These are they who went forth from this University to the Great War and gave their lives that we might live in freedom.” - Inscription on the Memorial Gates.

Sixty-seven University students and faculty lost their lives while on service during World War I. In August 1918, three months prior to the formal armistice, President Walter Murray began making inquiries regarding the cost of memorial plaques. Two years earlier, the Board of Governors had authorized an “Honor Roll” of names for all associated with the University who served, be added to the College Building. The impact of the war on the University was immense: 330 students and faculty served during the War, a number equivalent to nearly all students who had registered the year prior to the beginning of the conflict. In 1916-17 Engineering closed its doors as all students and faculty enlisted.

Architect David R. Brown estimated the Gates would cost $30,000, with an additional $10,000 required for the memorial. Students and alumni fund-raising helped with a portion of the costs. The gates were made of solid bronze, imported from England; the remainder, made of local greystone.

The Memorial Gates were unveiled by President Murray and dedicated by the Bishop of Saskatchewan on 3 May 1928; and for many years thereafter the site was used for the University’s Remembrance Day services. Wreaths are still laid at the site every November 11th.

The location of the Gates was on the spot envisioned in the original campus plan as the main entrance to the University. It became the primary roadway to the Royal University Hospital, and in the late 1980s various plans were considered to help ease the flow of traffic through the area, including moving the Gates to another area of campus. The design finally accepted left the Gates in their original location as a pedestrian entrance way, with traffic re-routed to the west.

Though the first recorded withdrawal from the University Library occurred in October 1909, nearly five decades passed before the Library had its own building. The early collection was housed either on the second floor of the College Building, later known as the Administration Building, or was scattered among a number of small departmental libraries. Plans for a new library building in the late 1920s were ended by the start of the Great Depression; but a dramatically reduced acquisitions budget was offset by a grant from the Carnegie Corporation in 1933. In 1943 the University hired its first professional Librarian.

A combination of provincial grants and University fundraising financed the construction of the Murray Memorial Library. Named after the University’s first President, the H. K. Black design marked a change in campus architecture away from the more angular and elaborate Collegiate Gothic style to that of the less expensive cube. Building materials included granite at the entrance and Tyndall stone (the material greystone replaced in 1911) as a wall cladding and window trim. In addition to the library, the building housed the College of Law, an office of the Provincial Archives and a 105 seat lecture theatre equipped with the latest in audio visual teaching aids.

Over the next two decades the University Library System mirrored the expansion of the University in general. Branches were opened in Education, Health Sciences, Law, Engineering, Geography/Physics, Thorvaldson, and Veterinary Medicine. The most dramatic transformation took place between 1970 and 1976 when a six floor south wing was added along with an extensive renovation of the 1956 structure. Designed by BLM, Regina, the south wing was unlike any other building on campus. Clad in Tyndall stone panels made to look like concrete (through a "bush hammered" finish), the grey almost windowless building is industrial and utilitarian in appearance. The University's master plan required buildings in the core of campus to be clad in stone. However, the "bush hammered" finish was used since the Library addition was built during a period that saw the flowering of "Brutalist" Architecture, so called because of the wide use of exposed concrete. The new (south) wing, originally called the Main Library, was officially opened on 17 May 1974, and also became the home of the Department of Art and Art History, the College of Graduate Studies and the University Archives.

The Native Law Centre was established in 1975 to support undergraduate and graduate study, teaching and research in areas of law directly or indirectly involving native persons. The Centre offers library services, a seminar series and acts as a community resource centre. Through publications such as the "Canadian Native Law Reporter" and the "Legal Information Service", it has become Canada's largest publisher in the native law field. The Program of Legal Studies for Native Peoples, an eight-week summer orientation course in legal studies for native people, is also administered by the Centre. The following have served as Director of the Centre: R.C. Carter (1975-1981); D.J. Purich (1981-1994); J.Y. Henderson (1994- ).

The Observatory was designed by Gentil J.K. Verbeke and constructed in two phases using local limestone from 1928-1930 for about $23,000. The R. J. Arrand Contracting Co. was contracted to build the Observatory Tower in 1928 for a cost of $6625. The firm completed the tower $353 under budget on 14 April 1929, for $6,272. On 20 June 1929 R. J. Arrand was again awarded a contract by the University, this time to build the small classroom wing of the Observatory for $15,640. Work on the classroom wing was completed on 23 January 1930 for $15,034.50. University funding for the construction of the building was supplemented by private donations. Along with the Field Husbandry Building, the Observatory would be among the last free-standing buildings constructed on campus until after World War II. A plaque with the names of many donors still hangs inside the dome of the observatory. Saskatoon residents will find many of the names highly recognizable even today. A sundial was added to the exterior of the Observatory during the 1940s. It reads:
I am a Shadow
So art thou
The observatory facilities are available for use by both university students and visitors to the campus. The telescopes and other scientific equipment are used by students during the laboratory component of their courses. University personnel regularly offer tours of the observatory to elementary and high school classes, youth groups and other community associations. The Observatory is staffed year-round on Saturday nights so that any visitor may view celestial objects through the telescope.

