Celebrating 50 Years of Excellence at the U of R … and We’re Just Getting Started

July 1, 2024 officially marked the start of the University of Regina’s 50^th Anniversary year of celebrations!

Remembering our roots

In 1911, Regina College was founded by the Saskatchewan Methodist Church, and was home to 27 students on the first day of classes. It then became the University of Saskatchewan – Regina Campus in 1961, and 50 years ago, on July 1, 1974, the University of Regina.

Fifty years on, the U of R, along with our federated colleges – Campion College, Luther College, and First Nations University of Canada – has more than 16,700 undergraduate and graduate students at dynamic, accessible, safe, and welcoming campuses on Treaties 4 and 6 – the territories of the nêhiyawak, Anihšināpēk, Dakota, Lakota, and Nakoda peoples, and the homeland of the Métis/Michif nation.

… as much as we are celebrating the past 50 years, we are also looking forward to and planning for a bright future – because at 50, we’re really just getting started! — Jeff Keshen, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Regina

Just a few weeks ago at the U of R’s Spring 2024 Convocation, we celebrated the 2,529 U of R students who received 2,672 degrees, diplomas, and certificates. In contrast, on May 24, 1974 – just prior to the official start of the University of Regina – the University of Saskatchewan – Regina Campus Spring 1974 graduating class had 222 undergraduate and graduate students.

“The transformation from the University of Saskatchewan – Regina Campus into today’s world-class, independent, post-secondary institution with more than 90,000 alumni is truly astounding, and historic for our province,” says Dr. Jeff Keshen, the U of R’s eighth President and Vice-Chancellor. “As much as we are celebrating the past 50 years, we are also looking forward to and planning for a bright future – because at 50, we’re just getting started!”

Plan now to reconnect during the 50^th Anniversary

Catch up with U of R classmates, check out the today’s campus and your faculty, visit your old dorm room or hang out at The Lazy Owl during the U of R’s 50^th Anniversary year of celebrations. Alumni from Regina College through to the University of Regina, along with family, friends, community members – everyone is welcome!

Visit the U of R 50^th Anniversary Info Hub for the complete 50^th Anniversary Calendar of Events (please note that may events require registration). Here’s a sampling of upcoming 50^th Anniversary events for this summer and fall, including:

• The Queen City Ex Community Marketplace from July 31 to August 4
• Decades Movies Nights on July 16 (registration req’d)) & August 14 (registration req’d)
• 50^th Anniversary Kick-off Celebration at the U-Prairie Challenge Home Opener on September 6
• College Avenue Campus Ghost Tours on October 6, 20, 27, and November 3
• Alumni Week from October 19 to 26 – a full slate of 50^th events and activities
• A Taste of Research: 50^th Anniversary Edition on November 6

We want to hear your favourite memories of the U of R!

Was there a U of R professor that changed the way you look at the world? Do you have a story about a best friend you made or how you met the love of your life at the U of R? What about the funniest moment of your U of R days?

Visit the 50^th Anniversary webpage to share your U of R memories with us! You can submit photos, videos or stories about your U of R memories from the last 50 years and beyond! Your submission could appear in the 50^th Anniversary gallery. Watch for contests where each month one lucky winner will be randomly selected to receive some U of R 50^th Anniversary swag.

Calling all U of R grads! Plan now to attend U of R’s 50^th Anniversary Alumni Week events from October 19-26, 2024.

Valued partners in our past and our future, the Government of Saskatchewan and the City of Regina, are joining in the celebrations and proclaimed July 1, 2024 as the University of Regina’s 50^th Anniversary.

Banner Photo: July 1, 2024 marked the official 50^th Anniversary of the University of Regina. Still image from the University of Regina’s 50^th Anniversary video, by Halter Media.