1974 - 2024: Celebrating 50 Years
The University of Regina turns 50 this year and we’re inviting you to help us celebrate!
Although our roots go back more than a century as Regina College, on July 1, 1974, we became an independent, degree-granting university. Today’s U of R, along with our federated colleges – Campion College, Luther College, and First Nations University of Canada - offers world-class, post-secondary education to more than 16,700 students and, with more than 90,000 alumni, our graduates are making a positive difference in Saskatchewan and around the world.
From our amazing alumni to our groundbreaking research, and from our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation to our student successes, this special 50th Anniversary Hub tells five decades worth of stories. Check back regularly for new content, contests, photos, video, additions to the 50th Timeline, and more. There’s even a way to share your U of R memories and photos with us.
And be sure to check out the 50th Anniversary Events Calendar. We’re lining up events and activities throughout the year and the entire community is invited to join the celebration.
Let’s go far, together.The many members of the University of Regina community have the honour of teaching, learning, and living on Treaty 4, and 6 Territory, home of the nêhiyawak, Anihšināpēk, Dakota, Lakota, and Nakoda peoples, and the homeland of the Michif/Métis nation. We understand the importance and responsibility of acknowledging and recognizing this privilege and seek to grow our relationships with Indigenous communities to build a more inclusive future. As we approach the 150th anniversary of the signing of Treaty 4 on September 15, 1874, we are mindful that we are all treaty people "for as long as the sun shines, grass grows, waters flow, and buffalo are on the Prairies" (iskoyikohk pîsim ka-pimohtêt, iskoyikohk sîpiy ka-pimiciwahk, iskoyikohk maskosiya kê-sâkikihki - given in Cree by the late elder Jim Kâ-Nîpitêhtêw).
History in the Making
A Message from President Keshen
As an historian, I find the passage of time both fascinating and enlightening. And in particular, as the eighth President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Regina, I find the inspiring five-decade history of the transformation from the University of Saskatchewan – Regina Campus into today’s vibrant independent, degree-granting institution to be something well worth celebrating as we look forward to the U of R’s next 50 years.
Fifty Years of Memories
50th Anniversary Series: Professors that forever changed our lives - The late Dr. George Ledingham, SOM, HD’86
The late Dr. George F. Ledingham, University of Regina professor of biology, could lay claim to countless achievements – from the 70,000-specimen herbarium named for him to the discovery of a new species (also bearing his name).
Ledingham also played a key role in the formation ...
Hard Work Leads to U of R Basketball First
Dreams are nice, but untold hours of hard solo work, team practice, excellent coaching, and a bit of luck are what made those dreams come true for the 2000-01 University of Regina Cougars women’s basketball team who had been contending for a national championship for years.
In 2000-2001, the Cougars finally reached their goal and raised the Bronze Baby Trophy to give the University of Regina its first Canadian Interuniversity Athletic Union (CIAU, now USports) basketball title.
U of R Alumni Memories: Catch up with old friends
From memories of the AdHum Pit to favourite professors, alumni celebrate their alma mater.
As we head into our 50th Anniversary year on July 1, 2024, the University of Regina family of alumni is more than 88,000 strong with roots in 113 countries. We pride ourselves on our connections — to our alumni family around the globe and the wider community in our city, province, and beyond.
Video Vault: 1990 Reflections on the Barber Years
Part reminiscence, part roast – interviews with colleagues highlight Dr. Lloyd Barber’s contribution to the U of R.
The U of R Department of Film and Video shares a warm set of reflections on Dr. Lloyd Barber (aka Boy Wonder), featuring Dr. Reid Robinson, Bonnie Skinner, Joyce Blake, Dr. Jim Tomkins, Del Anaquod, Shirley Wenger, and Dr. Brian Scarfe.
Video Vault: Barbershop Talk
During an episode of Barbershop Talk, then University President Dr. Lloyd Barber shares U of R's long history of contributing to the fine arts in Saskatchewan.
During an episode of Barbershop Talk from 1990, drama student Shannon Hill interviews University President Dr. Lloyd Barber and Dr. Martin Bergbusch, Associate Dean of Fine Arts, about the University's commitment to and history of fine arts. In this clip, Dr. Barber explains how the University has a long history of contributing to arts and culture in Regina.