Initially two directors conducted an athletic and physical education program for female and male students and staff. Classes were designed to prepare some students as physical education instructors for elementary and secondary schools. As early as 1940 all freshmen students were required to enroll in a one-year physical activities class. The Physical Education Building was constructed from 1948-1949 as part of the $2.5 million Varsity Expansion Program. Built at a cost of $235,000, the centre was designed by F.J. Martin and built by Shannon Brothers Construction. The frame of the building was constructed from a double RCAF hangar erected at Dafoe, probably in 1940, and subsequently moved to Saskatoon in 1948. In 1950 a Department of Physical Education was established to carry on a service program for all students and to provide for physical education classes as electives in the Colleges of Arts and Science and Education. The Physical Education Building was officially opened on 10 February 1950 for the annual basketball game against the University of Alberta, which the Huskies lost 27-36. The completion of the building meant that the University of Saskatchewan finally possessed a real physical education and athletics centre after decades of makeshift facilities. The Main Gym floor consisted of three basketball courts and six badminton courts. The main basketball floor was the only regulation-size basketball floor in Saskatchewan at the time. The building also contained dressing rooms, lockers, showers, drying rooms, boxing and wrestling rooms, and space for offices. The Department became a School within Arts and Science in 1958, offering a 4-year course leading to the Bachelor of Arts in Physical Education. In 1959 a dance studio was added to the building. The graduate program and scientific research expanded in the 1960s. In April of 1960 Black, Larson, McMillan and Associates performed an architectural and structural appraisal of the building in preparation for expansion plans on the building. They advised that with proper maintenance the current building could be structurally sound for another 20 to 40 years. However, they warned that major renovations towards the end of this period would likely be required. Their recommendation at that time was that an entirely new complex be constructed at a cost of $2,180,000. The advantages of such a proposal were said to be obvious, as “the building would be planned from construction in stages, to meet ultimate requirements. Proper segregation and flow would be incorporated into the building. Outside activities could be located conveniently to the building.” In short, the building could be built and designed to accommodate for the changing needs of the department over time. However, these recommendations were ignored in favour of extending the existing building, which was less expensive. A pool addition was built by Shoquist Construction from 1963-1964 for $898,254. The Pool addition was designed by Black, Larson and McMillan. During the 1969-70 academic year major renovations and alterations were made to the building. In 1972 the School achieved College status. In 1998 the College was renamed the College of Kinesiology. An office addition was completed in 1988 by Dunmac General Contractors for $136,952, and was designed by Bergerman Solodre. On 7 December 1997 the University, acting on consulting Engineer's reports, determined that the Physical Education Centre was no longer structurally sound. Offices were moved from the building within hours and relocated to the Williams Building on Cumberland Avenue, and the building was partially demolished in 1998. Completed demolition occurred by 2000. The Physical Activity Complex (PAC) was officially opened on 28 Nov. 2003 for the College of Kinesiology, community activity programs, and Huskie Athletics. Griffiths Stadium (offering playing field with artificial turf, running track and grandstand seating) was upgraded in 2006 for the Huskie football Vanier Cup playoffs. Merlis Belsher Place, a multi-use ice facility, opened in 2018, replacing the nearly 90-year-old Rutherford Rink.

The Physical Education Building was constructed from 1948 to 1949 as part of the $2.5 million Varsity Expansion Program. Built at a cost of $235,000, the centre was designed by F. J. Martin and built by Shannon Brothers Construction. The frame of the building was constructed from a double RCAF hangar erected at Dafoe, probably in 1940, and subsequently moved to Saskatoon in 1948. The Physical Education Building was unofficially opened on 10 February, 1950 for the annual basketball game against the University of Alberta, which the Huskies lost 27-36.

The completion of the building meant that the University of Saskatchewan finally possessed a real physical education and athletics centre after decades of makeshift facilities. The Main Gym floor consisted of three basketball courts and six badminton courts. The main basketball floor was the only regulation size basketball floor in Saskatchewan at the time. The building also contained dressing rooms, lockers, showers, drying rooms, boxing and wrestling rooms, and space for offices. In 1959 a dance studio was added to the building.

