The valedictory ceremony of the golden jubilee celebration of St Mary’s PU College, Shirva was held at Monsignor Hilary Gonsalves Auditorium on December 13, 2024.
St Mary’s PU College, Shirva: A legacy of excellence
St Mary’s High School, a remarkable gift to Shirva by Msgr Hilary Gonsalves, was established on June 1, 1947. The school celebrated its silver jubilee on January 9, 1972, under the presidency of Badri Narayana, then education minister of Karnataka. In the same year, St Mary’s transitioned into a junior college. A new building was constructed to commemorate the occasion, with its foundation laid by Aroor Ram Mohan Rao and inaugurated on February 16, 1979, by Edward Gonsalves, a retired judge and nephew of Msgr Gonsalves.
Acknowledging the need for an open-air stage for cultural activities, alumnus Lawrence D’Souza, a businessman based in Kuwait, generously donated funds for its construction. The stage included a staff room above it and featured a life-size statue of Msgr Gonsalves, honoring his contributions.
Over the years, St Mary’s PU College witnessed tremendous growth, particularly in its science stream, which required additional sections due to high demand. The institution consistently excelled in academics, securing top rankings in Udupi taluk and across the state. The college also hosted the district-level sports meet for PU colleges in 1993.
Leadership changes over the decades contributed to the college’s development. In 1996, Alban Rodrigues retired, and Felix Andrade became principal in charge. In 1997, J B Miranda was appointed principal, while Fr Lawrence Gomes assumed the role of correspondent in 1994. The high school celebrated its golden jubilee in November 1998, marking five decades of educational excellence.
St Mary’s PU College celebrated its golden jubilee with the valedictory program on December 13, 2024 under the leadership of Fr Leslie Dsouza as correspondent and Jayashankar K as principal, the college.
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