A series of photos of students at the University from Regina from 1976 to 2000.

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What do the U of R, the Internet, Steve Nash, and a Canadian gameshow have in common?

17 January 2024

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What do the U of R, the Internet, Steve Nash, and a Canadian gameshow have in common?

1974 - the year the word “Internet” was coined, basketball icon Steve Nash was born, and Definition became the Canadian gameshow to watch -- the University of Regina came into being. (Fun fact: It was also the same year the Regina Pats won their fourth Memorial Cup!) This year – on July 1 – the U of R turns 50, and we think that’s something very much worth celebrating with exciting 50^th Anniversary initiatives, events, and celebrations planned!

Black and white photo of individual sitting with a guitar. — Back in the ‘70s, faculty and students would hang out singing folk songs together in the Ad Hum pit (1976). Credit: U of R Photography.

On July 1, 2024, it will be 50 years since the University of Regina became an independent, degree-granting institution (although our roots as Regina College date back to 1911!). Fast forward to today, the U of R is an institution focused on supporting our students, providing hands-on learning opportunities to develop career-ready graduates, conducting research that positively impacts our world, and following through on our commitment to truth and reconciliation. We also have more than 88,000 alumni making a positive difference here in Saskatchewan and around the globe.

Individuals sitting around a coffee table and studying. — A group of students studying in the Ad Hum Building (1980). Note the ‘80s fashions and hairstyles. Credit: U of R Photography.

The U of R’s 50^th Anniversary celebrations will include a number of special events that will showcase the U of R’s place in our community and around the world as a leader in teaching and learning, research, student support, and community engagement.

A group of individuals socializing and playing Scrabble. — A group of students playing Scrabble at Luther College (1991). Not a mobile phone in sight! Credit: U of R Photography.

September is when the party really kicks off! We have numerous opportunities for students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, and community members to participate in 50^th Anniversary events and activities, in addition to what faculties, units, and associations may be planning. There will be several 50^th Anniversary-branded campus-wide events to look forward to including Welcome Week and the U-Prairie Challenge Kick-off game in early September; Alumni Week in October; a student and faculty research showcase in November; and, a few very special holiday events in December.

Five individuals sitting inside of a tipi, creating beadwork designs. — Students focused on their beadwork designs at a Saskatchewan Indian Federated College (now First Nations University of Canada) tipi-raising event (1995). Credit: U of R Photography

There will also be a 50^th Anniversary webpage that will launch in April, where you can expect to see photos and stories unearthed from the U of R’s Library Archives, an interactive 50^th Anniversary timeline, and a curated a list of dynamic and engaging 50^th Anniversary events and initiatives.

Watch for regular updates (and more fun facts) as we get closer to the kickoff of the 50^th Anniversary celebrations!

Three individuals sitting in front of a computer. — Economics students focused on their assignment (2000). Check out the state-of-the-art desktop computer! Credit: U of R Photography

Have ideas, questions or comments regarding the U of R’s 50^th Anniversary celebrations? Email 50th@uregina.ca.

Images courtesy of University of Regina Archives and Special Collections.

About the University of Regina

Set in the heart of the Canadian prairies we are a comprehensive, mid-sized university where the opportunities are as limitless as the horizon. Our campuses are on Treaty 4 and 6 - the territories of the nêhiyawak, Anihšināpēk, Dakota, Lakota, and Nakoda peoples, and the homeland of the Michif/Métis nation. It is our responsibility to strengthen relationships with Indigenous communities to build a more inclusive future for all. Our three federated colleges, 10 faculties, 25 academic departments, and 18 research centres foster innovative research with practical and theoretical applications. We are committed to cultivating the potential of our 16,000 students and supporting their health and well-being. We take learning beyond the classroom through work and volunteer experiences to develop career-ready graduates.

Let’s go far, together.