Taking a journey ‘Mac’ in Time
Boom on Mac! Boom on Star! Boom! Fitz! Boom! On Mac-Mas-Tar!
Sound familiar? Back in the late 19th century it certainly would have. The first McMaster “yell” was penned by students at the original Bloor Street campus back in 1892, and remained a popular rallying cry throughout the decade. It’s also one of the many interesting tidbits that may be highlighted at Thursday’s Mac in Time historical showcase in Convocation Hall.
To celebrate the end of a landmark 125th anniversary year, the University community is invited to attend an open house to reflect on our legacy and contemplate what the future holds. Thursday’s event will feature retrospective exhibitions, video displays, music, refreshments and a special gift for attendees.
According to Laura Escalante, chair of the campus event subcommittee, the actual date of the event is quite significant in the institution’s history.
“It’s officially the day we came into being,” explains Escalante. “Having this event on that date is a wonderful way to conclude the anniversary ceremonies, and a great chance to learn a little more about the University’s history.”
In 1887, Senator William McMaster bequeathed $900,000 toward the founding of a new Baptist teaching institution in downtown Toronto. A provincial bill to unite Woodstock College and Toronto Baptist College was assented on Apr. 23 (now recognized as Founder’s Day on campus), but the institution that eventually became McMaster University wasn’t incorporated by the Ontario Legislature until Nov. 1.
It would be another four decades before the campus relocated to Hamilton, but the evolution of of the University as we know it was set in motion on that chilly fall day in downtown Toronto.
Thursday’s affair will feature displays from all University faculties, as well as artifacts and exhibits from Divinity College, the McMaster Nuclear Reactor, the McMaster Museum of Art, McMaster Libraries and several student groups.”There will definitely be some unique items you won’t see everyday,” says Escalante. “I hope everyone will be able to drop in for as long as they can.”
Mac in Time will be open for visitors between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. in University Hall (Convocation Hall). For more information, email alumni@mcmaster.ca. Registration is not required, but is encouraged.
Below, Provost and Vice-President (Academic) David Wilkinson narrates a new video celebrating 125 years of teaching and learning at McMaster:
