On 9 September 2019, Dr. John Octavious S. Palina was installed as the fifth University President of Saint Mary’s, making him the first-ever lay university president after a long line of CICM priests serving as the top administrators of SMU.

In his inaugural address, Dr. Palina appealed “for everyone to take part in ensuring that we pull the same strings together leading us to the realization of all our aspirations for this University. I am quite certain that by the grace of God, and through the intercession of our Patroness, Mother Mary, we will be able to work as teams since communion has always been one of the guiding values in this esteemed University.”

During his eighth year as University President, Dr. Palina has made strides towards realizing the focal point of his administration, the theme of his Installation eighth years ago, and now the official school tagline: “Inspired by Mission, Driven by Excellence.”