Adamson launches College of Computing and Information Technology

Date Posted: September 19, 2024 at 09:04 AM


Adamson University inaugurated its newest academic unit, the College of Computing and Information Technology (CCIT), on September 17 at the Co Po Ty Hall, Dr. Carlos Tiu Building.

Led by its inaugural dean Dr. Leonard Luis Alejandro, CCIT will serve students enrolled in Computer Science, Information Science, Information Technology, Dual degree program in Computer Science and Information Engineering and Master of Information Technology programs.

The event opened with remarks from Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Rosula SJ Reyes, who highlighted CCIT’s crucial role in advancing Adamson’s technological and academic goals.

“As we launch the new College of Adamson University, in addition to the existing eight higher education colleges […] we'll see a robust Adamson University bringing in computing and IT that would be able to work together with the other colleges, as it cuts through all the disciplines,” she said.

“We would like to wish our College of Computing and Information Technology faculty and staff, the students as well, to be working hard, to be able to work together with the other departments as well as colleges, because you will be at the heart of all the information, data science, AI, and all the other emerging technologies.”

The CCIT

The College of Science, which previously housed CCIT’s programs, was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation as a token of appreciation.

Dean Eleanor Austria of the College of Science accepted the award from Dr. Alejandro and CS, and IT & IS Chairpersons Maria Christina Navarro and  Archie Santiago.

The ceremony also included a video presentation chronicling the chairpersons of the IT&IS and CS departments from their early days to the present.

Ms. Navarro presented the new college's mission and vision, followed by Mr. Santiago’s explanation of the CCIT logo.

President’s Cues

University President Fr. Daniel Franklin E. Pilario, CM, also delivered his message, underscoring the importance of innovation and collaboration for the future of computing education at Adamson University.

Fr. Pilario highlighted the significance of collaboration and adaptation in the digital age and emphasized that this launch only began a transformative journey.

“This is just our first step. There will be more in the work and the life of this college.”

He also drew a parallel between the creation of CCIT and the process of letting go, likening it to a family experience.

“To separate computing and information technology from the College of Science is a way for a mother to let go of her child and have her own life,” he furthered.

Moreover, Fr. Pilario explained the cultural context surrounding the establishment of the new college in light of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). He elaborated on how technological advancements, such as data and connectivity, artificial intelligence, and 3D printing, necessitate the University’s transition.

“4IR is actually digital power... Adamson University is famous for engineering, but 4IR, we have to move on beyond that.”

Banking on his point, he urged faculty members to adapt and innovate, reminding them that “our students [...] are digital natives […] if we teachers do not adapt to this digital world, we will be left behind.”

He also underscored the importance of aligning technological advancements with the University’s mission to address societal issues.

“How does technology solve poverty? How does technology offer and help foster good health and well-being?” Fr. Pilario asked, connecting the concerns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and stressing that education must respond to real-world challenges.

“The new name of charity is SDG, [...] until our researchers respond to the SDGs and make life easier for the people on the streets, we are not doing education,” he concluded, alluding to the significance of the college's mission in preparing students for the digital age while remaining grounded in Adamson University’s Vincentian values.

An animated short film titled The Gameplan, created by Information Technology students in the Multimedia Technology course was shown to the audience, showcasing the students' creativity and technical expertise.

“Reco and Friendship”

In his address, Dr. Alejandro referenced the storybook Isang Pagkakaibigan to introduce and illustrate the importance of the community within the CCIT.

He outlined a strategic vision using two key concepts: RECO (Recommendation) and FRIENDSHIP.

According to the newly minted head of the CCIT, RECO stands for Research, Enrollment, Certification Exams and Outreach and Movement.

Meanwhile, FRIENDSHIP stands for Faculty Fellows, Refining Specialist Curriculum, Internationalization and Inclusivity, Employment Prior to Graduation Program, Network of Alumni, Dedicated Expert Membership or Mentorship, Strengthen Industry Linkages, Hackathons, Animation and Esports, International and Local Competitions, and Proactive Technology Adoption.

Before ending his speech, Dr. Alejandro recalled an experience while devicing the college logo.

“All the key elements [of the logo] were already defined, the computer, the globe, the three dots, and binary numbers, except for the computer's stand. On my way to Bali last July for a conference, while sketching these [CCIT logo] elements on a piece of paper, I encountered one of our alumni who was waiting for his flight to Bangkok,” he recalled.

“After a brief conversation, the computer's hand gained its symbolism. It now represents our administrators, faculty, staff, industry partners, advisory board, students, and alumni [who] in essence, are the pillars that the college simply cannot live without.”

The event also featured the premier of the CCIT promotional video and a pinning ceremony to acknowledge CCIT faculty members.

Video greetings from international partners, including Woosong University (South Korea), the University of Puthisastra (Cambodia), and Telstra Purple (Australia), added a global dimension to the launch, highlighting CCIT’s international collaborations.

The event concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between Adamson University and various industry partners.

In preparation for the launch, a Thanksgiving Mass was held on September 16 at the ST Chapel, led by Integrated Community Extension Service Office Director Fr. Rowen Carlos, CM.