Walter C. Murray and Mrs. Christina Murray standing outside in front of a gateway made of poles and bushes.

Bio/Historical Note: Christina Cameron was born in Fredericton, New Brunswick in 1866. She enrolled in the honours course in English, French and German at the University of New Brunswick in 1890 and graduated four years later, winning the Alumni Gold Medal as the most distinguished student in classics. She next attended Normal School and subsequently accepted a teaching post in its Model School. In 1895 she married Walter Charles Murray, who had been a former classmate in high school. The couple settled in Halifax for the next fourteen years. In 1909 Christina Murray brought her household, including three daughters, west to join Dr. Murray in Saskatoon where he had accepted the post of first President of the newly created University of Saskatchewan. Over the next four decades Mrs. Murray was to maintain an active role in both the university and the local community serving on the executive of a number of organizations. In honour of her many years of service the University granted her an honourary Doctor of Laws degree in 1938. She died at Saskatoon on 4 July 1947.

Bio/Historical Note: Walter Charles Murray, first president of the University of Saskatchewan, was born in Kings County, New Brunswick, in 1866 and received his BA with honours in 1886 from the University of New Brunswick. Having won the Gilchrist Scholarship for Canada, for continued studies overseas, he attended the University of Berlin and the University of Edinburgh, where he received his MA with first class honours in 1891. Later that year he joined the faculty at the University of New Brunswick as Professor of Philosophy and Economics. In 1892 he was appointed Professor of Philosophy and lecturer in Education at Dalhousie, where he remained until joining the University of Saskatchewan as president in 1908. Murray served as president for 29 years, retiring in 1937. Murray was successful in building a progressive university with a beautiful campus. His own work was in education and education history, but he was also a supporter of art and music. Murray served on numerous councils and commissions, including the National Research Council from 1916-1932. Murray married Christina Cameron (1866-1947), born in Fredericton, New Brunswick, in 1895. They had three daughters: Christina Cameron Murray, Lucy Hunter Murray and Jean Elizabeth Murray. Murray died in Saskatoon in 1945. The city of Saskatoon honours him with "Murray Place" in the Dundonald area; Walter Murray Collegiate Institute, opened in 1965 and located near Market Mall; the Murray Building on the University of Saskatchewan campus; and President Murray Park, located in the Varsity View neighbourhood.

Head and shoulders image of Dr. Harry Oliver, first Professor of History and Economics, 1909-1914.

Bio/Historical Note: Born in Eberts, Kent County, Ontario in 1882, Edmund Henry Oliver received his BA from the University of Toronto in 1902. He went on to earn an MA the following year, before earning his PhD in 1905. Upon the request of Dr. Walter Murray, founding president of the University of Saskatchewan, Dr. Oliver came to Saskatoon to help establish the university and, a few years later, the Presbyterian Theological College (later known as St. Andrew’s College). He returned to Toronto in 1910 to earn a Doctor of Divinity degree before returning to teach history at the newly founded University of Saskatchewan. He was appointed in 1913 by the Presbyterian General Assembly of Canada to serve as the first president of the Presbyterian Theological College. Dr. Oliver was deeply committed to the integration of theological education into the broader academic environment and post-secondary community. Under his leadership the new college began plans to build and move into a new location on campus. At the outbreak of the First World War, Dr. Oliver enlisted as a military chaplain. Stationed mainly in France, he continued to be a proponent of education, establishing the University of Vimy Ridge, consisting of reading rooms for soldiers who were on leave. Dr. Oliver rode his bicycle out to the front lines in order to provide books and classes to the infantry. He believed that this would allow those who survived to return to Canada and be leaders in their communities and society. After the war Dr. Oliver continued his work in theological education and became involved in the church union debates between the Presbyterian, Methodist and Congregational churches which would lead to the formation of the United Church of Canada in 1925. He was greatly influenced by the social gospel movement and served on two Royal Commissions: one to establish farming co-operatives and credit systems, and the other to create a liquor control board. Dr. Oliver saw his life work as one of service on the new frontiers of Canada, and during his time as Moderator of the United Church from 1930 to 1932, he lived into that, travelling across the country during The Great Depression urging people to donate clothing and food to those who needed it. He died in 1935 at the age of 53, while working with youth at a summer camp. Dr. Oliver is buried in Woodlawn Cemetery in Saskatoon.

