On June 17, the College of the Holy Spirit Manila (CHSM) will mark her 100th year in the fields of education and service to the community.
Founded by four German nuns (SSpS, or Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit), CHSM has molded generations of women in the values of faith, service and excellence. The school marks its centenary by celebrating the achievements of alumnae in various spheres—educators who have greatly influenced the creation, strengthening and enrichment of human capital and educational concepts and processes; health practitioners and scientists who have contributed to innovation, science and technology; social and human development trailblazers who have made a substantial impact on societal development; and public servants who have played significant roles in government service and international relations.
Also recognized are alumnae in culture, the media and the arts; principled leaders in business and finance; environmentalists who pioneered models for sustainability; and committed individuals with advocacies in public and apostolic service.
CHSM, under the leadership and guidance of the SSpS Sisters, continues to abide by her motto “Veritas et Caritas” (Truth and Charity) by initiating and participating in social outreach projects to help bring about a community of self-reliance, respect and justice.
In March, CHSM was granted Level III reaccreditation status for arts, sciences and business programs by the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities. The status, valid until 2018, is a quality housekeeping seal that certifies excellence in a school’s administration, faculty, instruction, student services, library, physical facilities, laboratory and community involvement.
Once an exclusive school for girls, CHSM has been coeducational for the past seven years and the number of male students continues to increase.
Now under a lay administration, CHSM, guided by QP (quality, productivity and promotion) management paradigm, has four schools: Fine Arts (interior design and advertising), Business (business management and entrepreneurship, hotel and restaurant management or HRM, tourism management), Health Sciences (psychology, medical technology, nursing, physical therapy and respiratory therapy) and Arts and Education (international studies, communication arts and education).
Health sciences programs are offered in partnership with Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital. This school year, certificate programs in digital arts and in gerontology are being offered.
CHSM constructed recently a new broadcast center, renovated the HRM laboratory, installed air-conditioning in the Paraclete Auditorium and built the new Mother Edelwina Dormitory, among others. A digitization program to provide quality services to clients is underway.
As the college marks its centenary, the college community and its alumnae say, “Altius, CHSM. Fly higher and higher!”
(Editor’s Note: Felina Co-Young is the first lay president of the College of Holy Spirit Manila. She graduated cum laude with a degree in mathematics from the CHSM and has PhDs in business administration and management.)