HISTORY AND TIMELINE OF THE BENILDE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
1988 - The Founding of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) was born in 1988 as a night class program under the umbrella of De La Salle University. The college was established with a mission to provide an inclusive and innovative learning environment that catered to non-traditional students. From its
modest beginnings, Benilde would grow to become a vibrant institution known for pushing the
boundaries of education, especially in the fields of design, arts, and management. The spirit of
innovation and inclusivity that marked Benilde's foundation would later influence the formation
of its alumni association.
1988 - 2008: Humble Beginnings – A Chapter of the De La Salle University Alumni Association. For the first 20 years, Benilde’s alumni community operated under the De La Salle University Alumni Association, forming what was known as the Benilde Alumni Chapter. During this time, Benilde graduates connected with each other and participated in DLSU alumni activities. Despite being part of a larger organization, Benildeans were already establishing a
distinct identity, embodying the college’s ethos of creativity, inclusion, and service. This chapter
served as a launching pad for what would become an independent and flourishing alumni association.
2008 - The Autonomous Benilde Alumni Association In 2008, the Benilde Alumni Chapter
took a significant step towards independence. The DLS-CSB Alumni Association became an
autonomous body, officially separating from the De La Salle University Alumni Association.
This move reflected the growing number of Benilde alumni and their unique needs as graduates
of an institution that had, by then, established itself as a leader in design, arts, and specialized
programs. The autonomy gave Benildeans the freedom to shape their own events, initiatives, and
projects that aligned with the values and culture of their alma mater.
2009 - A New Home and the Benilde Alumni Card 2009 was a landmark year for the Benilde
Alumni Association. It was during this time that the association was given its very first office,
located at the School of Design & Arts Campus, now known as the Design + Arts Campus of
Benilde. This office became the heart of alumni activities, providing a space for engagement,
collaboration, and the planning of events. To further strengthen the connection between alumni
and the college, the Benilde Alumni Card was introduced. The card offered alumni exclusive
benefits, privileges, and access to various services, making it easier for graduates to stay engaged
with the Benilde community.
2009 – The First Grand Alumni Homecoming In 2009, the Benilde Alumni Association
organized its first-ever Grand Alumni Homecoming. This momentous event gathered alumni
from various batches, offering them the opportunity to reconnect with their peers and celebrate
their shared Benildean experiences. The event set a precedent for future homecomings, becoming
a cornerstone of alumni engagement that would continue for years to come.
2010 – Going Global: The Singapore Chapter As Benilde alumni began to spread across the
globe, the need for international representation became clear. In 2010, the first overseas chapter
of the Benilde Alumni Association was established in Singapore. This chapter allowed alumni in
Singapore to stay connected with their alma mater, while also providing a platform for
networking and collaboration within the local community. It was a milestone that marked the
global reach of Benildeans.
2011 – The Second Grand Alumni Homecoming The second Grand Alumni Homecoming in
2011 built upon the success of the inaugural event, further solidifying the homecoming as a
cherished tradition. Alumni returned to their beloved college, sharing memories, celebrating
successes, and reaffirming their ties to the Benilde community. The homecoming event became a
symbol of the enduring bond between alumni and their alma mater.
2012 – The Hong Kong Chapter In 2012, the Benilde Alumni Association expanded its
international presence by establishing a chapter in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Chapter became
an important hub for Benildeans working in the region, offering them a sense of community and
belonging while they pursued their professional endeavors abroad. This expansion reflected the
growing influence of Benildeans on the global stage.
2015 – The Third Grand Alumni Homecoming By 2015, the Grand Alumni Homecoming had
become a highly anticipated event on the alumni calendar. The third homecoming was a vibrant
celebration of Benilde’s rich history and the success of its graduates. The event attracted a wide
range of alumni, from recent graduates to those who had been part of the college’s early years,
creating a diverse and inclusive atmosphere of camaraderie.
2016 – The US Chapter In 2016, the Benilde Alumni Association crossed the Pacific and
established a chapter in the United States. This chapter catered to the growing number of
Benildeans making their mark in various industries across the US. It became a platform for
networking, collaboration, and giving back to the college. The US Chapter was a testament to the
global presence and influence of Benilde alumni.
2019 – The Fourth Grand Alumni Homecoming The fourth Grand Alumni Homecoming in
2019 marked another successful gathering of Benilde graduates. By this time, the homecoming
had become a major event that showcased the achievements of Benildeans from various fields.
The event celebrated not only the accomplishments of alumni but also the evolution of the
Benilde Alumni Association as a powerful force for alumni engagement and support.
2024 – A New Era: The Alumni Office at MFC Building In 2024, the Benilde Alumni Association moved into its new home at the MFC Building, symbolizing a new chapter in the association’s history. The new office serves as a central hub for alumni activities, offering a modern and accessible space for engagement, events, and initiatives. This move reflects the continued growth and evolution of the Benilde Alumni Association as it strives to provide
meaningful connections and opportunities for its alumni across the globe.