The origins of Memorial University can be traced as far back as 1893 when the Government of Newfoundland established the Council of Higher Education. One of the earliest visions of the council was to see degrees conferred on graduates of a “University of Newfoundland.” But this dream faltered for economic and political reasons over the next two decades.

In 1913, the Rhodes Scholarship changed to require that Newfoundland students complete at least two years of university before being eligible for the award. While wealthier families could afford to send students to universities in Canada and the United States, the Rhodes decision excluded most Newfoundland and Labrador students from consideration. And once again the idea of a junior college caught the imagination of progressive Newfoundlanders. The Council of Higher Education sent a proposal to Newfoundland prime minister Edward Morris with the suggestion of raising the highest level of schooling in the nation to the equivalent of second year university studies. The government approved the proposal within a matter of weeks.

Then the world went to war.

It is impossible to summarize the catastrophic impact the First World War had on Newfoundland and Labrador. The Royal Newfoundland Regiment, comprised of both Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, suffered devastating casualties. For such a small population, the sheer magnitude of human loss was incomprehensible and traumatic.

But with this overwhelming sense of loss came a profound need to honour and remember. And in the early post-war years, many people felt that an institution of higher learning could stand as a living memorial to those who had fallen. In this way, Memorial University College was founded in 1925 to honour the past with the promise of a brighter future.

So in the spirit of remembering, we invite you to look back on Memorial University’s century of history. Visit our Memorial Remembers pages to see how our past informs us every day. And browse our timeline to learn our story. Even the most dedicated Memorial history buffs will find something new.