AdU Museum: The Covert of Vincentian Education Gems
By Paula Nicole D. Audije and Jenica M. Villanueva
Founded in November of 2012, the Adamson University Museum is the covert of treasures that tells the story of how Dr. George Lucas Adamson established the learning institution and how the Vincentian education progresses through all the years after it was passed to the Congregation of the Mission.
Founder’s Wing
Upon entering the museum, one would already be exposed to various historical photos well-arranged in walls according to their significance. The end of the short hall at the right of the entrance features a painting of Prof. Dr. George Lucas Adamson who pioneered Industrial Education in the Philippines through the establishment of Adamson School of Industrial Chemistry in June 20, 1932 at the Paterno building alongside the Sta. Cruz bridge in Manila. George Lucas taught his first night class in July 1 of 1932 which consisted 42 students; 87 years later, Adamson University is now a home to more than 9,000 students. The beginning of the school that George Lucas founded offered 35 courses where he was the only professor and director. He chose Pallas Athena, the goddess of wisdom and education to serve as the school’s guiding spirit.
Sports
If you have been rooting for Adamson in the UAAP, then perhaps you have experienced shouting with all your heart “Go Falcons!” in one of its games to support the San Marcelino-based team. But why are Adamsonians called as Falcons? The team name was inspired by the pharaohs of Egypt which use a falcon symbol. Falcons are believed to paralyze their victims through their eyes which is similar to pharaohs who can vanquish their enemies. One of the things that can be learned from the museum is that the first basketball team was organized in 1934. The university basketball team adapted the name Adamson Falcons while the high school team was referred to as Adamson Baby Falcons. Since it was established, Adamson encouraged sports engagement as a form of exercise where interests in one another, loyalty, and school spirit can be enhanced.
Graduation and ROTC
Every student dreams of the day where he/she will finally take the diploma that signifies the completion of all the requirements under a particular program. A wall in the AdU Museum is dedicated to the historical photos of graduations and ROTC and NROTC. For the graduations, did you know that the very first commencement exercises happened in 1934? Read it right, what makes this very first graduation memorable is its guest speaker which is none other than former President Elpidio Quirino. However, during the time that he became the guest speaker of Adamson School of Industrial Chemistry, Quirino was still the Secretary of Interior. In his speech, he told the graduating batch, “Proceed in your noble works, my friends, and remember that not only our people but also our government is behind you.”
Speak about pioneering, Adamson School is the first institution to develop the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) in 1936 as part of the National Defense Plan of the Commonwealth. A photo hanging on the museum’s wall shows the first batches of ROTC in Adamson School assembled in the free spaces of Intramuros, Manila. The ROTC in Adamson aimed to shelter men and women who are knowledgeable in chemistry and application of chemical warfare agents, weapons, and ammunition. After the World War II, AdU organized together with the Philippine Navy in establishing the Department of Naval Science and Tactics which formed what is known as Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps.
Foundation Day
Annually, Adamsonians hold a week-long celebration of the institution’s Foundation Day. The activities which are included in the yearly Foundation Week celebration rooted from the first Foundation Day Anniversary which was celebrated in March 1, 1936. Festivities usually happen in February prior to commencement exercises. Student clubs and associations as well as administration staff engage in “science exhibits, folk dancing, gymnastics, sports, forensic debates” among other activities. The Foundation Day celebrations were also called Anniversary Celebrations, University Days, and Field Days. Posted in one portion of the museum are the celebrations which occurred during the first years of having Foundation Day Anniversaries.
Philippine Presidents
At the end of the other side of the museum’s entrance lies the wall of hanged photos showing George Lucas and his engagements with the Philippine Presidents. Perhaps one of the most attractive photo among the hanging picture frames is the image showing George Lucas and former President Ferdinand Marcos. He became the guest speaker of the 26th Commencement Exercises held in April 25, 1963. Beside the founder and Marcos’ photo is then first lady Imelda Marcos and Evdoxia Adamson who posed for a picture after the commencement exercises.
