This site was developed by eMAP for the University of Saskatchewan Archives
© 2011, All rights reserved.University of Saskatchewan

“Here comes Emmanuel:” - First Classes

Perhaps in response to some residual dissatisfaction in Regina over the location of the University, there was some apprehension over just how many students would register for classes.  Registration – then the event of a single day – was on 28 September 1909.

Estimates on just how many students might show up ranged from none, or one (the figures suggested by some Regina newspapers), to the simple wish that Saskatchewan’s registration might not be overshadowed by the University of Alberta’s, which had occurred one year earlier.

As it happened, more than sufficient students – 70 – enrolled to ensure the University was off to a good start.  As Jean Bayer remembered it, “Something seen from the window caught Dr. Oliver’s eye. Surprise turned to delight, and he shouted ‘Here comes Emmanuel!’ (meaning the College of course), as a long, black column of thirty five bobbing mortarboards and wind blown gowns came into sight advancing over the bridge.”

Because there was as yet no permanent buildings on campus, classes were held in the Drinkle Building, downtown. Some faculty and students alike later signed the back of a photograph of the site, a building with “the only elevator in Saskatoon” thus making the University the only one “in Canada with an elevator.” (Hayden, p. 56)