The History of The University of Â鶹´«Ã½
The University of Â鶹´«Ã½ received its charter in 1967 but its roots date back more than 145 years. The founding colleges were Manitoba College (1871), and Wesley College (1888), which merged to form United College in 1938. In 2017 we celebrated the 50th anniversary of receiving our university Charter, which was signed by then Manitoba Premier Duff Roblin.
The University of Â鶹´«Ã½, located on Treaty One land, in the heart of the Métis homeland, offers a compact, diverse, multicultural academic community committed to access and excellence. The University of Â鶹´«Ã½ is a provincially and privately funded post-secondary institution with undergraduate and select graduate programs, as well as Collegiate and continuing education divisions.
The University of Â鶹´«Ã½ is large enough to offer over 800 courses in more than 40 subject areas from Indigenous Governance to Women's Studies, yet small enough to make sure students connect with the University's award-winning professors. We also offer Masters degree programs in the arts, science and business. Home to more than 9,300 full- and part-time students, UÂ鶹´«Ã½ proudly reflects the diversity of our community, with 13% of incoming students self-identifying as First Nations, Métis and Inuit, and an additional 22% identifying as from a racialized community.
The University of Â鶹´«Ã½ executed a ten-year redevelopment plan from 2005 to 2015 which brought $217 million in new investments to campus and the surrounding community. At the heart of the plan was the University's commitment to providing students with an eco-friendly, relevant learning environment while sharing resources and space with the surrounding neighbourhood.
Timeline
1871 Manitoba College was established by the Presbyterian Church
1877 Wesley College’s charter was granted to the Methodist Church
1888 Wesley College opened under the leadership of Principal Sparling
1896 Wesley Hall officially opened
1912 Wesley Annex was built, later renamed Sparling Hall. It served as a women’s residence until the
1960's.
1917 Dr. J.H. Riddell named President of Wesley College
1931 Manitoba College sold its property and joined with Wesley College in the teaching of Theology
1938 Manitoba College and Wesley College join to become United College
1967 United College receives its charter and becomes The University of Â鶹´«Ã½ under the leadership of President Lockhart.
1988 The University of Â鶹´«Ã½ celebrated the 100th anniversary of Wesley College and the 50th anniversary of United College
1996 Wesley Hall celebrated its 100th anniversary
2003 The University's Board of Regents established The University of Â鶹´«Ã½ Foundation
2007 The University of Â鶹´«Ã½ celebrates its 40th anniversary
2017 The University of Â鶹´«Ã½ celebrates its 50th anniversary