A pool addition was built by Shoquist Construction from 1963 to 1964 for $898,254. The Pool Addition was designed by Black, Larson and McMillan. During the 1969-70 academic year major renovations and alterations were made to the building; an Office Addition was completed in 1988 by Dunmac General Contractors for $136,952. This addition was designed by Bergerman Solodre.

In April of 1960 Black, Larson, McMillan and Associates performed an architectural and structural appraisal of the building in preparation for expansion plans on the building. They advised that with proper maintenance the current building could be structurally sound for another 20 to 40 years. However, they warned that major renovations towards the end of this period would likely be required. Their recommendation at that time was that an entirely new complex be constructed at a cost of $2,180,000. The advantages of such a proposal were said to be obvious, as “ the building would be planned from construction in stages, to meet ultimate requirements. Proper segregation and flow would be incorporated into the building. Outside activities could be located conveniently to the building.”[1] In short, the building could be built and designed to accommodate for the changing needs of the department over time. However, these recommendations were ignored in favour of extending the existing building, which was less expensive.

On 7 December, 1997 the University, acting on consulting Engineer's reports, determined that the Physical Education Centre was no longer structurally sound. Offices were moved from the building within hours and relocated to the Williams Building on Cumberland Avenue, and the building was partially demolished in 1998.

The Place Riel Student Centre was constructed in three phases from 1976 to 1980 for a combined cost of $5,794,315. The original concept for the project had been the construction of a large freestanding building which incorporated all of the needs of the Student Centre. This plan was eventually adapted to include the use of space in the Arts Building and the Memorial Union Building (MUB) for student facilities primarily to offset construction costs. The Centre officially opened in September, 1980.

The first phase of the project involved the renovation of the Theatre Wing of the Arts Building. This was completed in 1976 for $178,080 by Smith Bros. and Wilson. It was designed by D. H. Stock and Partners. The second phase of construction involved the building of Place Riel itself. Place Riel was completed in 1979 for $3,916,235. It was designed by the architectural firm of Ferguson Folstad Friggstad and was built by Ellis Don Construction.

The final phase of construction involved the renovation of the MUB, which was again designed by Ferguson Folstad Friggstad. The renovations were completed by Bennett and White Construction in 1980. They included the demolition and removal of portions of the building, structural alterations, interior renovations, improvements to the elevator, and alterations and renovations to the Tunnel. Originally estimated at $902,688, this final phase of the project would eventually cost $1.7 million.

The completed building provided space for the Students’ Union Business Office, Sheaf Offices, commercial space for kiosks, meeting and seminar rooms, several general lounge areas, a theatre in the Arts Building, a discotheque (Louis’ Pub) in the MUB, a music listening room, a television lounge, a grad student lounge and a billiard and arcade room. Space in the building was also leased to campus radio station CJUS-FM, the Alumni Office, Student Counselling Services, a Canada Manpower Centre, the campus bookstore and food and vending services.

While construction on the complex was not begun until well into the 1970's planning for the structure actually began a decade earlier. During the 1964-65 academic year the Students’ Union recognized the need for facilities much more extensive than could be offered in the MUB. While the MUB had only been completed in 1955 an expanding student population had already made it obsolete as a central location for student activities and leisure on campus.

A Commission was established to investigate the matter and in 1964 student questionnaires and several studies were carried out. In a referendum in February, 1966 69.4% of students voted to increase a mandatory building tuition fee to $12. In 1967 the University and the Students’ Union jointly established a Project Building Committee to plan the required facilities. The University recognized its financial commitment to the project in late 1967 and included its anticipated share in the capital program request for 1968/69 and subsequent years. During the 1973-74 academic year the student body voted in favour of another increase in the annual building fee to $20.

Designed by Brown and Vallance, construction began on Qu’Appelle Hall in 1914 but was sporadic. Delays meant that some building material was subject to the war tax, an additional 5%; and over the winter of 1915 frost damaged the swimming pool, another of many unforeseen expenses. The building was finally completed in 1916, at a cost of $250,000. Originally known simply “Student’s Residence No. 2,” the name “Qu’Appelle Hall” was first mentioned in the minutes of the Board’s executive committee in September 1916. Designed as a men’s residence, construction began on Qu’Appelle Hall in 1914 but was sporadic. Delays meant that some building material was subject to the war tax, an additional 5%; and over the winter of 1915 frost damaged the swimming pool, another of many unforeseen expenses. The building was finally completed in 1916, at a cost of $250,000. It included a swimming pool, with lockers purchased from the YMCA, and the dining hall was immediately put to use as a gymnasium–facilities “rendering the Physical Training, which all must take, a pleasure not a penance.” As well as student quarters, Qu’Appelle Hall was used to provide office space and a place for a museum. Normal School (Education) used the first floor; some language classes were also taught there. In 1917 part of the building was used by Emmanuel students while returned soldiers studying Engineering used their building; and in the 1930s, the COTC was quartered in the north end of the Qu’Appelle Hall basement. The building was used for classes and offices until construction of the Arts building in 1960. In the early 1960s the Board of Governors decided that “there should be accommodation on campus for at least one-third of the out of town students,” and authorized an addition to Qu’Appelle to house another 60 students–an increase of 50%. The $731,000 addition, designed by Izumi, Arnott and Sugiyama, was completed in 1963.

