1974 - 2024: Celebrating 50 Years
The University of Regina turns 50 this year and we’re inviting you to help us celebrate!
Although our roots go back more than a century as Regina College, on July 1, 1974, we became an independent, degree-granting university. Today’s U of R, along with our federated colleges – Campion College, Luther College, and First Nations University of Canada - offers world-class, post-secondary education to more than 17,200 students and, with more than 92,000+ alumni, our graduates are making a positive difference in Saskatchewan and around the world.
From our amazing alumni to our groundbreaking research, and from our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation to our student successes, this special 50th Anniversary Hub tells five decades worth of stories. Check back regularly for new content, contests, photos, video, additions to the 50th Timeline, and more. There’s even a way to share your U of R memories and photos with us.
And be sure to check out the 50th Anniversary Events Calendar. We’re lining up events and activities throughout the year and the entire community is invited to join the celebration.
Let’s go far, together.
The many members of the University of Regina community have the honour of teaching, learning, and living on Treaty 4, and 6 Territory, home of the nêhiyawak, Anihšināpēk, Dakota, Lakota, and Nakoda peoples, and the homeland of the Michif/Métis nation. We understand the importance and responsibility of acknowledging and recognizing this privilege and seek to grow our relationships with Indigenous communities to build a more inclusive future. Marking the 150th anniversary of the signing of Treaty 4 on September 15, 1874, we are mindful that we are all treaty people "for as long as the sun shines, grass grows, waters flow, and buffalo are on the Prairies" (iskoyikohk pîsim ka-pimohtêt, iskoyikohk sîpiy ka-pimiciwahk, iskoyikohk maskosiya kê-sâkikihki - given in Cree by the late elder Jim Kâ-Nîpitêhtêw).
History in the Making
A Message from President Keshen
As an historian, I find the passage of time both fascinating and enlightening. And in particular, as the eighth President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Regina, I find the inspiring five-decade history of the transformation from the University of Saskatchewan – Regina Campus into today’s vibrant independent, degree-granting institution to be something well worth celebrating as we look forward to the U of R’s next 50 years.
Fifty Years of Memories
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 50th Anniversary as an independent degree-granting institution, the U of R’s 50th Anniversary year of celebrations is kicking into high gear as we head into fall.
It is Time I Tell My Story: Crest (on the occasion of the U of R 50th)
Guest writer, U of R Crest
Please be kind to me, gentle reader, as this tale marks my debut as a scribe. Since my inception, I have relied upon more on my good looks and charm and less on my storytelling abilities. I must say I am thrilled to share my story now in honour of this major milestone year for the institution I serve, my beloved University of Regina.
Finding Just the Right Light: Don Hall’s Four Decades Behind the Lens
In 1968, the campus was no more than a few buildings in the middle of an open prairie and was six years away from becoming an independent, degree-granting institution. That was the setting when Don Hall arrived at the University of Saskatchewan – Regina Campus with a desire to study photography.
Video Vault: 1990 Reflections on the Barber Years
Part reminiscence, part roast – interviews with colleagues highlight Dr. Lloyd Barber’s contribution to the U of R.
The U of R Department of Film and Video shares a warm set of reflections on Dr. Lloyd Barber (aka Boy Wonder), featuring Dr. Reid Robinson, Bonnie Skinner, Joyce Blake, Dr. Jim Tomkins, Del Anaquod, Shirley Wenger, and Dr. Brian Scarfe.
Video Vault: Barbershop Talk
During an episode of Barbershop Talk, then University President Dr. Lloyd Barber shares U of R's long history of contributing to the fine arts in Saskatchewan.
During an episode of Barbershop Talk from 1990, drama student Shannon Hill interviews University President Dr. Lloyd Barber and Dr. Martin Bergbusch, Associate Dean of Fine Arts, about the University's commitment to and history of fine arts. In this clip, Dr. Barber explains how the University has a long history of contributing to arts and culture in Regina.
Your U of R
Share Your U of R Memories!
Submit photos and videos of your U of R memories. Your submission could appear in the 50th Anniversary gallery. Each month, one lucky winner will be randomly selected to receive U of R 50th Anniversary swag.
Photo Gallery
As we celebrate 50 years of University of Regina history, we have put together gallery of photos from our early days as Regina College and U. of S., Regina Campus. We’ll be adding photos more photos as we near July 1, 2024 and throughout the year from every U of R 50th Anniversary event.
Upcoming 50th Anniversary Events
50th Anniversary Events Gallery
50th Anniversary Timeline
This timeline represents a living record of the history of the University of Regina, Through the years, our University community has celebrated many, many milestones and with our commitment to the future, will continue to do so. Click on the interactive timeline below and scroll through using the arrow button on the right to browse memorable events from the U of R.
Now Available!
50th Anniversary Limited Edition Apparel
50th Anniversary limited edition ball caps, bunny hugs, and T-shirts are available from the Campus Store. Be sure to pick up your own 50th Anniversary apparel ahead of U of R's 50th Anniversary events this fall!