University of Saskatchewan College of Engineering

This article is about the University of Saskatchewan College of Engineering its establishment, and historical events in a chronological order. The story is about the College of Engineering's inception in 1912 to its current architecture building and its notable engineer. The initial class of six students taking Engineering 111 (Civil Engineering), the antecedent of today's fundamental engineering courses, was taught by C.J. Mackenzie. The Department of Civil Engineering's opening ceremony took place on May 1st, 1912, with three students graduating: Rueben John Hanley, George Oliver Thorn, and Spencer Ball. The bridge's design and construction philosophy were influenced by Mackenzie's work on the Broadway Bridge, which was built during the Great Depression to provide employment for the poor. Although Mackenzie was an extraordinary engineer, his leadership and guidance significantly influenced the department and its students. In addition to engineering, C.J. Mackenzie was a physicist and played a significant part in the development of nuclear research in Canada. Mackenzie joined the National Research Council in 1939 and was named the council's president in 1944. Since his passing in 1984, the College has continued to honor Mackenzie's contributions, one of which was the adoption of the Mackenzie tartan tie in 1984. In honor of the College's founding head, the College of Engineering invited a distinguished alumnus to the C.J. Mackenzie Gala for Engineering Excellence every year, starting in 1985, to commemorate the College's founding head. The first Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering-granted at the University of Saskatchewan-was earned by Rueben John Hanley, George Oliver Thorn, and Spencer Ball, with Hanley proudly serving as the valedictorian. The opening ceremony was held in the new engineering building on May 1st, 1912, including a dance held in the new building's first-year drafting room. The celebration was a memorable one for this lively group of students. This new building was the first home to these students, who sang their song early in the school year and now have a place to call home.