Vancouver College - Collegian Yearbook (Vancouver, British Columbia Canada)

Page 7 text:

The yearbook staff proudly present the diamond jubilee edition COLLEGIAN 1982 Commemorating the 60th Anniversary of Vancouver College WC-JP- Ot W Ve we nerna o TV J a ®° Co eZ , u b ee C . uovJ sW 0 ' a ond .-Sieved 0 Cortez Business- Wu Q ra dO° ne Pruitt and ° enC eP-“ ' rnrt ez, 6 ra ° c . cteve -ortez and Business- Hu d oone f acuVW an s d ciarence YcorWZ. Bra Gra duates and ard „a« teV “ aria ; V G ?£Uv ' 0atk r so° ' Na ' le ' Sea f ' el t e B n Pe a Se

Page 6 text:

Reflections . . . Reflection, fired by the end of sixty years of growth, development, and perfecting, brings the realization that Vancouver College has come a long way. Looking at the physical ap- pearance - the wide open field, the modern architectural beauty of the Brothers’ Residence, the spacious parking lot - it is hard to believe that sixty years have elapsed. During these sixty hard yet glorious years the roughness and crudeness gradually took form, to become what we have today. This is our sparkling anniversary to celebrate this development. Time has refracted itself through our history and has resulted in the everlasting radiant DIAMOND. The history of Vancouver College resembles that of the most brilliant gemstone - the diamond. Like the diamond, Vancouver College was at first rough and unshaped, although deep inside it was clear and perfectly ordered. Its full worth lay hidden beneath a protective cover of solidity. But as each facet was cut, year by year, its glory was made visible. This change was gradual but steady - almost imperceptible. However, we need only compare the Vancouver College of today with that of 1922 to see tne immense growth that has taken place. This growth had not been merely an increase in the number of buildings but a growth in the ability of Vancouver College and the Christian Brothers to offer the students the opportunity to develop the intellectual, moral, social, and spiritual qualities necessary for a Christian. As of now, all facets of the diamond have been cut. The previously hidden light has been revealed, projecting its rays in every direction. We have unwrapped the academic, athletic, and artistic potential of Vancouver College. Our strength is represented by the hardness of our beautiful anniversary gem, the diamond. The diamond marks our spirit. Let all its qualities pilot us to our final goal, perfection.

Page 8 text:

The magic of the yesteryears Efforts to attract the then Christian Brothers of Ireland to found a school in Vancouver date back to 1906. Reverend Father Welc h’s very honest appeal was repeated in 1912 but to no avail. Finally in 1922 at the urging of Archbishop Casey, Br. Flennessy acceded his request and sent Br. Michael J. Lannon with a staff of three; Br. Reid, Murtagh and Keane to open a school. On Sept. 5, 1922, 91 courageous pupils presented themselved for instruction at the temporary accomodation secured at the building on Richards St. today known as Rosary Flail. The welcome response and the ever increasing enrollment gave Br. Lannon the task of finding a site compatible with his grand vision of Vancouver College. By the time the school moved to its campus in Shaughnessy Heights with the erection of 60,000 dollar Lannon Hall, the enrolment had shot up to more than 200. Despite the in- creased facilities, the Brothers were still unable to meet growing demands. Mr. J.D. McCormack, who previously provided funds for the construction of the first Brother’s residence and boarding accomodations for thirty boarders, came forward again with the magnificent gift of the new wing which now bears his name. Meanwhile, the graduation classes were proving that the education College provided was of the highest standards. An average of 75% of the class passing was maintained. By 1928, registration reached 300, and ”we want 400” became the slogan of every boy as he went home for the summer holidays of 1928, spreading the message of the marvels of Vancouver College. The key figure in the school ' s formative years was Br. Michael J. Lannon, who was principal from V.C.’s founding through 1928, and again from 1930 to 1933. Just when the Brothers thought they could relax, the Great Depression set in and registration plummetted. The bleak years of the depression from 1933 to 1939 coincided with the term in office of principal Brother C.C. Sterling. With the aid of Senator Pat Burns, lots south of Fortieth Avenue were added to the campus in the early Thirties. But College suf- fered with the rest of the nation. Registration sank to 200 and below and remained there during this period. Each year developed its own financial crisis, often resolved by selling another lot on Forty-first Avenue. During the early Forties a number of happenings occurred. In 1939, Br. Eamon B. Walsh returned to V.C. to take over as principal. He was the right man at the right time. The first year of his six year principalship came at a time when the pace of life was quickening with the beginning of the Second World War. The school shook off debilitating effects of the past years: enrolment climbed, a cadet corps was formed as a wave of patriotism swept the land, football and basketball competition was stepped up. The war years provided V.C. with a sense of purpose and with a momentum that propelled the institution into the second major phase of its development. Almost on the stroke of midnight Dec. 5, 1946 the dreaded cry of “Fire!! was heard in the corridors of V.C. There ensued the wildest night ever experienced in the life of the institution. The flames were first sighted coming out of a ventilator.