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Adamson University
Pamantasang Adamson  (Filipino)
Adamson University Official Seal.png
Former names
  • Adamson School of Industrial Chemistry (1932–1936)
  • Adamson School of Industrial Chemistry and Engineering (1936–1941)
Motto Veritas in Caritate (Latin)
Motto in English
Truth in Charity
Type Private research non-stock non-profit basic and higher education institution
Established June 20, 1932; 93 years ago (1932-06-20)
Founder George Lucas Adamson
Religious affiliation
Roman Catholic
(Vincentian)
Academic affiliations
President Fr. Daniel Franklin Pilario, CM
Vice-president
Principal
  • Ms. Geraldine P. Pancho
    (Grade School and Jr. High School)
  • Dr. Nea A. Sualog
    (Senior High School)
Academic staff
500
Students 17, 768 (S.Y. 2021-2022)
Location
900 San Marcelino St., Ermita, Manila
,
Metro Manila
,
Philippines

14°35′10″N 120°59′10″E / 14.58611°N 120.98611°E / 14.58611; 120.98611
Campus Urban
10.7 hectares (107,000 m2)
Patron saint Vincent de Paul
Alma Mater song Adamson Hymn
Colors Blue Adamson colors.svg White
Sporting affiliations
UAAP PBL PVL
Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup
Mascot Soaring Falcon
Adamson text logo.png
Adamson University is located in Manila
Adamson University
Location in Manila
Adamson University is located in Metro Manila
Adamson University
Location in Metro Manila
Adamson University is located in Luzon
Adamson University
Location in Luzon
Adamson University is located in Philippines
Adamson University
Location in Philippines

Adamson University, also known as AdU, is a private Catholic university in Manila, Philippines. It is run by a group called the Congregation of the Mission. AdU offers many different subjects for students, from preschool all the way up to university degrees like engineering, nursing, business, and law. It is one of the special universities that has 'autonomous status' from the Commission on Higher Education, which means it has more freedom in how it runs its programs.

Adamson University is also part of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), a big sports league. In its 80th season, the university's team won first place in the cheerdancing competition.

Adamson School of Industrial Chemistry 20220130
An Intramuros marker of the old Adamson School of Industrial Chemistry

Discovering Adamson University's Past

How Adamson University Started

Adamson University was founded by George Lucas Adamson, a chemist from Greece. He started the Adamson School of Industrial Chemistry on June 20, 1932. It began as a small school with just one classroom, focusing on industrial chemistry.

His cousin, Alexander Athos Adamson, came to the Philippines in 1932 to help manage the new school. Alexander was the vice president, treasurer, and registrar. Two years later, Alexander's brother, George Athos Adamson, joined as a professor and dean of engineering.

Becoming a University

On February 19, 1936, the school's name changed to the Adamson School of Industrial Chemistry and Engineering. In 1939, George Lucas's wife, Evdoxia Savaides Adamson, also started working there. She became a professor and later a dean.

The school officially became a university on February 5, 1941. This was approved by the Department of Public Instruction.

After World War II

After Second World War, the Adamson family continued to work at the university, except for George Athos and Sofia, who left the country. George Lucas Adamson was the university's president for 35 years.

During his time, the university joined the University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) as a trial member in 1952. It became a full member in 1971. On December 4, 1964, the university was given to the Congregation of the Mission. Its patron saint is Saint Vincent de Paul.

Leaders of Adamson University

The second president of the university was Spanish priest Leandro I. Montañana, who served until 1985. After him, Fr. Rolando S. Dela Goza, C.M., became the first Filipino president, serving until 1994. Fr. Jimmy Belita, C.M., was president until 2003, followed by Fr. Gregorio L. Bañaga, Jr., C.M., who served until 2015.

The university celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2007. The National Historical Commission of the Philippines recognized the university as a historical site. A special marker was placed in front of the St. Vincent Building, which is the oldest building on campus.

In 2010, Adamson University received 'autonomous status' from the Commission on Higher Education. This gave the university more independence in managing its programs.

On November 16, 2012, a museum dedicated to the founders was opened inside the St. Vincent Building. This was part of the university's 80th-anniversary celebration. In 2013, the university received an ISO 9001:2008 certification for its management systems.

