The STA years.

Formerly known as St. Theresa's Academy, STC was founded and organized by the Franciscan Sisters before 1940. In 1940 it was turned over by the Mother Mary of the Holy Name. The pre-war STC had a complete elementary and high school departments for girls. The school, however, was closed at its infancy at the start of the World War II.

In 1944, the Japanese Imperial Army permitted Mother Claire to re-open the school with Niponggo as a subject in all classes. However, it was forced to close before the school year was over due to the rumblings and tumult of the war of the Philippine Liberation.

At the request of the then parish priest Fr. Gualberto La Torre, STC was again re-opened in 1950 by Sister Mary of the Holy Name opening its doors to some 28 grade school pupils and 38 high school graduates respectively in 1951 and 1954. As the school continued to grow, little improvements were undertaken under the Administration of the Good Shepherd Sisters in the following orde: Sister Mary of Therese, Mother Therese, Sister Ofelia Endrinal, Sister Mary Francis Xavier and finally Sister Maryanne Terrenal.

From the 70's to the 90's

In 1970, the Good Shepherd Sisters turned over the school to the Archdiocese of Lipa with the Archbishop as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees. The year also marked its expansion in the admission of not only female but also male students. The first school director was the Very Rev. Msgr. Alberto M. Boongaling whose appointment in 1970 has proven the worth of the Bishop’s appointment via improvements in physical plant and strong educational leadership. The academic administration was entrusted to Mrs. Flora V. Javier, High School Principal and Miss Leodegaria A. Ciceron, Grade School Principal.

School year 1975 – 1976 was when the night session opened in answer to the demands of the community to provide Catholic education to those who had to earn a living during the day. The night classes lasted for 21 years.

In 1984, Rev. Fr. Conrado G. Castillo replaced Msgr. Alberto M. Boongaling in the directorial job of the institution. Under the new administration, the main thrusts are the upliftment of the status of the employees and the enhancement of the school services and facilities.

Fr. Castillo implemented his development plans admits difficulties. Several structures were living proofs of his dedicated directorship, such as the renovation of the classrooms, the construction of the Chapel, the canteen, the bookstore and the Grade School Clinic laboratory, covered walks, children’s playground and waiting shed complete with the insulation, tables and benches.

In 1990 the school held a year long celebration of its Golden Anniversary. The activities included symposia for parents, alumni and students, a dance party and a cultural presentation which coincided with the Coronation night for Mr. and Miss STC and Little Mr. and Miss STC for the high school and grade school departments respectively.

STC has increased its enrollment by almost 200% from barely 400 students in 1969, its first year of independent operation to 2, 379 students in 1990. In the course of time, STC became especially distinguished for its high standard of education.

The STC era In 1994, Fr. Conrado G. Castillo, with the blessings of the Archbishop, spearheaded his biggest project so far – the establishment of a College Department for which he built the three-storey college building. Such endeavor commended with a ground breaking ceremony on September 1994. This celebration was officiated by the Most Rev. Gaudencio B. Rosales, Archbishop of Lipa; Fr. Conrado G. Castillo. College President; and attended by Dr. Flora V. Javier, College Dean and High School Principal; Miss Leodegraria A. Ciceron; Grade School Principal; the faculty and staff and the officers of the Family Council. June of 1995 marked the maiden operation of the College Department for which STA was renamed Sta. Teresa College. The first college dean, Dr. Flora V. Javier, tapped some high school teachers and part timers to form the academic staff. On October 15, the College Building was blessed and the first College President, Rev. Fr. Conrado G. Castillo, was installed.

Starting a college is an arduous task. STC has to compete with the more-established, if not well-established college and universities in the city; consequently, the record of college enrollment was not that big at the start with 58 students during the first semester.

In the course of time, STC withstood the test and challenges and has painstakingly maintained its high academic status that slowly attracted college enrollees from the nearby towns and far provinces as well.

The year 1997 marked the awarding of the first College diplomas to the 23 and 15 graduates of Associates in Computer Technology and Computer Secretarial respectively while the first Degree Holders – 17 in Bachelor in Science in Computer Science, 2 in Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education received their diplomas in 1999.

In 1997, Miss Emelinda G. Castillo succeeded by Dr. Flora V. Javier as dean. She was also appointed Director for Student Services, Miss Leodegraria A. Ciceron, Director for Academics and Mr. Aurelio D. Manalo, Jr. as Director for Administrative Services. The Administrators were Dr. Prominencia C. Borbon, as Head of the Department of Education and Mr. Aurelio D. Manalo, Jr., Head of Department of Computer Studies. Dr. Borbon acted as dean during the second semester of 1998-1999 when Ms. Castillo was on leave. In 1999, Miss Leodegraria A. Ciceron was named College Dean and Miss Aida M. Agrao became the Department Head of Education in June 1999.

Coinciding with the start of the New Millennium, a Grand Alumni Homecoming in celebration of STC’s 60th Anniversary was held. The Alumni Association led the affairs which included their participation in the mass in honor of the school Patroness, St. Teresa of Avila; parade of muses on the first day of intramurals; alumni night which was highlighted by the presentation of the Mr. and Ms. STC grade school, high school and college; Ms. Alumna of the Decades, and Mr. & Ms. Faculty; and Ballroom Dancing / Party. In return, a cultural presentation was performed by the Cherubim, Siglayaw and Teatro Teresiana talents in salute to the alumni.

The year 2004 highlighted major changes in the administration. Miss Pelagia C. Manalo was appointed school principal along with the independence of the College Department with Mrs. Aida A. Casas as dean.

On October 15. 2004, coinciding with the 64th foundation anniversary of the institution, Rev. Fr. Carlo Magno C. Ilagan was installed as second College President, replacing Rev. Fr. Conrado G. Castillo. The event was officiated by Most Rev. Ramon C. Arguelles, DD, STL, Archbishop of Lipa. Fr. Ilagan continued the development and improvement pioneered by Fr. Castillo, including the expansion of the College Building and the establishment of the centralized school library and multipurpose hall. He aimed for the intellectual formation and development of competitiveness among the students.

Today, STA. TERESA COLLEGE stands as a symbol of commitment to the ideals of genuine and authentic Christian education, responding to the global milieu and the Holy Mother Church, and meeting the demands and challenges of the changing times.