbilaran City's 47th Charter Day Anniversary,

I am sharing some vintage photos that capture the parallel paths that the fledgling school and what was then a sleepy town had taken.

Let's take a stroll down memory lane now  

  HNC bids  farewell to Fr. Paulsen  back in 1948 

  Fr. Bates as Athletic Director in 1952

 Pastora Mendoza was crowned the 
1st Miss HNC  March 1948

 HNC was famous for its musicals and operettas 
 

 Ma'am Nellie Lumayag: Campus headturner during her time

Charity Sarmiento's star wattage shone the brightest  

 In 1970, Fr. Leo Ortiz became the first Filipino president of DWCT

Holy Name University today