The Journey of Urdaneta City University: From Community College to Pioneer Local University (original) (raw)

Urdaneta City University (UCU) has a rich and inspiring history, dating back to 1966 when it was founded by Dr. Pedro T. Orata, a world-renowned educator and Ramon Magsaysay awardee. The university started as a community college, with the aim of providing education to the knowledge-hungry youth and young adults in the rural areas surrounding the town of Urdaneta. Dr. Orata believed that everyone, regardless of their socioeconomic status, was entitled to equal opportunities and access to higher education.

With the support of Mayor Amadeo R. Perez Jr. and the Sangguniang Bayan, Dr. Orata founded the Urdaneta Community College (UCC) using the proceeds of the 1966 town fiesta celebration. The college started with a two-year General Education course and an enrolment of 144 students from rural areas. Many of these students worked as tricycle drivers, farmers, and part-time maids to pay for their education.

Over the years, UCC continued to grow and expand its academic offerings, adding programs in Midwifery (1973), Nursing (1975), Computer Education (1990), Graduate School (1995), Commerce and Accountancy (1996), and Caregiver Training Program (2002). The college also managed to acquire its own facilities, despite having limited resources.

When Urdaneta became a city in 1998, UCC changed its name to City College of Urdaneta. In 2006, the college was declared as Urdaneta City University by the Board of Regents and confirmed by the Sangguniang Panglunsod of Urdaneta. This declaration further reflected the university’s commitment to providing quality higher education.

Today, UCU continues to attract students from all over Pangasinan, offering them a chance to pursue their academic and career goals. The university remains true to its roots, providing education to students from rural areas and inculcating in them the importance of both academic excellence and character transformation.

Urdaneta City University is a testament to Dr. Orata’s vision and commitment to providing education to all, regardless of their background. The university’s rich history and achievements serve as a source of inspiration for all who are involved with the institution.