St. Thomas More College celebrates 75 years

SASKATOON - This fall, St. Thomas More College is celebrating 75 years of Catholic higher education as a federated college on the University of Saskatchewan campus.

The college was founded by the Basilian Fathers of Toronto in federation with the University of Saskatchewan, a relationship modelled on St. Michael’s College with the University of Toronto.

Established in 1936, the first school year saw a total of 39 students being taught by four faculty.

Local Catholics had been trying to establish such a college since 1913, but couldn’t get all Saskatchewan bishops to sign on. Early in 1936, with the province in the grip of drought and economic depression, the bishops of Saskatchewan finally gave their approval, although they also stated that action on the college was “absolutely impossible” at that time.

But over the next few months, negotiations were carried out by university president Walter Murray and Fr. Henry Carr, superior general of the Basilians. Against all odds, the college became a reality that year.

The Saskatoon college was placed under the patronage of St. Thomas More, who had been canonized the year before.

Events to mark the 75th anniversary year begin with a Founders’ Weekend Sept. 23-25 and will continue with a gala dinner and concert Nov. 5. For information see www.stmcollege.ca/75.