The University of Calgary is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, and to mark the occasion, we’ve put together a visual tour of the university from its earliest days into the 21st century. Read on to find out what’s stayed the same and what’s now looking a little different.
Early construction of Arts and Education and Science and Engineering buildings, 1958
Photo: University of Calgary Archives 98.127_200.02
The University of Calgary is well known today, but its beginnings are modest. It started as a branch of the Edmonton-based University of Alberta back in 1946, and for many years was in a different location than it is today — construction at the school’s current site didn’t begin until 1958.
Arts and Education and Science and Engineering buildings, 1960
Photo: University of Calgary Archives 92.076_1.01
What a difference two years can make! Newly constructed buildings at the current University of Calgary site officially opened on October 10th, 1960. Campus grounds were still under construction at that time.
University of Calgary campus, 1966
Photo: University of Calgary Archives 82.009_1.09
The University of Calgary separated from the University of Alberta in April 1966, reportedly with “little fanfare,” though the occasion was marked by a speech from President and Vice-Chancellor Herbert S. Armstrong. As the picture above shows, by that time the university was really starting to take shape — pictured above are the MacKimmie Library Block, Calgary Hall, Science A and Science B buildings and the administration building.
MacKimmie Library Block, 1967
Photo: University of Calgary
A closer look at the MacKimmie Library Block. Named after Ross MacKimmie, its exterior was completely changed in 1975, just over 10 years after its completion.
University Theatre, Physical Education building and residences, 1968
Photo: University of Calgary Archives 95.010_1.01
A view of the University of Calgary campus from the roof of the Science B building.
MacEwan Hall, 1968
Image: University of Calgary Archives 82.009_2.09
Lieutenant Governor Grant MacEwan was there to cut the ribbon at the opening of MacEwan Hall in 1967. This photo shows the building just after its completion. Nicknamed “Mac Hall,” the building was expanded in the 1980s, then rebuilt a decade and a half later.
Construction of Mathematical Sciences and Social Sciences buildings, 1969
Photo: University of Calgary Archives 98.127_200.02
There was a construction boom at the University of Calgary from 1965 to 1969, and this photo helps illustrate just how many buildings went up during that time. Pictured are the Mathematical Sciences and Social Sciences buildings, but others completed in the period include the Engineering building (blocks C and D), meteorological station and the Kananaskis Hall and Rundle Hall residences.
Administration building atrium, 1970
Photo: University of Calgary Archives 82.011_6.59
The administration building was one of the first constructed at the University of Calgary. While it may look peaceful in the photo above, it was the site of controversy in 1996 when a smoking ban raised the ire of 500 smokers.
Construction of Health Sciences Centre, 1971
Photo: University of Calgary Archives 98.127_200.09
The Health Sciences Centre officially opened in 1973, with Premier Peter Lougheed presiding. The University of Calgary’s first class of MDs graduated at the same time.
University of Calgary campus, 1981
Photo: University of Calgary Archives 01_1.05
This 1981 photo of the University of Calgary campus shows how much the school grew in the 15 years following its separation from the University of Alberta. Buildings pictured include the Reeve Theatre, Dining Centre and Rundle and Kananaskis halls.
Scurfield Hall, 1985
Photo: University of Calgary Archives 84.005_43.35
Scurfield Hall is still under construction in this photo, but it’s already looking impressive. The building opened in 1986, and these days some of the cheapest parking on campus is located in a lot just across from it.
Construction of Olympic Oval and MacEwan Student Centre, 1986
Photo: University of Calgary Archives 98.127_200.18
The University of Calgary campus underwent a big change in mid-1980s, when construction of the Olympic Oval began. It was the first covered speed skating dome in North America, and was ultimately used in the 1988 Winter Olympics. To date, 261 long track and 30 short track world records have been set there.
University of Calgary campus, 2001
Photo: University of Calgary Archives 84.005_88.24
What does the University of Calgary look like today? In short, very different than it did back in 1966. And changes are definitely expected to continue — a few of the buildings in store can be seen here.
