Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/609048
20 simon FALL 2015 PHOTO CREDIT BEYOND BOOKS BEYOND BOOKS FLIP THROUGH the pages of Radical Campus, Hugh Johnston's de nitive tome on the making of Simon Fraser University, and a photograph captures a moment in time. On opening day, September 9, 1965, Convocation Mall remains roo ess and sca olding still scales some of the concrete walls—walls that would frame future processions of graduands. Women wearing hats and cat-eye sunglasses stand shoulder to shoulder with men sporting suits and ties to witness the opening ceremony during a time that was described as "ferment and ux." Unlike other new universities in Canada, the U.S. and Great Britain, which had deep ties to older institutions, SFU was independent and eager to create its own culture and traditions. Higher education was increasingly seen as key to economic success, and a wealthy post-war populace made for a burgeoning student body. The University of British Columbia was already overburdened and Premier W.A.C. Bennett put in motion a quick x to relieve its enrolment pressure. In two years and six months, the "instant university" emerged, crown- ing the ridge of Burnaby Mountain. On opening day, SFU welcomed 2,628 stu- dents—surpassing its target of 2,500—and endowed its rst degrees (both honorary Doctors of Laws) to W.A.C. Bennett and Lord Lovat, 24th chief of the Fraser Clan. The day also ushered in a new era of higher education as the rst o cial public opening of a university in the province, 50 years after University of British Columbia. Unveiling the Instant Campus 1965 1974 SFU's appetite to chal- lenge norms refl ected the ideas and spirit of the decade 1965 SFU blazes a trail as the fi rst academic institution in North America to establish an ombudsperson offi ce to resolve student complaints independently and confi dentially. This visionary move served as a model for other universities that soon followed suit. Simon Fraser Student Society (SFSS) has a fruitful fi rst year. It starts a co-op bookstore and newspaper, orga- nizes protests and co-sponsors Vietnam teach-ins. A SPORTING SUCCESS Since inception, the SFU Clan Athletics program has won more than 50 national championships, and turned ath- letes into Olym- pians and Rhodes Scholars. Under the long-running leadership of the late Lorne Davies, the Clan has sent more players to the CFL than any other university in Canada. (Turn to page 34 for a profi le on Davies.) AHEAD OF THE PACK White "fraises" (strawberry fl owers—a playful take on the name Fraser) and red crowns feature prominently on SFU's original Coat of Arms, which was granted to the University by Lord Lyon, King of Arms, in Edinburgh. The Coat of Arms was modifi ed in 2007 to replace two heraldic crosses with stylized books. A COAT OF OUR OWN PHOTO CREDIT newspaper, orga- nizes protests and co-sponsors Vietnam teach-ins. late Lorne Davies, the Clan has sent more players to the CFL than any other university in Canada. (Turn to page 34 for a profi le on Davies.) White "fraises" (strawberry fl owers—a playful take on the name Fraser) and red crowns feature prominently on SFU's original Coat of Arms, which was granted to the University by Lord Lyon, King of Arms, in Edinburgh. The Coat of Arms was modifi ed in 2007 to replace two heraldic crosses with stylized books. A COAT OF OUR OWN