William J. Rutherford, dean of Agriculture, demonstrating "Sturdy Rose," the champion mare of R.H. Miller at the Lumsden Agricultural Exhibition. Crowds of people; two horse-drawn buggies in foreground; buildings in background.

Bio/Historical Note: In 1910 the Saskatchewan Department of Agriculture turned over to the University the responsibility for the development and delivery of agricultural and women's extension programs throughout the Province. To fulfill this mandate, the Department of Agricultural Extension (1910) and Women's Work (1913) were established within the College of Agriculture. Initially the activities of Agricultural Extension focused on services to the Agricultural Societies--short courses, institutes (meetings and conferences), plowing matches, field crop contests, stock judging, etc. Starting during the war years, a Better Farming Train toured the province providing lectures and demonstrations and presenting exhibits on matters pertaining to agriculture. In 1915 "educational holidays" or camps were initiated for farm boys and girls and in 1918 4-H clubs were formed throughout Saskatchewan. Farm and Home Week, a period of exhibits, lectures, and demonstrations at the University, was introduced in the early 1930s. Special projects and programmes for rural women were offered through Homemakers Clubs, established in 1911. In addition to basic domestic activities, women received advice and instruction in fruit growing, tree planting, home nursing, water supply and purity, libraries, health and welfare services, etc. Adult Education services, begun in 1938 in response to forces for social reconstruction, consisted in part of groups formed to discuss planning, economics, cooperatives, government institutions and policies, international affairs, trade unions, etc. This was a logical expansion of the variety of information (bulletins, leaflets), informal (lectures, demonstrations), public (testing, analyses), professional (training), and cultural (drama, music) services, as well as a variety of services to governments at all levels. In 1949 the work of Agricultural Extension and Women's Work were combined in the Department of Extension. It remained a department in the College of Agriculture until 1963 when administrative responsibility was transferred to the Office of the President and renamed the Extension Division. Since the 1970s non-degree programs were offered in the areas of agriculture and horticulture, women, business, languages, indigenous people, community development, liberal studies, arts, seniors, science and technology, career development, and adult education. The name changed again in 1979 to Division of Extension and Community Relations. It was changed back to Extension Division in 1990. The Extension Department was disestablished on 1 July 2007, and replaced with three new departments.

Image of Dr. Howard R. Nixon, instructor, School of Physical Education, seated at his desk.

Bio/Historical Note: Dr. Howard Ronald Nixon was born 19 May 1928 and raised in Saskatoon, where his parents owned a plumbing business. He completed his Journeyman's plumbing certification, but not satisfied to make this career he headed out for bigger things. Dr. Nixon loved sports, first as a participant, then this love grew to seeing sport as a community activity that benefitted youth, and then on to the bigger picture as a way to promote health and wellbeing for all members of the community. He was a high school and university athlete himself; at UBC Dr. Nixon competed on the wrestling, football, swimming and gymnastics teams. He joined the School of Physical Education at the University of Saskatchewan as an instructor. At that time every student was required to take Physical Education, and if they were non-swimmers were required to take at least one swimming class. Many a rural student had their first aquatic experience in the little pool in Qu’Appelle Hall where Dr. Nixon was determined they would be swimming by the end of the class, and most succeeded. He went on to become director and was instrumental in the formation of the College of Physical Education. He became the college’s first acting dean in 1972 and was dean from 1974-1977. Dr. Nixon also served for one year (1982) as acting dean of the College of Home Economics. He returned to the College of Physical Education and went on to become assistant vice-president of University Student Affairs and Services. Dr. Nixon coached the Huskies wrestling and swimming teams to considerable success. He became involved in the Western Canada University sport fraternity, and in the development of sport and recreation organizations and programs throughout Saskatchewan, where he was often called upon as a speaker or organizer. Dr. Nixon also was an active member of committees for our city's Canada Games hosting, and in particular the Western Canada Summer Games in 1979, which led to the construction of the Field House. He was a member of the group that brought PARTICIPACTION to Saskatoon; he masterminded the Umea/Saskatoon competition. His commitment was recognized by both the Saskatoon (1986) and Saskatchewan (1987) Sports Halls of Fame, and the Sports Wall of Fame at the U of S (1984). He was a Kinsman Sportsman of the Year (1974) as a builder. He completed his own MA and PhD in Physical Education in Bloomington, Indiana. Dr. Nixon then returned to the U of S. After much campaigning the School of Physical Education achieved college status and he was appointed the first dean. In 1965-1966 he was seconded by the provincial government to look at the needs and activities of youth in the province. The report, "Youth in Our Time" led to the establishment of the Provincial Youth Agency, which later became the Department of Culture and Recreation. A request from Ottawa took him on a year's leave from the U of S and one of his most gratifying achievements, the establishment of a national youth program to bring young people together from every part of the country and give them an opportunity to visit and serve in different communities. Dr. Nixon became founding co-chairman of KATIMAVIK, the national youth exchange program, which is still going today. In 2000 he became an Officer of the Order of Canada for this work. From 1982-1985 he served as alderman for the City of Saskatoon. Dr. Nixon retired from the U of S in 1992. In 2000 he was conferred Honourary Alumni Member of the U of S for the many positive contributions he made. Howard Nixon died 6 January 2015 in Saskatoon. Nixon Crescent in the Dundonald neighbourhood of Saskatoon honours him.

