McMaster celebrates 75 years in Hamilton

[img_inline align=”” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/75thposter.jpg” caption=”Commemorative anniversary poster that marks the University’s 75th anniversary in Hamilton.”]
In 1930 McMaster University officially opened its iron-latticed doors in Hamilton.
From a one-acre plot on Bloor Street in Toronto, where it had been located since its inception in 1887, McMaster moved to a new home in the verdant valley of Westdale. But before McMaster could make the move, a fundraising campaign was launched for a total of $1.5 million. Of this total the citizens of Hamilton were responsible for raising $500,000 since the University's Baptists founders would not accept aid from the public purse for their educational institutions. And so, in the midst of a worldwide depression Hamilton residents and businesses banded together and raised the $500,000 necessary to fund the construction of what would become Hamilton Hall.
The first classes were held on Oct. 1, 1930, with about 25 professors and 500 students on a campus of six buildings. Since 1930 the student population has grown to nearly 21,000; the campus now covers some 300 acres of land with 55 buildings and counting.
And while McMaster's physical growth over 75 years has been tremendous, its greatest strength remains in its people. Its focus on providing a student-centred approach to education has attracted the brightest young minds from across the country and the world. Since moving to Hamilton, McMaster has produced more than 100,000 alumni who live in nearly 130 different countries.
A number of events are being held throughout October to celebrate McMaster's 75th anniversary in Hamilton. You are invited to share in McMaster's anniversary celebration at the following events:
- Thursday, Oct. 6 the McMaster University 'opening doors' sculpture was unveiled at Sterling Street and Stearn Drive. The door was designed and painted by McMaster fine arts students Laura Marotta and Lahren Lamb.
- Birthday cake will be available for members of the McMaster community Wednesday, Oct. 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the MDCL lobby and atrium.
- On Oct. 12, 1994 it was announced that McMaster University's Bertram Brockhouse had won the Nobel Prize in Physics. McMaster will honour this pre-eminent physicist by renaming the former University Avenue to 'Brockhouse Way.' Please join the dedication ceremony on Wednesday, Oct. 12 from 4:30 to 5 p.m. at the corner of College Crescent and the former University Avenue between the Psychology Building and the Institute of Applied Health Sciences. Members of the Brockhouse family and other special guests from throughout McMaster's history are invited to attend.
- In 2004, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council announced the Brockhouse Canada Prize for Interdisciplinary Research in Science and Engineering. The inaugural Brockhouse Canada Prize Lecture will take place Wednesday, Oct. 12 at 7 p.m. in Convocation Hall at McMaster University. Sajeev John and Geoffrey Ozin of the University of Toronto, the inaugural winners of the Brockhouse Prize, will present their research.
- Thursday, Oct. 13 President Peter George will make a presentation to Mayor Larry Di Ianni and Members of Council to commemorate McMaster University being a part of the Hamilton community for 75 years. The presentation will take place at the Committee of the Whole, 9:30 a.m. at Hamilton City Hall.
- The McMaster Board of Governors will participate in a special tree planting ceremony Thursday, Oct. 20 in front of Hamilton Hall at approximately 12:30 p.m (or immediately following the Board of Governors meeting)
- Tying in with Healthy Workplace Week activities, 750 daffodils will be planted in central campus gardens on Friday, Oct. 28 from 12-1 p.m. Please bring your home garden tools and help with the plantings that will beautify the campus each spring for years to come.
- Archive displays of fascinating photos of McMaster's history will be available for viewing in the McMaster University Student Centre starting the week of Oct. 11. Also if you haven't been through the second floor of Gilmour Hall recently, take a look at the framed photos of McMaster's growth through the decades since moving to Hamilton.
- A commemorative anniversary poster will be produced and distributed to all McMaster employees as a memento of this milestone in the University's history.
- Also throughout the month watch for historic articles on the Daily News web site and archive photos featured on Picture McMaster.