Campion College (Regina, Saskatchewan)
50°25′05.50″N 104°35′13.10″W / 50.4181944°N 104.5869722°W
 | |
| Type | Federated college |
|---|---|
| Established | 1917 |
| Affiliation | Roman Catholic (Jesuit) |
| President | Fr. John Meehan, SJ |
| Dean | Dr. Allison Fizzard |
Academic staff | 23 |
| Students | 900 |
| Location | Regina , Saskatchewan , Canada |
| Campus | Urban at the University of Regina |
| Website | Campion College |
Campion College, Regina, Saskatchewan, is a Roman Catholic, university college federated with the University of Regina and affiliated with the Jesuits (Society of Jesus). It is an undergraduate liberal arts college offering courses leading to a bachelor's degree in the arts, sciences and fine arts. The college has its own staff, faculty and infrastructure, including administrative and faculty offices, a chapel, a library, an auditorium, a cafeteria, lounges and common areas, classrooms, and tutoring centres.
History
Campion College owes its existence to the determination and zeal of The Reverend 0. E. Mathieu, D.D., who was appointed bishop of the new diocese of Regina in 1911 and later in 1915, the first archbishop. It was his desire to establish a Catholic college in Regina to serve the educational needs of Catholic youth in Saskatchewan. In his effort, Mathieu was assisted by George Daly, C.Ss.R., rector of Holy Rosary Cathedral. Father Daly contacted G. Fere, S.J., then rector of St. Boniface College, and suggested that the Jesuits come to Regina to institute a Catholic college and high school. Father Fere came to Regina in 1917, and pleased with Father Daly's plans, recommended the proposition to J. M. Filion, S.J., Provincial of the Canadian Jesuits.
By a special Act of the Legislature of the Province of Saskatchewan, 15 December 1917, Campion College was constituted under the name of “The Catholic College of Regina” and given power “to establish, maintain and conduct at the city of Regina a college and school where students may obtain a liberal education in the arts and sciences.”
Named for the Jesuit priest and scholar, St. Edmund Campion, the college opened its doors in September 1918 with one priest, one scholastic, one lay brother and six students. By the end of the first scholastic year the number of students had risen to forty-two. This growth necessitated moving to larger quarters; two buildings on the southwest corner of Argyle Street and Eighth Avenue were chosen. These were soon too small, and in 1921 a fund-raising drive allowed for the purchase of property south of the Provincial Legislative building. Here a three-story brick college was built.
In 1923, Campion was recognized as a Junior College of the University of Saskatchewan and permitted to institute classes at the Second Arts level. James Henry Puntin (architect) designed the Campion College, Albert Street near 23rd Avenue, c. 1925. [1]
In 1964, Campion was granted federation with the Regina campus of the University of Saskatchewan, a relationship which provided students with an opportunity to enjoy the extensive resources of the university's campus as well as the unique qualities and personal attention which a small college could offer. A new college building was opened on the university's campus in 1968. The college grew to be both a recognized and respected institution of higher learning set within a Roman Catholic atmosphere. The former college building became solely Campion High School and remained so until its final graduation in May 1975.
Today, Campion College boasts a faculty complement of 23 full-time professors, offering courses in the areas of astronomy, Catholic studies, classics, English, media studies, history, humanities, pastoral studies, philosophy, political science, psychology, religious studies and theatre studies. Approximately 1,000 students at the U of R are enrolled through Campion College in the faculties of Arts, Science, and Fine Arts.
Federated Colleges
Federated colleges operate on the model of full cooperation with the university so that their distinctive resources will benefit all students and the wider community. This unique relationship allows both the colleges and the university to offer more in union than would be possible as separate entities. Federated colleges have faculty, staff, libraries, physical plants and their own university-level programs which they have voluntarily integrated with the university through federation. Faculty are members of their respective university departments, their respective faculties and the university’s council. Courses taught by a federated college are open to all students at the University of Regina. Federated college students graduate with a designation from their own institution and a University of Regina degree or certificate.
Society of Jesus (Jesuits)
The Society of Jesus (Jesuits) is a Catholic religious order founded by Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556) in 1540. Although education was not part of St. Ignatius’ vision for the order, after some promising experiences the Jesuits began setting up schools in 1548. Today, education remains a focus in their work with 848 Jesuit institutions in 68 countries around the world, including Campion Hall (Oxford), Fordham University (Bronx, NY) and Georgetown University (Washington, DC). Jesuit priests and brothers are also involved in missionary work and ministry throughout the world.
There are currently two Jesuits at Campion, teaching history, international studies. religious studies, and Catholic studies.
See also
References
- ^ http://dictionaryofarchitectsincanada.org/architects/view/622 James Henry Puntin (architect)
