Stella Maris College (Autonomous), Chennai: Where Values and Commerce Education Converge
Rev. Dr (Sr.) Stella Mary, FMM - Principal, Stella Maris College (Autonomous), Chennai
Stella Maris College (Autonomous), Chennai, a women-centric institution of higher learning, remains deeply committed to inclusive education that empowers women to lead with competence, integrity and purpose.
Founded in 1947 by the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary (FMM), the College has consistently upheld a vision of education grounded in academic excellence, ethical formation and service to society.
At Stella Maris College, commerce education is not designed to follow markets but to prepare women to shape them.
Within this institutional legacy, the Department of Commerce has emerged as a cornerstone of academic distinction. Established in 1985, the Department reflects the College’s long-standing commitment to nurturing women professionals who are intellectually capable, ethically grounded and socially responsible.
Over four decades, the Department has evolved from a single section into a multi-disciplinary academic unit, while remaining firmly anchored to its founding values.
Reflecting the College’s mission-driven ethos, Rev. Dr (Sr.) Stella Mary, FMM, Principal of Stella Maris College (Autonomous), Chennai, affirms, “Education at Stella Maris is rooted in mission and expressed through purpose, nurturing women who lead with integrity, competence and compassion, while remaining proactive, innovative and forward-thinking in engaging with emerging knowledge, technologies and evolving opportunities.”
Reimagining Commerce Education
Change is No Longer Optional
Over the last two decades, commerce education has undergone a significant transformation. Once centred largely on accounting instruction, it has expanded into an interdisciplinary and application-oriented field shaped by global integration, evolving business practices and emerging professional expectations. Young women learners today seek careers that are purposeful, globally relevant and socially meaningful and they increasingly look to institutions that combine academic rigour with ethical clarity and practical exposure.
Responding to this evolving landscape, the Department of Commerce at Stella Maris College has adopted a liberal education approach that integrates commerce studies with leadership development, ethical reasoning and social consciousness. This philosophy positions commerce education not merely as professional preparation, but as a transformative academic journey.
The completion of forty years of academic service was marked by a reflective commemoration honouring founding leaders, former faculty members and generations of alumnae whose contributions have shaped the Department’s identity and direction.
”Stella Maris College, a women-centric institution, remains deeply committed to inclusive education that empowers women to lead with competence, integrity and purpose”
Educating the Whole Professional
The educational philosophy of Stella Maris College is rooted in holistic formation. Commerce education at Stella Maris College develops graduates who analyse with rigour, decide with integrity and lead with social awareness. The Department translates this philosophy into practice through academically rigorous programmes supported by values-driven learning.
Curriculum design and review follow a structured consultative process led by the Board of Studies with inputs from academic experts, industry practitioners, alumnae and students. This collaborative framework ensures that academic offerings remain contemporary, relevant and aligned with professional expectations while retaining the institution’s value-based ethos.
Teaching and learning extend beyond the classroom through case-based pedagogy, simulations, research projects, internships, professional certification programmes and practitioner-led sessions. These approaches strengthen conceptual clarity while enabling students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world business contexts.
Industry Engagement and Professional Exposure
Exposure Precedes Expertise
Industry engagement forms an integral dimension of student preparation. The Department facilitates industrial visits and structured exposure programmes that allow students to observe organisational practices and professional environments at close quarters. Such experiences provide valuable insights into functional areas including finance, marketing, operations, logistics and governance.
To strengthen professional linkages, the Department has formalised Memoranda of Understanding with leading professional bodies such as the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Ladies Organisation, the Madras Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Andhra Chamber of Commerce. These collaborations support guest lectures, workshops, mentoring initiatives, internships, leadership programmes and participation in professional forums.
In addition, partnerships with professional training institutions provide guided pathways for students pursuing globally recognised professional accounting qualifications. These collaborations complement the undergraduate curriculum while enabling students to explore specialised career trajectories.
Research Orientation and Interdisciplinary Learning
Research and analytical thinking are encouraged from the undergraduate level through research projects, paper presentations, analytical assignments and conference participation. Interdisciplinary engagement is promoted through the integration of perspectives from economics, behavioural studies, sustainability ethics and emerging business frameworks.
