Moments and highlights
It is Calgary's pioneering spirit that put us on the map both at home and around the world. Dig into the stories from those who made their mark and helped shape this place.
50 Years of memories
Some came sight unseen. They packed their young families into the station wagon and drove across the continent. They made Calgary their home and community and they helped shape the university and this city into what it is today. They agreed to share their tales in celebration of our 50th Anniversary. These are the stories of our professors emeriti on the early years of UCalgary and their experiences.
50 Years of philanthropy
Mary Rozsa de Coquet, Chair and President of the Rozsa Foundation, shares the story of how the Rozsa Centre came to be and how the Rozsas continue to build on the opportunities to support student learning and reserach.
Groundbreaking ceremony
In 1958 we broke ground on the site of the new campus
City Transit buses took dignitaries, media and guests from convocation ceremonies held earlier that day at the Jubilee Auditorium. Several representatives from the provincial government, the University of Alberta and its representatives in Calgary spoke on this occassion. Fred Colborne, Minister of Public Works, turned the pre-softened sod. Afterward, photos were taken of UAC Director, Andy Doucette pointing to the sign indicating the new site of the university in Calgary.
The video was taken by CineAV, an Edmonton company hired by the University of Alberta, and is used here with permission.
Kris Demeanor Sums Up #UCalgary50 in Five Minutes
On April 29, Calgary’s first poet laureate, Kris Demeanor, BA'92, illuminated and entertained guests at UCalgary’s 50th anniversary celebration and launch of the Energize campaign with a spoken-word performance – delivered in signature rhythmic, rapid-fire style – that touched on the past five decades of the university’s history.
Spoken word performance from local musician, poet and alumnus captures 50 years with speed, humour and heart.
Demeanor’s five-minute performance wove in anecdotes and photos from his own family who have had a lengthy relationship with the university; as well, each decade was punctuated by thank-you notes from the personal collection of UCalgary’s longest standing student-award donor, Margaret Clarke. Listen to Demeanor’s original spoken-word piece here, accompanied by his nostalgic, wide-ranging slide show.
Rock On
Whether you walk by them, read them, paint them, like them or hate them — “The Rocks” have become a symbol of free expression at the University of Calgary.
Experts say the rocks are limestone glacial erratic from the Jasper region — students say the rocks are a canvas to reflect opinion, protest and points of pride. The rocks have been around almost as long as the university. Many may not look past the paint — but these stones have seen a lot in the last 48 years. Our Alumni team dug up the facts and created a two-minute video telling their story called Rock On!
Alfred Carrothers
Jane Matthew and her son Matthew Carrothers, share their stories about their husband and father, Alfred William Rooke Carrothers who was president of the University of Calgary from 1969 - 1974.
Andrew Doucette
Andrew Doucette was the Director of the Calgary Branch of the University of Alberta from 1947 - 1960. His son, Frank Doucette, shares his memories of his dad and his dad's efforts to bring autonomy to the University of Calgary.
Ann McCaig
Ann McCaig was Chancellor at the University of Calgary from 1994 - 1998. Listen in on her stories.
Bill Cochrane
William A. Cochrane was president of the University of Calgary from 1974 - 1978. He share his story of the lasting impact he had on our institution including his time at dean of the Faculty of Medicine.
Elizabeth Cannon
Dr. Elizabeth Cannon is the eighth president and vice-chancellor of the University of Calgary. She sat down with Graduate Students' Association President, Sam Hossack, and shared the story of her time here. Listen to what brought her to Calgary and what happened when she taught her first computer science course.
Bill Warren
Bill Warren was a senator at the University of Calgary from 1992 - 2002 and Chancellor from 2002-2006. He was also instrumental in bringing the Olympics to Calgary in 1988. Listen to his UCalgary story and learn how he made a difference to our city and our university.
Charles M. Macleod
Charles M. Macleod was the Chair of the Board of Governors for the University of Alberta from 1949 - 1966, when UCalgary became autonomous. Listen to his daughter, Sandra Sprague, share her memories of her father and his incredible legacy.
Sharing the Story of Jack Perraton
John (Jack) Perraton was chancellor of the University of Calgary from 1998 - 2002 and Board Chair from 2007 - 2010. His children, Kris and Lindsay share their memories of their father's connection to the UCalgary, and their own stories of what it was like to be a student here with their father at the helm.
Jean-Louis Lebel
Jean-Louis Lebel was Chancellor from 1978 - 1982 at the University of Calgary. His widow Therese, and his daughter Louise, share their memories of Jean-Louis's time as Chancellor.
Joanne Cuthbertson
Joanne Cuthbertson was Chancellor at the Universitiy of Calgary from 2006 - 2010. She shares her memories of her time at UCalgary.
Leroy Allen Thorssen
Leroy Allen Thorssen was Board Chair at the University of Alberta from 1967 - 1970, during the time the University of Calgary gained autonomy from UofA. His daughter, Linda Abercrombie, shares her memories of her father during that important time in UCalgary's history.
Murray Fraser
Murray Fraser was president of the University of Calgary from 1988 - 1996. His widow Anne Fraser shares her memories of past president Murray Fraser and their time at the University of Calgary.
Terry White
Terry White was president of the University of Calgary from 1996 - 2001. Hear his story of a turbulent time in our history and his approach to building bridges between the university and our city.