Campion College launches 100th anniversary with increased accessibility
Posted: December 1, 2016 2:15 p.m.
On hand for the ribbon cutting ceremony were (l-r) Campion College Board of Regents Chair Sandi Ellert Day, Campion President Dr. John Meehan, student Brian Smith, Social Services Minister Tina Beaudry-Mellor and student Dale Williamson. Photo: U of R Photography
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Campion College has kicked off its 100 years of history by unveiling the latest changes for the future.
At a ceremony on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016, a new entranceway, elevator and stairway were officially opened.
“As a Jesuit college, we are committed to creating a barrier-free environment for all and the completion of this project brings us much closer to that goal,” said Dr. John Meehan, SJ, president, Campion College.
These changes make Campion College safer and more accessible for all. The project included relocating the elevator and creating a new entranceway that increases accessibility for those who are physically or visually challenged. As well, renovations to the second floor included the addition of sprinklers and enhancing the library space.
These latest changes help Campion College kick off its year-long celebrations marking its 100th anniversary.
“Our vision for the next 100 years of forming people for others includes a barrier-free environment. We know there is still much more to do; our students tell us this. But this project is the first big step toward that goal,” Dr. Meehan told the guests and media who attended the unveiling.
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| For more than 40 years Campion College was at Albert and 23rd. Photo: Campion College |
The roots of Campion College can be traced to 1911, when Regina College was established by the Methodist Church. That same year the Reverend 0. E. Mathieu was appointed bishop of the new diocese of Regina, and in 1915 he was appointed the first archbishop in Regina. He wanted to establish a Catholic college in Regina to serve the educational needs of Catholic youth in Saskatchewan.
The rector of St. Boniface College, G. Fere, was contacted, and he suggested that the Jesuits come to Regina to institute a Catholic college and high school.
On December 15, 1917, by a special act of the Saskatchewan legislature, Campion College was constituted under the name of “The Catholic College of Regina” and given power “to establish, maintain and conduct at the city of Regina a college and school where students may obtain a liberal education in the arts and sciences.”
Campion College – named for the Jesuit priest and scholar, St. Edmund Campion – opened its doors in September 1918 with one priest, one scholastic, one lay brother and six students.
Enrolment quickly grew, and a fundraising drive in 1921 allowed for the purchase of property and the construction of a three-story building at Albert St. and 23rd Ave.
Campion was recognized as a junior college of the University of Saskatchewan in 1923, and in 1965 was granted federation with the Regina campus of the University of Saskatchewan. This relationship meant that students could enjoy the extensive resources of the university's campus, as well as the unique qualities and personal attention a small college could offer.
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A new building for Campion College opened in 1968. Photo: Campion College |
In 1968 a new building was opened on the university's campus.
Today, Campion College boasts 20 full-time professors, offering courses in astronomy, Catholic studies, classics, English, film studies, history, humanities, pastoral studies, philosophy, political science, psychology, religious studies, and theatre studies.
Approximately 700 students at the U of R are enrolled through Campion College in the faculties of Arts, Science, and Media, Art, and Performance. Campion College has grown to become both a recognized and respected institution of higher learning set within a Roman Catholic atmosphere.
As well as Campion College, the U of R has two other federated colleges – Luther College and First Nations University of Canada.
The unique relationship allows federated colleges and the university to offer more in union than would be possible as separate entities. Federated colleges have faculty, staff, libraries, physical plants and their own university-level programs which they have voluntarily integrated with the university through federation. Faculty are members of their respective university departments, their respective faculties and the university’s council. Courses taught by a federated college are open to all students at the University of Regina. Federated college students graduate with a designation from their own institution and a University of Regina degree or certificate.
With these latest renovations, Campion College is all set to welcome people as it celebrates its 100 years of history in 2017.