In 1990 the Huskies beat the St. Mary's Huskies of Halifax, 24-21 for their first Vanier Cup win. In 1996 the Huskies won their second championship by defeating the St. Francis Xavier X-Men 31-12. Saskatchewan won their third championship in 1998 by defeating the Concordia Stingers 24-17. All three games were played at Skydome in Toronto.

The first major recreational facility on campus, “The Rink” was also the last major construction project completed before the combination of depression and war stopped all capital expansion. Designed by G.J.K. Verbeke, the rink was completed in 1929, at a cost of $47,000. Later renovations were made in 1980 and 1986.

Built on a site previously used for an open outdoor rink, construction of “The Rink” was due to student initiative. A campaign to have a closed rink facility began in 1920; by 1928, the Students Representative Council appointed a committee to look into the feasibility of the student body assuming responsibility for construction. The Board of Governors loaned SRC the funds; which the student council hoped to pay back by instituting a $3 student fee.

Although opened for use in December 1929 the rink, “already the most popular place on campus,” had its official opening on 23 January 1930, with an inter-varsity hockey game against the University of Manitoba (Saskatchewan won, 5-1). 650 attended the opening; and between 18-20,000 people used the rink during its first year of operation. The original design included “waiting rooms” on the west and east side, “primarily” for use by men and women respectively. The rink was used for general skating, “scrub,” faculty, senior men’s and girls’ varsity team hockey practices, the “fancy skating club,” children’s skating, and band practice. Speed skates were allowed, but the rink was “not responsible for injury resulting therefrom.” During general skating, “playing tag,” “cutting in,” “cracking the whip,” and “reckless disregard and abandon in speed skating” were not tolerated.

The building was renamed in honour of W.J. Rutherford, the University’s first Dean of Agriculture, whose “deep interest in everything pertaining to the well-being of his fellow citizens enabled him to render a service, not only to Agriculture and to Education, but to national affairs that has rarely been surpassed in this Province.” Rutherford’s sudden and unexpected death on 1 June 1930 was considered “a national loss.”

Designed by Brown and Vallance and built roughly in the shape of a capital “F,” with a dining hall and kitchen, was intended to “hold comfortably about one hundred and fifty.” In his first report, Murray noted that one wing of the building, with room for 30 people, “will be shut off from the main building and devoted to the use of the women students until their numbers force the building of a separate residence.” The dining room remained a common facility even following the construction of a second residence, Qu’Appelle Hall, and together with facilities in the Memorial Union Building, remained the main dining area for students until the construction of Marquis Hall in 1964.

The Homemakers' Clubs of Saskatchewan were created at a "special conference for women" initiated by the University in 1911. The objectives as stated in the constitution, were "to promote the interests of the home and the community". It was organized virtually as part of the university. The Director of Agricultural Extension was the ex officio secretary and managing director until 1913, when these duties fell to the newly appointed Director of Women's Work. From that time until reorganization in 1952, women's extension remained as a separate unit, reporting directly to the president of the university. After 1952, its work was still carried on independently, but with a greater degree of integration with agricultural and adult education services. Unique in Canada was the Club's official association with the University, which provided the provincial secretary, secretarial staff, and extension department resources to aid the development of the club and its programs. In 1971, the name was changed to the Saskatchewan Women's Institute and the University reduced its role to supplying free office space on campus.

The School of Agriculture was first organized in 1912 as an Associate Course in Agriculture. In 1931, it was reorganized and took the form of a 2-year diploma course which was officially named the School of Agriculture in 1937. The course was designed for vocational applications, specifically to meet the needs of those intending to spend their lives engaged in farming. In 1993 the duties of the Director were taken over by the Assistant Dean of the College of Agriculture. The following have served as Director of the School: J.W.G. MacEwan (1937-1943); L.E. Kirk (1943-1947); W.B. Baker (1947-1957); A.A. Stilborn (1957-1974); J.R. Peters (1974-1994); G. Jones (1994- ).