History of Manila Central University (MCU)

This flashcard set covers the chronological history, key figures, and institutional milestones of Manila Central University (MCU) from 1904 to the present.

Escuela de Farmacia del Liceo de Manila

The original name of Manila Central University established in $1904$ as a private, non-sectarian, non-stock educational institution; it was the first Pharmacy school run by Filipinos.

Minerva

The Roman Goddess of Wisdom and Strategic Warfare and the patron of MCU, also known as the virgin Goddess of Music, Poetry, Medicine, Wisdom, Commerce, Weaving, and Crafts.

Owl of Minerva

The creature often depicted with the Goddess Minerva, symbolizing wisdom.

Dr. Alejandro M. Albert

The founder and first director of Escuela de Farmacia del Liceo de Manila who originally opened a private tutorial class in $1903$ for students from the University of Santo Tomas and Board Exam examinees.

Atty. Filemon D. Tanchoco

A graduate of the class of $1908$ who joined the school as a teacher and administrator in $1910$, eventually becoming the first President of MCU in $1948$.

Manila College of Pharmacy

The name the institution adopted in $1915$ after acquiring a new site and building at the corner of Fugosso and Oroquieta Streets.

Manila Central Colleges

The name adopted by the school in $1946$ following the reorganization of the Board of Trustees after the Second World War.

Manila Central University (Status)

A bona fide university status granted to the institution in $1948$ due to its diversity of approved courses.

Novitiate of San Jose

The property in Caloocan acquired by MCU in $1949$ for the purpose of relocating the university and housing the College of Medicine.

College of Nursing

Established in $1947$, it was the first nursing school to offer a full four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, authorized for the full course in $1951$.

Industrial Pharmacy and Research Laboratory

Housed in the Graduate Pharmacy building erected in $1953$, this facility was the only one of its kind in Asia at the time.

Filemon Dionisio Tanchoco Medical Foundation (FDTMF)

The foundation formed in $1971$ when the MCU Hospital and the College of Medicine were converted into a medical foundation.

UNICEPS

The University Integrated Community Extension Programs and Services, launched in $1991$ in Barangay Portrero, Malabon, to provide holistic community development.

Dr. Lualhati Tanchoco-Gonzalez

The daughter of the founders who succeeded Mrs. Purificacion Gallego-Tanchoco as the third president of MCU in $1994$.

Deregulated Status

A status granted to MCU by the Commission on Higher Education in $2003$, giving the institution the privilege to prescribe curricular programs to achieve global competence.

Dr. Aristotle T. Malabanan

The fourth president of MCU appointed in $2009$; his term coincided with the institution’s $105^{th}$ anniversary.

Luningning Tanchoco-Estanislao

Former Administrator of MCU Hospital who became the Official President of Manila Central University in $2018$ following the death of President Aristotle.

Tanchoco Family Council

An organization formed in $1998$ for second and third generation clan members to participate in setting policy directions and making management decisions for MCU.

Dr. Luther B. Bewley

Adviser on education matters of the Office of the President who received the honorary degree of Doctor of Pedagogy from MCU in $1949$.

College of Medicine

Opened in $1947$ and spearheaded by Mrs. Tanchoco, who led the construction of the MCU Hospital and the acquisition of advanced equipment; the first dean was Dr. Alfredo Guerrero.