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It’s Charter Day! Happy 50th UWinnipeg!

Photo: Dr. Annette Trimbee, President and Vice-Chancellor, and mascot Wes Lee hold the original Charter signed by Premier Duff Roblin on September 15, 1967 – staff photo

Photo: Dr. Annette Trimbee, President and Vice-Chancellor, and mascot Wes Lee hold the original Charter signed by Premier Duff Roblin on September 15, 1967 – staff photo

WINNIPEG, MB – The Monkees, Petula Clark, Frankie Valli, Diana Ross and the Supremes…this is the soundtrack to 1967 topping Billboard, as The University of Winnipeg officially became a university.

Charter Day plaque

Charter Day plaque

The signing of our University Charter by Premier Duff Roblin occurred on Friday, September 15, 1967. At the time, our total student population was 3,008, and tuition for a full course load in Arts or Science was $407. For a student who wanted to live in residence, Graham Hall housed 120 males, and Sparling Hall housed 69 females. Room and meals for the school year, September to April, cost $586.00.

Although we commemorate our 50th anniversary today, our roots date back more than 145 years to Manitoba College and Wesley College, which merged to form United College in 1938.

“This is our moment to celebrate the impact we have on the life and health of our community,” said Dr. Annette Trimbee, President and Vice-Chancellor, UWinnipeg. “Over the decades our professors have inspired and nurtured more than 50,000 graduates who take on leadership roles: they are Manitoba’s educators, entrepreneurs, scientists, researchers, novelists, coaches, and artists, who drive innovation and success in our economy.”

Throughout the year, UWinnipeg has been profiling the incredible diversity of people and stories on our 50th anniversary website.

Later today from 4:00 to 8:00 pm in the Duckworth Centre, the UWinnipeg community will celebrate Charter Day with a Party Like It’s 1967 classic Manitoba social featuring musical performances by Retro Rhythm Review and special guest: Rocki Rolletti ( aka Peter Jordon, also a graduate of UWinnipeg.) People are encouraged to wear their love beads and bell-bottoms.

Tomorrow night, UWinnipeg honours the rich history of exceptional leaders who have made an impact on our community and beyond at a 50th anniversary Legacy Dinner in Convocation Hall.

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MEDIA CONTACT

Diane Poulin, Senior Communications Specialist, The University of Winnipeg

P: 204.988.7135, E: d.poulin@uwinnipeg.ca