Celebrating 50 years of the University of Regina … and we’re just getting started

While July 1, 2024, officially marked the University of Regina’s 50^th Anniversary as an independent degree-granting institution, the U of R’s 50^th Anniversary year of celebrations is kicking into high gear as we head into fall.

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. — Dr. Jeff Keshen, U of R’s President and Vice-Chancellor

Faculty and Staff turn out in droves

Every August, Gathering on the Green welcomes faculty and staff back to the U of R campus in preparation for the coming academic year. This year, the threat of thunderstorms moved the August 21 celebration indoors. Still, it could not dampen the energy of the 1,200 U of R community members happy to reconnect with colleagues, share a BBQ lunch, listen to a live band, and participate in the start of U of R’s 50^th Anniversary year of celebrations.

Faculty and staff enthusiasm surrounding the 50th Anniversary underscores our collective pride in our past, engagement in the present, and innovative, collaborative, community-based, and globally-focused future.

Deep roots: U of R part of Regina’s history

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

At 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, U of R 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!”

50th Video Captures Essence of Today’s U of R

Today’s U of R is proud, strong, independent and provides world-class learning opportunities for almost 17,000 students. We’re meeting the needs of our province, country, and beyond by training tomorrow’s teachers, engineers, entrepreneurs, social workers, scientists, and nurses. On the occasion of the U of R’s 50th anniversary, it just made sense to share that message with the world … and who better to share that message than our students, faculty, and staff.

“Capturing the spirit of the U of R is best done by our students, alumni, faculty, staff and community members,” says Linsay Rabyj, Executive Director, Communications and Marketing. “They know best the difference a U of R education makes in their lives and in our world. They understand our commitment to academic excellence, groundbreaking research, reconciliation, hands-on-learning, and the kinds of supports and earn-while-you-learn opportunities that ensure U of R students are career ready at graduation. Their U of R pride shines through.”

You’re all invited!

Catch up with U of R classmates, check out today’s campus and your faculty, visit your old dorm room or come 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, and community members – everyone is welcome!

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.

Here’s a sampling of upcoming 50^th Anniversary events, including:

• 50^th Anniversary Community Kick-off Celebration at the U-Prairie Challenge Home Opener on September 6
• Lloyd Barber 50th Anniversary Faculty Recital debuting Barber-family gifted and restored concert piano & music faculty performances on September 7
• College Avenue Campus Ghost Tours on October 6, 20, 27, and November 3
• Alumni Week from October 19 to 26 – featuring a full slate of 50^th events and activities
• A Taste of Research: 50^th Anniversary Edition on November 6

Visit the U of R 50^th Anniversary Info Hub for the complete 50^th Anniversary Calendar of Events (please note that many events require registration). Be part of the U of R’s 50^th Anniversary year of celebrations!

Banner Courtesy University of Regina Marketing and Communications