On March 19, the University of Saskatchewan celebrated its 115th anniversary. Throughout the years, the university has undergone many developments and has established itself as an institution with many disciplines, values and a colourful history. 

Just two years after Saskatchewan was founded, the 1907 University Act was passed by the province and the foundation of the university was established. 

The Act initiated the vision of the university, aiming to provide higher education to the people of the province. It stated that the university was established “for the purpose of providing facilities for higher education in all its branches and enabling all persons without regard to race, creed or religion to take the fullest advantage.”

The first students were accepted at the U of S in 1909 with classes being held in the Drinkle Building. There were 70 students enrolled in the university at the time, with an average tuition of $6 per class. 

Today, the U of S comprises several campuses and affiliated colleges located across the province. There are currently over 25,000 students enrolled, with an average tuition of $698 per class. 

In May 1912, the university’s first graduating class consisted of three students receiving honours distinction — two of those students being women. 

Since its inception, the university has strived to provide higher education for everyone and is now home to a diverse student body with various student clubs and associations. 

One of the oldest clubs on campus is the geological student club, better known as the Ore Gangue. Formed in 1934, the Ore Gangue has established itself as the heart of the department of geological sciences with a rich history and close-knit community. 

Over the years, the university has served students from all faculties and margins. In 1971, two LGBTS2S+ organizations were founded — the Gay Students Alliance and Saskatoon Gay Action. 

Today, the USSU Pride Centre and Women’s Centre provide resources for all students with a vision of intersectionality —  they have established safe spaces for students both online and offline with Discord servers, peer support and queer housing services. 

The location of the U of S main campus was specifically selected for its service to the people of the province. Walter Murray, the first university president, envisioned the university to be “the people’s university.” Importance was placed on agriculture and forestry sciences, with disciplines in arts and science, commerce, domestic science, education, engineering, law, medicine and veterinary sciences.

The university now offers 80 different programs across 130 fields of study with a long list of degrees, diplomas and certificates available.

The robust student body has maintained a shining reputation in many areas of research. Some of the top research facilities in Canada are located on the university’s main campus, including Canada’s only synchrotron and the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization. 

The vibrant history of the university can be seen in its architectural style. Designed by architects David Robertson Brown and Hugh Vallance, the composition of the university campus holds a uniqueness unlike any architectural project of its time. 

The winding roads that curve around the university buildings were a purposeful addition to the layout of the campus and unique addition to a province whose roads are typically gridded. 

As the U of S celebrates its 115th anniversary, the vibrant history of the institution remains, echoing through greystone halls and along the winding paths. Having survived two world wars, two pandemics, building demolitions and tragic fires, the university remains steadfast in its mission to serve its diverse student body. 

Situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis, the university maintains its vision to provide higher education to the people of Saskatchewan. As the years pass and the province continues to grow, the university strives to maintain its goals, principles and values.

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Rayyann Haque | Staff Writer

Photos: As Credited