In 2015, Fr. Marcelo V. Manimtim, C.M., became the sixth president. He stepped down on December 13, 2023. Fr. Daniel Franklin E. Pilario, C.M., became the seventh president and the third alumnus (former student) to hold this position.

Exploring Adamson University Campuses

Main Campus in Manila

Adamson University top view (San Marcelino, Ermita, Manila; 12-23-2023)
Main campus
Adamson University FRC Building
Francis Regis Clet Building
Saint Vincent Hall
Saint Vincent Hall

Adamson University's main campus is located on San Marcelino Street in Ermita, Manila. This area is often called the "University Belt" because many universities are close by. Nearby schools include the Technological University of the Philippines and Philippine Normal University.

The campus has eight buildings and covers about 10.7 hectares of land. Before settling in its current spot in 1946, the school was located in three different places:

  • Santa Cruz (1932–1933)
  • San Miguel (1933–1939)
  • Intramuros (1939-1941)

The university expanded its campus by buying the Meralco building in 1968 and the St. Theresa's College-Manila site in 1977.

Saint Vincent Seminary Campus

The St. Vincent School of Theology is Adamson University's graduate school for theology. It offers advanced degrees like Doctor of Philosophy in Theology and Master of Arts in Theology. This campus is located inside the Sanctuario de San Vicente de Paul in Tandang Sora, Quezon City.

Future Dapitan Campus

The City Government of Dapitan and Adamson University signed an agreement on September 13, 2023. They plan to build a new campus in Dapitan. This new campus aims to provide good education to students in the Mindanao region. The announcement was made by the Adamson Chronicle, the university's official student publication.

Adamson University's Reputation and Rankings

University rankings
Global – Overall
QS World 1001–1200 (2026)
Regional – Overall
QS Asia 411–420 (2025)

Adamson University is recognized globally. In the QS World University Rankings for 2026, it was ranked among the top 1,001–1,200 universities worldwide. It has also consistently held the #5 spot among the top universities in the Philippines in the QS rankings for several years.

Famous People from Adamson University

Adamson University has many successful alumni (former students) who have made a name for themselves in different fields.

In Politics and Government

  • Ruthlane Uy Asmundson, a former mayor of Davis, California.
  • Cynthia Barker, Mayor of Hertsmere, England.
  • Eduardo del Rosario, who served as Secretary of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development.
  • Romulo Peña Jr., a representative for Makati.
  • Noel Rosal, a former mayor of Legazpi, Albay.
  • Cesar B. Chavez, who served as Secretary of the Presidential Communications Office.

In Sports

  • Rafael "Paeng" Nepomuceno, a World Champion bowler.
  • Carlos Yulo, a gold medalist in gymnastics at the 2019 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships and the 2024 Paris Olympics.
  • Kenneth Duremdes, a famous basketball player.
  • Marlou Aquino, another well-known basketball player.
  • Hector Calma, a basketball player.
  • Mylene Paat, a volleyball player and member of the Philippine National Women's Volleyball Team.
  • Jema Galanza, a volleyball player for Creamline Cool Smashers.
  • Dante Alinsunurin, a champion volleyball coach.
  • Ana Santiago, a 15-time champion softball coach in the UAAP.

In Arts, Culture, and Entertainment

  • Prince Villanueva, an actor.
  • Hazel Ann Mendoza, an actress.
  • Nida Blanca, a well-known actress.
  • Jestoni Alarcon, an actor.
  • Mario O'Hara, a film director and screenwriter.
  • Daniel Franklin Pilario, a priest and writer.

In Science and Research

  • Mary Jane Alvero, CEO of Geoscience Testing Laboratory in the United Arab Emirates.

University Publications

Adamson University has several publications that share news and information with its students and the wider community:

  • The Adamson Chronicle
  • The Sentinel Adamson University
  • Spotlight Publication
  • The Adamson News
Presidents of Adamson University
George Lucas Adamson, 1932–1967
Leandro I. Montañana, 1967–1985
Rolando S. Dela Goza, 1985–1994
Jimmy A. Belita, 1994–2003
Gregorio L. Bañaga Jr., 2003–2015
Marcelo V. Manimtim, 2015-2023
Daniel Franklin E. Pilario, 2023–present
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