Huron University College celebrates its founding 146 years ago on Friday, Dec. 4 with a variety of events.
Established in 1863, Huron University College is one of Canada’s leading liberal arts and theological university institutions and the founding college of The University of Western Ontario.
Founder’s Day activities include a meeting of the Huron University College Corporation at 4 p.m., followed by the annual Founder’s Day celebratory dinner in the Kingsmill Room.
Invited guests include all Huron faculty and staff, members of the corporation and executive board as well as friends of the Huron community.
After dinner two long-time supporters of Huron will be made honorary lifetime members: Chris Jones Harris, vice-president of Jones Packaging and former Chair of Huron’s Executive Board; and Keith Sumner, former President of Huron’s foundation.
Huron milestones:
Huron began as a theological college and was founded by Bishop Benjamin Cronyn. Huron College was incorporated on May 5, 1863 and officially opened its doors on Dec. 2, 1863. Huron’s original location was known as Rough Park and occupied the block bounded by Grosvenor, St. George, St. James Street and the Thames River. The property had previously been owned by Lionel Ridout, a local hardware merchant, who died in 1859 leaving the property heavily mortgaged. Classes began on January 9, 1864, with 13 students and two instructors, including Huron’s first Principal, Bishop Isaac Hellmuth. On Feb. 20, 1877, Huron alumni and students met at Christ Church, London with the purpose of forming a university to provide the highest scholastic training. In 1878, Hellmuth applied to the Provincial Government for the incorporation of “a College with University powers” and on March 7, 1878, a charter was granted to “the Western University of London, Ontario” later to become The University of Western Ontario. The Act authorized the affiliation of Huron College with the university and since this time Huron has retained its relationship with Western. In 1951 Huron moved to its present location on Western Road. In 1956 Huron’s Faculty of Arts was established with 45 full-time students. Huron changed its name to Huron University College with Royal Assent in June 2000.
