On 17th January 1955, St. Alphonsus Academy was born out of a noble vision – to empower the migrant students of the localities with education, dignity, and hope. This humble beginning took shape under the farsighted leadership of Fr. Joseph Morgan and Fr. Mathew Hickey, C.Ss.R., with the dedicated assistance of the Sisters of Tarbes. Starting with just 90 children, the first classes were held in the rooms of the Redemptorist Seminary building on the ground floor facing the church. By 1956, the Education Department recognised the school, paving the way for decades of transformative education.
Today, as the Academy celebrates its 70th Jubilee Year, it stands tall like a mighty tree, deeply rooted in its founding vision and branching out to touch thousands of lives. St. Alphonsus Academy has grown into a multifaceted institution comprising a Tamil Medium Primary School, an English Medium High School, a Pre-University College, and now, marking a historic milestone, a Degree Graduation Program. With over 1700 students guided by a dedicated team of 70+ staff members, the Academy continues to uphold its mission of providing quality education to the underprivileged.
To commemorate this landmark year, the Jubilee celebrations were inaugurated with boundless joy and solemnity, marking the beginning of a year-long series of events aimed at serving the community and students meaningfully. The inauguration ceremony itself was marked by three historic milestones:
Construction of a New Jubilee Building Block
The foundation stone for a state-of-the-art building block with hi-tech classrooms was blessed by Fr. Edward Joseph Raj, Provincial of the Bangalore Province, and Shri. Srinivas A.C., the local MLA. This project, entirely sponsored by generous benefactors and charitable trusts, will enhance learning facilities for underprivileged students, equipping them for a competitive future.
Inauguration of the Evening Degree College
Recognising the urgent need for accessible higher education, especially for students who begin working immediately after their PU studies, the Evening Degree College was inaugurated by Fr. Edward Joseph Raj and the local MLA. With an initial enrolment of 15 students, this program offers new hope for many to continue their academic journey alongside their professional responsibilities.
Launch of “The Alphonsites” Newsletter
The Academy also proudly launched its own newsletter, “The Alphonsites,” on the same day. This initiative aims to encourage students, parents, and teachers to contribute articles and updates, thereby documenting the vibrant life and achievements of St. Alphonsus Academy.
This Platinum Jubilee celebration is also a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to all the benefactors who have supported various initiatives in the school over the years, enabling it to provide quality education to the poorest and most deserving students. A special word of thanks to Fr. John Mathew, C.Ss.R., the Manager and Correspondent, under whose dynamic and dedicated leadership the Academy has reached its peak of excellence today. We also gratefully acknowledge the contributions of Fr. Prem Kumar, C.Ss.R., and the committed service of the Sisters of Tarbes – Sr. Udhaya Bharathi, Sr. Sagaya Mary, and Sr. Jeyamalini (DSMP)– who continue to nurture the children with motherly care and discipline.
We extend our deepest appreciation to all the dedicated staff members, the ever-supportive parents, and our enthusiastic students, whose hard work, faith, and trust have built St. Alphonsus Academy into what it is today. As St. Alphonsus Academy embarks on this Platinum journey, it renews its commitment to its founding mission – “Educating minds, nurturing hearts, and empowering the poor with dignity and hope.”
The story of St. Alphonsus Academy is a testament to how a small initiative, rooted in faith and compassion, can grow into a beacon of hope for generations. As we celebrate the 70th Jubilee Year, we remember with gratitude all those who laid the foundations and nurtured its growth, especially all the confreres of the Bangalore Province who have served selflessly through these years. With God’s grace and community support, the Academy looks ahead to many more decades of excellence, ensuring that every child who enters its gates walks out empowered to build a better world.
Mr. Samuel Raj
English Professor, St. Alphonsus Academy
