A Marian from grade school to college, she graduated in 1950 with the degree Bachelor in Secondary Education (Major in English, Minor in History). From there, she proceeded to obtain her Master in Education in Guidance and Counseling (1970), and Doctorate in Educational Management (1987) – all at SMU.

In 1968, she was designated Dean of the College of Education, a post she held until 1991. Before this, she was a classroom teacher in the High School Department, Assistant to the Dean of Graduate School (1972-1975), Administrative Assistant to the President (1973-1975), Chair of the Academic Council (1986-1992), Director of the Community Extension Services Program (1990-1994), Coordinator of the Applied Nutrition Program (1974-1995), and Vice President for Academic Affairs (1992-1995). Upon her retirement, she continued as a lecturer and as educational consultant from 1995-1999. She was also a corporate member of the Saint Mary’s University of Bayombong, Incorporated and the Saint Mary’s University Scholarship and Development Foundation (SMU-SDF), Incorporated.

Madam Puring is fondly remembered as a dedicated teacher, dean and first Vice President for Academic Affairs, especially in matters of curriculum development, paving the way to accreditation pursuits during the 1980s. Students and colleagues recall how the D-Building stage and later the gymnasium would be filled with audience expecting the best from theatre productions written and directed by Madam Puring.

She is survived by her three sons, Franz Joseph, Cornelius Lambert, and Richard John – all alumni of Saint Mary’s University from grade school to college.

Truly, a woman of substance, a paragon of hardwork, and model of dedicated service for God, for her family, and for Saint Mary’s University.

Written by: PIO