Be a part of the 50th Anniversary celebration

Invitations to the celebration of 50 years of transformation, innovation and impact at the University of Calgary are in the hands of students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, community members and special guests. As the RSVPs roll in for activities during April 29-May 1, 2016, the work behind the scenes is ramping up to ensure that guests are warmly welcomed. 

The agenda includes a celebration with our campus family, the employee recognition awards, the official launch of Energize: The Campaign for Eyes High fundraising program, the 2016 Lecture of a Lifetime, and our first-ever Alumni Weekend. Dozens of volunteers will be needed as we recognize and honour the contributions and achievements of all the people who have created and continue to evolve this remarkable university.  

Volunteer opportunities range from helping with registration and greeting guests on Friday, April 29, to facilitating exhibits and painting the rock during Alumni Weekend. Registration is open now and further details regarding the specific volunteer positions will be added soon. If you aren’t able to volunteer during the kick-off weekend there will be many more opportunities throughout 2016-17 as we celebrate this milestone year.

From 4,074 students to more than 30,000

It all begins on April 29, the day 50 years ago when official legislation created the university. A lot has changed since then: we’ve grown from a humble start in tar-paper shacks, to a campus with two buildings in a sea of mud, to the dynamic global hub we’ve become in Canada’s most enterprising city. Our student population has gone from 3,740 full-time undergraduate students and 334 full-time graduate students in 1966 to more than 30,000 today.  

Many of our early leaders and their families will be returning to campus that weekend to celebrate. Volunteers will be needed to help them navigate a campus they may no longer recognize.

A time of inspiration and reflection

“Volunteering will be a fabulous opportunity to engage all those who have worked to make this great place possible,” says Karen Chown, volunteer and employee engagement lead. “From those who were here in the beginning and through our ‘teenage’ years, to more recent additions and those who are setting the stage for the next 50 years — it promises to be an inspirational time.”

The anniversary celebration is the work of many people. The programs and plans were developed through a consultative, university-wide approach, guided by an advisory committee of representatives from across faculties, units and groups including students, alumni and current and former faculty and staff. Over the course of the weekend we will be showcasing the great work happening across campus — past and present. As well, the programming wouldn’t be possible without the financial backing of two key university business partners.

“We are very grateful for Xerox’s support of our 50th Anniversary,” says Kim Lawrence, associate vice-president, marketing and lead for the 50th Anniversary. “We have chosen to use funding from this unique partnership with Xerox to support this year’s 50th Anniversary program elements, such as the creation of a website, a commemorative book, limited-edition merchandise, community-based events and the April 29 weekend celebration.”

Website, commemorative book, cool merchandise, events

Adds Lawrence, “We are also grateful for the in-kind support of Evans Hunt, a Calgary-based digital agency that partnered with us to create the 50th Anniversary website.”

The 50th Anniversary website is a rich collection of archival photos, videos, personal stories and fascinating facts about our university’s journey. It’s also a place where you can contribute your own UCalgary story and share it with friends and family. Make sure to use the hashtag #ucalgary50.

Volunteer recruitment is also underway for the Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences in May/June 2016.