Celebrating #UCalgary50

On September 26, the Werklund School of Education celebrated the University of Calgary’s 50th anniversary by sharing the transformations that have taken place in education—both philosophically and physically—over the last half century.  Werklund School Dean Dennis Sumara was joined by special guests from both the university and the broader community as he shared some history and invited everyone to celebrate the official re-opening of a newly renovated Education Tower.

“We are here today to celebrate the recent renovations of the Education Tower – as part of the Werklund School of Education’s celebrating of the University of Calgary’s 50th Anniversary.

We are also here to celebrate University of Calgary’s leadership over the past 50 years in teacher education – a legacy that connects back to the commencement of teacher education in Calgary in 1905 – coinciding with the official designation of Alberta as a Province

Over the past 5 decades our faculty and staff have prepared teachers, counsellors, school psychologists for careers in in Alberta, across Canada and around the world

Each decade, we have led in the ongoing transformation of Education nationally and internationally

- In the 60s we were one of the first Universities in Canada to offer tele-learning

- In the 70s we led educational technology research and applications

- In the 80s we led innovation in both Early Childhood and Gifted Education

- In the 90s we developed one of the first fully integrated inquiry-based teacher education programs

- In the first decade of this century we led in innovative international educational development projects in China and East Africa

- In the last few years we have led internationally in teacher education transformation, in STEM research and teaching, in diversity education, and in professional graduate education

We have always set our eyes high, exploring new ways to educate the teachers, counselors and psychologists who educate the next generation

Like the University of Calgary, our School of Education has always been ambitious and bold and visionary – leading, not following trends

Since 2009 I have had the privilege of being the Dean of the Werklund School.  In my role I am very aware of and grateful to Deans of Education before me.

I also am grateful for the many academic and support staff – those here now and those from the past – who have helped to make the Werklund School strong in research, teaching, and service.

And, during my time as Dean of the Werklund School I have been fortunate to be at a University that prioritizes teaching, learning and leadership  and one that knows that great universities are created by remarkable people both within the university and those from the community

Dr. David Werklund is one of those remarkable community leaders. His lifelong valuing of leading by helping others to be empowered to do great things led to the naming of the Werklund School of Education. 

The gift from David was the largest ever to a School of Education in Canada.  And it has changed and will continue to change our ability to impact the field of Education.

But that gift did something else that is equally as important:  it shone a light on the importance of teaching and teachers.  On the day the gift was formally announced I know that I stood taller, and felt proud of my decision to become a teacher.

Another extraordinary individual who helped to shape the first 50 years of our great institution was Dr. Ethel King Shaw. First graduate of the four year B.Ed. program offered here; first woman promoted to rank of Full professor, first woman elected to GFC, installed into the Order of the University of Calgary in 2002.

I had the privilege of meeting and getting to know her following her decision to make a major legacy gift to support doctoral research in the area of literacy education – an area of research and teaching that was her focus during her academic career at the University of Calgary. 

Despite the challenges of her terminal illness, Dr. King Shaw wanted to actively participate in the process of establishing focus for the scholarship.  She was one of the most impressive people I have ever met.

Two days before her passing, she agreed to include me and the first recipient of the Ethel King-Shaw Doctoral Fellowship in Literacy Education, Carolyn Bjarveit – along with some of her closest family and friends. 

I remember vividly her final comment to me:   “We can do better in our efforts to teach reading to young children.  As the Dean I hope you will support those efforts.” Until the very last days of her remarkable life, Professor Ethel King Shaw remained fiercely committed to excellence in teaching. 

Great institutions are created by great people. David Werklund and Ethel King Shaw are two of many visionary individuals over the last 50 years who have helped to make the Werklund School of Education an international leader in the field of Education.

Just as we have transformed approaches to education, so too have we boldly transformed our primary home --- the Education Tower. 

Although the actual construction associated with the renovations occurred over a 5 year period, the planning began soon after I arrived as Dean.  Just as we do when we make changes to our academic and research programs, our process for Ed Tower renovation planning was interdisciplinary and collaborative.  It started with the creation of a written document that laid out the values, principles, goals and intended outcomes of the renovation.”