International conferences, seminars and academic forums organised by the Department offer students exposure to contemporary business themes and global academic discourse. These platforms support intellectual curiosity, analytical depth and professional confidence while reinforcing the Department’s commitment to academic excellence.
Leadership Development and Global Readiness
Leadership formation is fostered through academic conferences, certification programmes, mentoring initiatives and co-curricular platforms, including departmental and intercollegiate events. Students learn leadership not as theory, but as practice. These experiences enable students to develop organisational skills, teamwork, communication, leadership and resilience through experiential learning.
Ethical decision-making, governance principles and cultural sensitivity are embedded within curricular and co-curricular activities, preparing students to navigate complex professional environments with integrity and accountability. Global exposure is facilitated through visiting faculty programmes, practitioner-led interactions and international academic engagements.
Alumnae Engagement and Graduate Outcomes
A defining strength of the Department lies in its sustained relationship with its alumnae. Through an exclusive Alumnae Web Portal and structured engagement initiatives graduates contribute as mentors, recruiters, industry experts and academic collaborators. Legacy here is active. This continuum between past, present and future strengthens curriculum relevance enhances student exposure and reinforces professional networks.
Graduate outcomes are systematically reviewed across employability, higher education progression, entrepreneurship and social contribution. Alumnae of the Department have distinguished themselves across corporate leadership, entrepreneurship, academia, public service and the social sector, reflecting the enduring value of a Stella Maris education.
Shaping Future Women Leaders in Commerce
As a women-centric institution, Stella Maris College remains committed to inclusive education and equitable access. The Department of Commerce extends academic support mentoring and guidance to students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds, ensuring that merit and potential are nurtured, irrespective of individual circumstances.
Looking ahead, the Department’s strategic roadmap focuses on strengthening interdisciplinary offerings advancing outcome-based learning and responsibly expanding analytics-oriented exposure. Global academic collaborations and industry-aligned learning continue to be deepened with purpose and discernment. Anchored in a four-decade legacy and guided by values-driven leadership, the Department of Commerce remains committed not only to preparing women for professional success, but to shaping leaders who influence business society and the future with integrity.
Founded in Mission, Sustained by Purpose
This recognition gains added significance as Stella Maris College marks the 150-year legacy of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary, its founding congregation.
Founded in 1947 by the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary (FMM), the College has consistently upheld a vision of education grounded in academic excellence, ethical formation and service to society.
At Stella Maris College, commerce education is not designed to follow markets but to prepare women to shape them.
Within this institutional legacy, the Department of Commerce has emerged as a cornerstone of academic distinction. Established in 1985, the Department reflects the College’s long-standing commitment to nurturing women professionals who are intellectually capable, ethically grounded and socially responsible.
Over four decades, the Department has evolved from a single section into a multi-disciplinary academic unit, while remaining firmly anchored to its founding values.
Reflecting the College’s mission-driven ethos, Rev. Dr (Sr.) Stella Mary, FMM, Principal of Stella Maris College (Autonomous), Chennai, affirms, “Education at Stella Maris is rooted in mission and expressed through purpose, nurturing women who lead with integrity, competence and compassion, while remaining proactive, innovative and forward-thinking in engaging with emerging knowledge, technologies and evolving opportunities.”
Reimagining Commerce Education
Change is No Longer Optional
Over the last two decades, commerce education has undergone a significant transformation. Once centred largely on accounting instruction, it has expanded into an interdisciplinary and application-oriented field shaped by global integration, evolving business practices and emerging professional expectations. Young women learners today seek careers that are purposeful, globally relevant and socially meaningful and they increasingly look to institutions that combine academic rigour with ethical clarity and practical exposure.
Responding to this evolving landscape, the Department of Commerce at Stella Maris College has adopted a liberal education approach that integrates commerce studies with leadership development, ethical reasoning and social consciousness. This philosophy positions commerce education not merely as professional preparation, but as a transformative academic journey.
The completion of forty years of academic service was marked by a reflective commemoration honouring founding leaders, former faculty members and generations of alumnae whose contributions have shaped the Department’s identity and direction.
