UBC Publishes book to celebrate university’s first 100 years

The University of British Columbia has just published UBC: The First 100 Years. Co-written by Eric Damer and Herbert Rosengarten, the book chronicles the university’s history from its inception in 1908 to its becoming one of the top 35 universities in the world.

Providing a broad overview of British Columbia’s oldest and largest university, Damer and Rosengarten detail the key administrative decisions and ambitious leadership that shaped UBC’s history. They also examine the impact on UBC of wars, the Depression and social change, including the effects of internationalization and Canadian multiculturalism, and the growth of the research culture in North American post-secondary education.

“Today UBC is unquestionably a leading centre of research and learning, consistently ranking among the top 35 research-intensive universities in the world,” Rosengarten says. “But it has not forgotten that it is The University of British Columbia, founded by and developed for the citizens of this province.

“Indeed, UBC has grown into a major university by fulfilling the hope of its first President, Frank Wesbrook, that it would be ‘the people’s university.’ In our overview of its history, we have tried to show how UBC’s success is grounded in its responsiveness to the community it serves and its ambition to provide British Columbians with an institution they can be proud of.”

UBC: The First 100 Years is the most extensive history of the University of British Columbia since Harry Logan’s substantial account Tuum Est: A History of the University of British Columbia, was published in 1958.

This book was made possible through the support of Sun Life Financial, which donated $40,000 towards this project.

“At Sun Life, we believe it’s our corporate responsibility to give back to the communities in which we live, work and do business,” said Bruce Moffat, Regional Vice-President, Western Region, Group Benefits, Sun Life Financial Canada. “That’s why we’re pleased to help UBC capture a piece of Vancouver’s historic memory for future generations.”

About the authors:

Eric Damer was born in British Columbia and holds graduate degrees from the University of British Columbia, where he studied the history of B.C. adult and higher education. He has taught history of education as a sessional instructor, and has written two previous books on UBC.

Herbert Rosengarten is a Professor Emeritus of English who taught at UBC more than forty years. He served as Head of the English Department and Executive Director of the President’s Office.

UBC: The First Hundred Years is available at UBC Bookstore: www.bookstore.ubc.ca or 604 822-2665

For interviews, please contact: Tessa Vanderkop, tessa.vanderkop@ubc.ca 604 822-5675

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