Was it destiny or divine intervention that led to the birth of De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde? Its story began in 1980. It started as the College of Career Development. This night school served working students at De La Salle University-Manila. Brother Andrew Gonzalez FSC led this initiative.
Saint Benilde Romançon inspired the naming of De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde. He was an exemplary educator in France during the 1800s.
In 1985, it became the Community College. By 1988, it gained university status. It was then named De La Salle University-College of Saint Benilde. The De La Salle University System was established a year before.
The college achieved autonomy in 1994. A new vision emerged in 2004. It was renamed De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde. The University was dropped from its title.
Initially, De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde resided in Miguel Hall. This was formerly Benilde Hall at De La Salle University-Manila. In 1989, it moved to its own campus. The address is 2544 Taft Avenue. Today, De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde has three campuses. These are the Taft Campus on Taft Avenue. There is also the Angelo King International Center Campus on Arellano Avenue. Finally, the School of Design and Arts Campus stands on Pablo Ocampo Street.
De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde uses learner-centered instruction. It provides degree and non-degree programs. These programs develop professionals in various fields. These fields include arts and design. Management and service industries are also included. So are computer applications in business. The college pioneered unique degree offerings. These set it apart from other Philippine institutions.
In 1998, De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde joined the National Collegiate Athletic Association. It is its youngest member. La Salle Green Hills represents the junior division.
De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde recognizes varied human intelligence. This recognition comes from Howard Gardner’s theory. This theory states that each person has different levels of intelligence. These levels determine their cognitive profile. Learner-centered instruction is a result. Classes adapt to student understanding. They acknowledge individual uniqueness.
De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde has six schools. These schools offer programs for professionals. The fields covered are arts, design, and management. Service industries are also included. The same is true for computer applications and special studies.
The School of Design and Arts began in 1995. It is among the largest schools in De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde. It seeks to develop creative and business skills. The School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies began in 1991. It started with vocational programs.
The School of Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management aims to equip graduates. It wants them to succeed as entrepreneurs. It also trains students for the hotel and restaurant industries. The School of Management and Information Technology is one of the oldest. It offers degrees anchored in business administration.
The School of Multidisciplinary Studies handles general education. It gives students a foundation in various subjects. The School of Professional and Continuing Education provides post-baccalaureate programs.
The Taft Campus sits on a 6380 square meter lot. It goes from Taft Avenue to Leon Guinto Street. The campus consists of interconnected buildings. These are St. Benilde Hall, Duerr Hall, and Blessed Solomon Hall. St. Mutien Marie Hall is also among them.
Plaza Villarosa is on the second level of the Taft Campus. It features plants and a basketball court. It also has an elevated platform. The statue of Saint Benilde is in the plaza. Behind it is an 18-bell chime. This chime honors Lasallian brothers killed in World War II.
Saint Benilde Hall opened in 1989. Duerr Hall is the second building. It was blessed in 1992. The Chapel of the Resurrection is on the second floor.
Mutien Marie Hall and Blessed Solomon Hall were blessed in 1996. The Angelo King International Center is a hotel-school. It allows students to learn in a real-world setting. The School of Design and Arts Campus is a 14-story complex.
De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde’s school seal features an open book. It also has a five-pointed star. The college’s mission and vision are represented in the seal.