U of W celebrates 40th anniversary, fun for all ages
Axworthy continues to look towards the future
PHIL COOK VOLUNTEER STAFF
The University of Winnipeg kicked off its year-long 40th anniversary celebration on Friday, Jan. 5 with a day full of “Fun in the Winter Sun” activities that appealed to all ages.
Students, faculty, alumni, and community members were all invited to take part in a variety of activities including horse and wagon rides, snowman-building, and gingerbreaddecorating. Free Slurpees and pizza were also provided during the lunch hour.
U of W president Lloyd Axworthy referred to the anniversary as “A certain coming of age, where our accomplishments can be recognized, but we can also use it to help launch our second life of the university.” Other events included the U of W Students’ Association hosting a free pancake breakfast earlier in the day, followed by an afternoon ball hockey tournament, with proceeds going to the United Way.
Targeting the younger audience was the self-described “zany and crazy” P.J. Pajamas, who preformed his Miles of Smiles magic show. The young audience had walked over from the Magnus Eliason Recreation Centre, an Aboriginal-focused youth drop-in centre.
The day of festivities launches a year-long anniversary celebration for the school, which will culminate in a homecoming celebration in September.
Other events are planned for throughout the year, including a concert by U of W graduate Chantal Kreviazuk on Feb. 19, and an alumni golf tournament scheduled for June.
The University of Winnipeg received its official charter in 1967, making it relatively young in comparison to other post-secondary institutions in Canada. However, the school has a deep history as an educational institution, with roots dating back 136 years.
The founding colleges of the U of W were Manitoba College (1871) and Wesley College (1888). These schools eventually merged in 1936 to create United College — the school Axworthy graduated from.
“The most important part of the past 40 years has been creating a stronger standard of academic excellence and development,” said Axworthy. “I think we need to maintain ourselves as a good solid undergraduate-based university.”
Axworthy recently proposed a lofty long-term plan for the university, including the construction of a $30- million science complex and a $5.5- million theatre and film department, with funds donated by the Richardsons and CanWest, respectively.
“I definitely want the U of W to expand more,” said psychology student Vassan Aruljothi. “I have some friends who have to go to the U of M, because [their program] is only available there. So it’d be great to see the U of W expand.”
Aruljothi said this process needs to be a team effort. “The whole neighbourhood should work together with the university, they can’t do it by themselves.”
Axworthy, who has been president of the U of W since May 2004, said that the university has been a prominent part of downtown for the last 40 years.
“We have always wanted to be a part of the ongoing life of this community,” said Axworthy. “But we have to redefine that life in a new century and a new urban context, and this is a chance for us to really engage with the community.”
Axworthy has high hopes for the future of the University of Winnipeg, as he plans to help the school evolve and grow: “I think over the next 40 years that every educational institution will have to be a part of a much broader global network,” said Axworthy, “and that’s what we are working to provide.”
