A celebration of our history

"The milestones of the past are the guideposts of the future," said the new, young principal Cyril James in the dark, early days of World War II. When you know where you came from, you can plan your future more wisely.

McGill has always cherished its past. In 1921, to celebrate its centenary, the University published its first history, written by the Dean of Arts, Cyrus Macmillan. In 1971, a year of sesquicentennnial events included lectures, conferences, drama, opera, orators, a black-tie Palm Court ball and a lively Oktoberfest, complete with oom-pah-pah band. The conferences explored, among other things, McGill and the law, current McGill medical research, the origin of the computer, innovations in teaching and learning, environmental problems in Quebec and the role of the university...topics I dare say would not be out of place in 1996.

Many on campus are asking the question, "Why celebrate a 175th anniversary?" It doesn't seem to be as 'classic' an occasion as a 150th or a 200th. It seems to me every generation should have its crack at such an event. Letting 50 or more years pass between revels would deprive too many of the chance to take part in a celebration that will remind us of what is good about McGill and of what we have to look forward to.

Stanley Frost
Director, History of McGill Project