Article by: Crismhil S. Anselmo, Goven M. Barrera, and Therese Anne B. Cruz
Graphics by: Clark Vincent P. Constantino
With the theme, “Renaissance Mapúa: Evolving. Flourishing. Rising.,” Mapúa University (MU) exhibited resilience and pride as it celebrated its 96th Founding Anniversary from January 25 to 30.
Evolving Cardinal excellence
This year’s Foundation Week was inspired by the Renaissance period — a time characterized by reinvigorated culture, art, science, and philosophy after the Black Death.
“We sullied forth, and blazed trails in international accreditation, outcomes-based education, and digital education. We have risen further, we have evolved. And if I may say so myself, now flourish in this new-fangled world,” MU President and CEO Dr. Reynaldo B. Vea emphasized in his speech during the opening ceremony.
Last January 25, faculty and staff members of each school and department were awarded for their years of service and commendable feats through a ceremony. Also, a video-making contest that featured entries about celebrating the Foundation Week from different departments and schools was held.
Since the celebration was originally planned to be held on the last week of November, some student organizations started their programs earlier than others. The Association of Geologists and Geological Engineers of Mapúa (AGGEM), Philippine Society of Sanitary Engineers – Mapúa University Student Chapter (PSSE-MUSC), Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers – MUSC (PICE-MUSC), and Chemistry Society of Mapúa (CHEMSOC) conducted seminars regarding their fields of interests from November 23 to 28. Meanwhile, the Honor Society of Mapúa (HSM) hosted their first Inter-school Organizations Summit during the same week.
On the second day of the week-long celebration, Mapúan students presented their theses and research papers during the Research Colloquium, whereas later in the afternoon, the faculty members presented their research entries for the Outcomes-based Education (OBE) Best Practices Contest entitled: The Second Mapúa University Learning Analytics: Shifting to Online Learning, A Panacea in the New Normal.
The Physics Society of Mapúa, in collaboration with the Department of Physics, hosted a webinar titled “Atoms to Cosmos: A Webinar on Recent Physics Advancements,” in which speakers discussed new discoveries on gravitational waves, auroras, and nuclear power plants.
Moreover, the Department of Arts and Letters conducted a poetry competition, focusing on how Mapúans cope during challenging times. The said department also organized an ethics bowl wherein students were tasked to analyze ethical and philosophical issues and state their standpoints regarding these topics.
Later, students and employees took part in different games, namely Family Feud, Jeopardy! Math Edition, Kahoot, Tetris Tournament, UNO Competition, and Word Factory.
Flourishing skills and sharing talents
Come January 27, during his opening remarks for the International Research Network and Research Experiences (ILRAD) webinar, Dr. Vea stated that “our current ambition is for Mapúa to become a digital, research-capable, outcomes-based and international domain.” With this, the University seeks to intensify its research activities in partnership with ILRAD, headed by Dr. Deila B. Senoro, Director for International Research and Development. The platform aims to satisfy one of the criteria for the Times Higher Education World University Ranking.
Through the “International Linkages” webinar, the international research collaboration opportunities that the University has with foreign academic institutions were introduced. Additionally, Mapúan graduates who had completed their research abroad through the program presented their experiences and opportunities.
The School of Architecture, Industrial Design, and the Built Environment organized the first International Webinar on Architecture and Design, which featured various guest speakers from different universities around the world. The webinar highlighted the importance of collaboration and emphasized incorporating sustainable development goals in the field of architecture and design.
On January 28, students and faculty members were commended in their respective fields of interest during the Cardinal Excellence Awards. Then, a Faculty Fun Quiz Bee covered topics that included general information and pop culture, followed by an on-the-spot essay writing test for The Contemporary World (GED105).
More so, in a virtual sit-down session, the Student Council from the School of Social Sciences and Education, along with the Mapúa Psychological Society, hosted the Online Kapihan event in which the students were encouraged to talk about their passion and motivation. Also, an event called “Mapúa Get-Together on Wellness,” was also conducted where the topic of caring for one’s mental health was tackled.
Renowned for its students’ arithmetic prowess, the Department of Mathematics continued the tradition of holding the Math Wizard competition last January 29. The topics for the said competition ranged from algebra to calculus.
The next day, offering short courses to help trainees identify the career of their liking, the Mapúa Continuing Education and Special Competencies launched the Design for Manufacturing and Design Academy with a webinar on a common data environment for construction projects. This was in line with the University’s goal to provide quality education to students and professionals.
Furthermore, the School of Media Studies hosted a series of multimedia-related webinars entitled “The Thesis Thought Process,” “Stills to Motion, Adapt,” and “Reimagining Perspectives” from January 28 to January 30. The Central Student Council held a Valorant eSports tournament during the same period as well.
Raising the red and gold spirit
Later that day, the Mapúa Radio Cardinal organized Cardinal Unplugged, an event that showcased the performing talents of nine Mapúan artists, namely Rhys Bagang, Renzel Bok, Grant Suarez, Hason, Riel Valdez, Con Orolfo, Kyla Miel Camerong, Theophany Dionisio, and Giancarlo Calibuso.
Finally, the School of Media Studies hosted a One-Minute Filmmaking Competition for the aspiring high school and collegiate student filmmakers around the country last January 29.
On the last day of the week-long celebration, the Department of Arts and Letters organized the Technical Communication Flash Talks competition wherein contestants had to explain, given prompts, STEM concepts to an audience with the goal of entertaining and imparting new knowledge. Meanwhile, the School of Civil, Environmental, and Geological Engineering conducted the “SCEGE Renascent: Taking the Old in the New Engineering Perspectives” event on the same day. In this, Mapúan alumnus Engr. Amando Soledad hosted a webinar titled “Re[frame]: Construction Fit Out Challenges,” through which he discussed challenges and solutions in the construction fit-out industry.
To ensure continuity of the Mapúan tradition of excellence, Dr. Vea called upon Mapúans to help shape the future and the development of innovation and technology. “As one may wish, the past, present, and coming decades of Mapúa University may be viewed as a continuum of excellence and leadership. This week’s in-the-moment events is a celebration of this unbroken stream,” he stated.