Your U of R
Share Your U of R Memories!
Submit photos, videos or stories about your U of R memories from the last 50 years and beyond! Your submission could appear in the 50th Anniversary gallery. Each month, one lucky winner will be randomly selected to receive U of R 50th Anniversary swag.
Photo Gallery
As we celebrate 50 years of University of Regina history, we have put together gallery of photos from our early days as Regina College and U. of S., Regina Campus. We’ll be adding photos more photos as we near July 1, 2024 and throughout the year from every U of R 50th Anniversary event.
Regina College Cornerstone: October 25, 1911
The official laying of the Regina College cornerstone. Did you notice the Union Jack?
Photo courtesy U of R Archives
Motto and Crest: 1912
Original 1912 Regina College crest designed by Vincent Massey who would go on to become the country's first Canadian Governor-General, serving from 1952-1959.
Photo courtesy U of R Archives
Moving Pianos: 1912
Pianos being moved to Regina College. Note in the background the building that would become the home of the Globe Theatre where many U of R alumni have performed, directed, and helped bring to life a wide variety of plays.
Photo courtesy U of R Archives
Official Opening of Regina College: October 14, 1912
D.J. Thom, Chair, Regina College Board of Governors, is shown reading the address to those gathered. Lending a regal air to the ceremonies is His Royal Highness Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Strathern and Governor General of Canada (standing, wearing top hat).
Photo courtesy U of R Archives
Regina College Faculty & Students: 1913
Faculty members and students on the front step of Regina College.
Photo courtesy U of R Archives.
Regina College Building: c.1914
Regina College Building with tower addition and ladies' residence, circa 1914. Did you notice the SK Legislative Building in the background ... and nothing blocking the view between the two buildings?
Photo courtesy U of R Archives
State-of-the-art Chemistry Lab: c.1914
Quite a well-appointed lab for the time; however, safety protocols have changed considerably.
Photo courtesy U of R Archives
Regina College Campus: 1930
The gymnasium (demolished in 1988 due to structural issues) is on the left, the original Regina College building is in the centre, and Darke Hall is on the right. Efforts to plant trees on the site have taken root in what was bare Prairie.
Photo courtesy U of R Archives.
Regina College Faculty & Students: March 20, 1944
Regina College faculty and students. Note the student in military uniform seated in front row centre.
Photo courtesy U of R Archives
First Group of WWII Veterans Attend Regina College: 1945
Left: The first group of WWII veterans to attend Regina College, Jan. 1945. The challenge of returning to civilian life is clear when student-veteran J.D. Herbert writes in The College Record in May 1945, "Isn't it paradoxical that boys should be forced to know the stench of death, the cacophony of the battlefield, cold, strain, and exhaustion before they know the good things in life? Right: Signatures of the first group of WWII veteran students at attend Regina College. Photo courtesy "Rick" Wilson and U of R Archives
Studying: 1950s style
No computers and no mobile phones, but otherwise studying is studying whether its the 1950s in the Regina College Library or 2024 in the Dr. John Archer Library on the U of R main campus.
Photo courtesy U of R Photography
Mod Students: 1970s
It must be the '70s! Cool hair, mod clothes, and futurist buildings.
Photo courtesy U of R Photography
Archer Installation: Spring 1970
Dr. John Archer being installed as Principal of the University of Saskatchewan, Regina Campus. Four years later, he would become the first President of the University of Regina. Note U of S Chancellor The Right Honourable John Diefenbaker seated in the background.
Photo courtesy U of R Photography
SK Royal Commision on University Organization & Structure: May-December 1973
Gov't of SK appoints Royal Commission on University Organization & Structure - chaired by former Supreme Court Justice Emmet Hall. The Commission recommended creating an independent degree-granting university in Regina. L-R: Gordon South O.C., Chief Justice Emmett Hall C.C., Stewart Nicks HD’75 Photo courtesy U of R Archives
Upcoming 50th Anniversary Events
50th Anniversary Timeline
This timeline represents a living record of the history of the University of Regina, Through the years, our University community has celebrated many, many milestones and with our commitment to the future, will continue to do so. Click on the interactive timeline below and scroll through using the arrow button on the right to browse memorable events from the U of R.