BU Alumni Celebrate

Gerald Brown

Brandon University campus was crawling with old timers joining in the annual Home Coming 2016 celebrations on the weekend of 14 - 16 October. They came from far and wide across Canada and represented alumni from the 1940's to date. There were approximately 200 people participating in various events, including Athletic Wall of Fame recognitions, walking tours, memory exhibits, basketball games and a banquet.

The TTC Class of 1955 - 56 was the first elementary school Teacher Training Course to be held in Manitoba on a university campus at Brandon College. Dr. W. W. McCutcheon was the first Dean of Education on the campus. There were 49 students in the first class. TTC 56 alumni joined twenty other colleagues at a 60th anniversary luncheon on BU campus on 15 October. There was wonderful comradeship as the alumni from this class came together the first time for some since graduation.

Gerald Brown, who taught in Ninga from 1956 - 58, Brandon 1958 - 59, Shilo 1959 - 65 and later went on to become Chief Librarian, Winnipeg School Division, prepared the Memories book for the whole class. He compiled stories of the lives of these first students, their teaching careers and their memories of the ‘olden days on campus.’ It was great to hear about their families and where the kids and grandchildren are now.

On the Saturday afternoon, TTC 56 alumni and friends gathered to view the pictures and citation acknowledging the important work Dr. McCutcheon did in Brandon from 1955 - 67. Also on the wall are a variety of pictures showing historic views of schools and schooling in the 1950’s era. A memorial clock, that was presented to Dr. McCutcheon in 1967, as a farewell note of appreciation for his leadership, was re-dedicated. New furniture was acquired to make the alcove very student friendly. All this was accomplished from donations from alumni and friends of the university.

In 1999, the TTC Class of 1956 initiated two scholarship to honour Dr. McCutcheon’s leadership. Forty-three scholarships of up to $ 2,000.00 each have been given to date. Two recipients of these scholarships, Karen Kempe (from Alexander School) and Corah Enns (from Ecole Dugald School) were present. Each spoke eloquently at the dedication. They emphasized how the scholarship had been very important in making it possible for them to concentrate on their studies and not have to work extra jobs to make ends meet. They also commended the Education and Music Faculties for their fine instruction and mentorship. It is wonderful to hear how these ladies are providing leadership in the profession today.

The dedication ceremony closed with the cutting of the cake by Gerald Brown and with lots of enthusiastic chatter among the alumni and friends. It was great to see the bonds formed in Brandon College days are still held so closely when the alumni came together for this memorial celebration.

Brandon University is playing a very important role in post-secondary education in western Manitoba. n