”Stella Maris College, a women-centric institution, remains deeply committed to inclusive education that empowers women to lead with competence, integrity and purpose”
Educating the Whole Professional
The educational philosophy of Stella Maris College is rooted in holistic formation. Commerce education at Stella Maris College develops graduates who analyse with rigour, decide with integrity and lead with social awareness. The Department translates this philosophy into practice through academically rigorous programmes supported by values-driven learning.
Curriculum design and review follow a structured consultative process led by the Board of Studies with inputs from academic experts, industry practitioners, alumnae and students. This collaborative framework ensures that academic offerings remain contemporary, relevant and aligned with professional expectations while retaining the institution’s value-based ethos.
Teaching and learning extend beyond the classroom through case-based pedagogy, simulations, research projects, internships, professional certification programmes and practitioner-led sessions. These approaches strengthen conceptual clarity while enabling students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world business contexts.
Industry Engagement and Professional Exposure
Exposure Precedes Expertise
Industry engagement forms an integral dimension of student preparation. The Department facilitates industrial visits and structured exposure programmes that allow students to observe organisational practices and professional environments at close quarters. Such experiences provide valuable insights into functional areas including finance, marketing, operations, logistics and governance.
To strengthen professional linkages, the Department has formalised Memoranda of Understanding with leading professional bodies such as the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Ladies Organisation, the Madras Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Andhra Chamber of Commerce. These collaborations support guest lectures, workshops, mentoring initiatives, internships, leadership programmes and participation in professional forums.
In addition, partnerships with professional training institutions provide guided pathways for students pursuing globally recognised professional accounting qualifications. These collaborations complement the undergraduate curriculum while enabling students to explore specialised career trajectories.
Research Orientation and Interdisciplinary Learning
Research and analytical thinking are encouraged from the undergraduate level through research projects, paper presentations, analytical assignments and conference participation. Interdisciplinary engagement is promoted through the integration of perspectives from economics, behavioural studies, sustainability ethics and emerging business frameworks.
International conferences, seminars and academic forums organised by the Department offer students exposure to contemporary business themes and global academic discourse. These platforms support intellectual curiosity, analytical depth and professional confidence while reinforcing the Department’s commitment to academic excellence.
Leadership Development and Global Readiness
Leadership formation is fostered through academic conferences, certification programmes, mentoring initiatives and co-curricular platforms, including departmental and intercollegiate events. Students learn leadership not as theory, but as practice. These experiences enable students to develop organisational skills, teamwork, communication, leadership and resilience through experiential learning.
Ethical decision-making, governance principles and cultural sensitivity are embedded within curricular and co-curricular activities, preparing students to navigate complex professional environments with integrity and accountability. Global exposure is facilitated through visiting faculty programmes, practitioner-led interactions and international academic engagements.
Alumnae Engagement and Graduate Outcomes
A defining strength of the Department lies in its sustained relationship with its alumnae. Through an exclusive Alumnae Web Portal and structured engagement initiatives graduates contribute as mentors, recruiters, industry experts and academic collaborators. Legacy here is active. This continuum between past, present and future strengthens curriculum relevance enhances student exposure and reinforces professional networks.
Graduate outcomes are systematically reviewed across employability, higher education progression, entrepreneurship and social contribution. Alumnae of the Department have distinguished themselves across corporate leadership, entrepreneurship, academia, public service and the social sector, reflecting the enduring value of a Stella Maris education.
Shaping Future Women Leaders in Commerce
As a women-centric institution, Stella Maris College remains committed to inclusive education and equitable access. The Department of Commerce extends academic support mentoring and guidance to students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds, ensuring that merit and potential are nurtured, irrespective of individual circumstances.
Looking ahead, the Department’s strategic roadmap focuses on strengthening interdisciplinary offerings advancing outcome-based learning and responsibly expanding analytics-oriented exposure. Global academic collaborations and industry-aligned learning continue to be deepened with purpose and discernment. Anchored in a four-decade legacy and guided by values-driven leadership, the Department of Commerce remains committed not only to preparing women for professional success, but to shaping leaders who influence business society and the future with integrity.
Founded in Mission, Sustained by Purpose
This recognition gains added significance as Stella Maris College marks the 150-year legacy of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary, its founding congregation.
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