The Corner of the First Lady
Before entering the Vincentian Wing, one would first pass the corner dedicated to the love of George Lucas life, Evdoxia Saivides Adamson. Evdoxia met George Lucas during his visit in Athens. They got married and moved to Manila in 1939 where she also gave birth to their one and only son, Lucas George. Aside from being the founder’s wife, Evodoxia also continued her studies and contributed largely to Adamson University. She finished Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science in Forensic Service,Bachelor of Laws, and Master of Arts and Education. Evdoxia became the Dean of College of Education and Liberal Arts from 1955 to 1967. Displayed in the first lady’s corner is her thesis for the School of Forensic Service dated in 1950 entitled, “The Role of the Diplomat’s Wife.”
Vincentian Wing
After a short walk from the entrance of the museum, a generous amount of space provided especially for the essence of being a Vincentian was there. Upon entering this wing, you’ll see right away how it flourishingly bleeds blue and white. The displays on the wall are really captivating through the high-technology equipment − LED lights and small TV’s.
What can be seen in this area are the architectural model of the whole Adamson University which is located at the center, the four former presidents of the university, and the special collections.
Architectural Model of Adamson University
As an Adamsonian, we tend to think that the place where our community resides is not gigantic but can be deemed adequate. However, this miniature of the university ignites a new shed of light. The 10.7 hectares space of our dear institution which evolved from just one building can now be deeply appreciated through this.
The 3D Printed campus of AdU was accomplished last February 2016. The coolest thing that I found out about this stuff is that you can switch the lights on and see how these tiny little buildings gleam and creates awe. Just by looking at this, it gives you nostalgia as if you’re already bidding good bye to our beloved campus.
Presidents of the University
The opening of the Vincentian wing is mainly for dedicating it to the four presidents of the university who took the steering wheel and drove it to the road of success and righteousness since the end of the Greek administration in 1964.
The four former presidents of the university — Fr. Leandro L. Montañana, C.M. (1967–1986), Fr. Rolando S. Dela Goza, C.M. (1986–1994), Fr. Jimmy A. Belita, C.M. (1994–2003), and Fr. Gregorio L. Bañaga, Jr., C.M. (2003–2015) — have their own information kiosks attached on the walls. These kiosks contain information about their regime, paraphernalia of their time, small TV’s playing various pictures and facts about them, and their portraits wearing graduation gown and cap.
Special Collections
On two corners of the Vincentian wing, the special collections are on display. Time seems to stop as you put your gaze on this section. In here, you can find the different kinds of ceramics where some are gifts for our founder George Lucas Adamson, artifacts from the collection of Fr. Leandro L. Montañana, C.M., and other alumni, and the leather-bound original print of the 1935 Constitution signed by its creators donated by Fr. Gregorio L. Bañaga, Jr., C.M.
Two paintings of a notable Filipino artist, Fernando Amorsolo, have claimed the attention of the people for this area. The “Fruit Harvesting”, and “Sunset Over Malabon Fish Ponds” are the paintings handed down by Sofia Adamson, wife of George Athos Adamson to the care of AdU museum.
Adamson University was hailed champion in UAAP Season 40 of Men’s Basketball Team. A trophy, looking proud and tall, is on display together with the group picture of the 1977–1978 men’s basketball team which was printed in black and white ink.
The Alumni Room
In 87 founding years of the Adamson University, many have walked through its arduous yet grandiose concretes and the identification of being an Adamsonian have forever been tattooed in their falcon hearts.
The Alumni Room of the AdU museum exhibits some of the former students of the university who have soared high in their own chosen fields after they have graduated. This whole room serves as a tribute in honoring the alumni’s excellence.
Enclosed in various picture frames are the images of few alumni. Some of these photos are self-portraits, graduation pictures, group photos, and awarding ceremonies.
On one corner of this area, the largest self-portrait in the room will be seen. The largest self-portrait presents a seemingly recent picture of Evdoxia Savaides Adamson, the wife of AdU founder George Lucas Adamson. The only certificate in a frame posted in this room was owned by Evdoxia Savaides Adamson as well.
Adamson University invites the graduates to be part of this diplomatic and meaningful way of keeping tracks and records as they have been part of this humble community. It seems like history is just waiting for any Adamsonian out there.
History shapes the way we view the present, and therefore it dictates what answers we offer for existing problems. However, knowing history does not seem to matter on many Adamsonians. Truly, we live in a time of rapid change, but as Adamsonians, our loyal hearts shall not fail the roots of this university we have grown to love. May the history of the university be continuously flourished and remembered as generations passed by.
