Ateneo de Davao University

Ateneo de Davao University is a prestigious private Catholic university located in Davao City, Philippines.

The history of this prestigious university begins in the 1940s, a time of great upheaval and hope in the Philippines. The Second World War had wrought destruction and devastation upon the land, and many communities lay in shambles, while education itself was in shambles. Seeing the potential in the southern Mindanao region, a group of Jesuit priests decided to bring light and learning. In 1946, the Jesuits established a high school in Davao City-a busy port city on the island of Mindanao. From a modest beginning, this quickly earned its reputation for academic rigor and for moral and spiritual development. Seeing the needs for higher education dawning in the area, they decided to upgrade their educational level. In 1948, the high school became a college, with many different programs in undergraduate courses. A curriculum provided for the intellectual growth of the students, a program that provides for critical thinking, and an appreciation of the humanities and sciences.

The Jesuits would also stress social justice in the service of the community, encouraging students to use their education for the good of society. Through the years, the college built up and grew. More programs were inducted, buildings were renovated, and the student body grew broader in diversity with every passing year. Way beyond the shores of the Philippines, Ateneo de Davao is known for its academic excellence and devotion to Jesuit values. This existed until the college obtained a formal declaration as a university in 1967, which marked a great leap in its history. It also gained its name, reflective of its Jesuit: the name became synonymous with quality instruction and social responsibility, reflective of its Jesuits. The University envisions, realize, and incorporates the mission for holistic education rather than simply being involved in the development of excellence in scholarship but also imbued with values like integrity, service, and social responsibility. As it faces some of the challenges of the 21st century, it aims to put into practice its aim to revise its curricula and programs to incorporate changing societal directives. Among these are the intense thrusts for interdisciplinary study, integration of technology into learning, and innovative classroom environments for the 21st century.