The University of Regina will celebrate 100 Years of Excellence in Education in 2011.

"As we celebrate a century of education that began in 1911 at what is now the College Avenue campus, we will launch a number of initiatives to honour our past and plan for our future," says University of Regina President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Vianne Timmons.  "For example, to commemorate the centennial we will host a series of events including an alumni homecoming, the prestigious Trudeau Foundation Lecture, and a celebration of the University's 30-year relationship with China which has helped shape our university."

The University's Strategic Plan, entitled mâmawohkamâtowin: Our Work, Our People, Our Communities, outlines the University's commitment to recognize the historic values and cultures of Saskatchewan while preparing for a prosperous and significant future.

As part of the centennial celebrations, the University is increasing student support through the Centennial Matching Scholarship Fund. Throughout 2011 individual donors who support students will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the University up to the first $10,000. The aim is to create $1 million in new awards to support students.

"This new scholarship demonstrates our commitment to, and confidence in, our students and will help them realize their dreams and become leaders in our communities," says Timmons.

The University of Regina held a news conference at the College Avenue campus on Tuesday to announce 100 Years of Excellence in Education in 2011. The centennial initiatives and plans to renovate the College Avenue campus, which are outlined in the University's newly-approved Campus Master Plan, are important for the University's future, says Timmons.

"It is crucial that as a community we celebrate our shared history of excellence in teaching, research and community service that began at Regina College," she says.  "The University of Regina has a humble beginning. As more and more people walked the halls of Regina College they saw the value of the education we provide and they contributed to the success of the University along the way. The brick buildings at College Avenue do not just represent our past.  They are a strong reminder of the foundation that was laid a century ago - a foundation that we must continue to build on for the future of our students and our province."