Head and shoulders image of Dr. Howard R. Nixon, professor and director, School of Physical Education.

Bio/Historical Note: Dr. Howard Ronald Nixon was born 19 May 1928 and raised in Saskatoon, where his parents owned a plumbing business. He completed his Journeyman's plumbing certification, but not satisfied to make this career he headed out for bigger things. Dr. Nixon loved sports, first as a participant, then this love grew to seeing sport as a community activity that benefitted youth, and then on to the bigger picture as a way to promote health and wellbeing for all members of the community. He was a high school and university athlete himself; at UBC Dr. Nixon competed on the wrestling, football, swimming and gymnastics teams. He joined the School of Physical Education at the University of Saskatchewan as an instructor. At that time every student was required to take Physical Education, and if they were non-swimmers were required to take at least one swimming class. Many a rural student had their first aquatic experience in the little pool in Qu’Appelle Hall where Dr. Nixon was determined they would be swimming by the end of the class, and most succeeded. He went on to become director and was instrumental in the formation of the College of Physical Education. He became the college’s first acting dean in 1972 and was dean from 1974-1977. Dr. Nixon also served for one year (1982) as acting dean of the College of Home Economics. He returned to the College of Physical Education and went on to become assistant vice-president of University Student Affairs and Services. Dr. Nixon coached the Huskies wrestling and swimming teams to considerable success. He became involved in the Western Canada University sport fraternity, and in the development of sport and recreation organizations and programs throughout Saskatchewan, where he was often called upon as a speaker or organizer. Dr. Nixon also was an active member of committees for our city's Canada Games hosting, and in particular the Western Canada Summer Games in 1979, which led to the construction of the Field House. He was a member of the group that brought PARTICIPACTION to Saskatoon; he masterminded the Umea/Saskatoon competition. His commitment was recognized by both the Saskatoon (1986) and Saskatchewan (1987) Sports Halls of Fame, and the Sports Wall of Fame at the U of S (1984). He was a Kinsman Sportsman of the Year (1974) as a builder. He completed his own MA and PhD in Physical Education in Bloomington, Indiana. Dr. Nixon then returned to the U of S. After much campaigning the School of Physical Education achieved college status and he was appointed the first dean. In 1965-1966 he was seconded by the provincial government to look at the needs and activities of youth in the province. The report, "Youth in Our Time" led to the establishment of the Provincial Youth Agency, which later became the Department of Culture and Recreation. A request from Ottawa took him on a year's leave from the U of S and one of his most gratifying achievements, the establishment of a national youth program to bring young people together from every part of the country and give them an opportunity to visit and serve in different communities. Dr. Nixon became founding co-chairman of KATIMAVIK, the national youth exchange program, which is still going today. In 2000 he became an Officer of the Order of Canada for this work. From 1982-1985 he served as alderman for the City of Saskatoon. Dr. Nixon retired from the U of S in 1992. In 2000 he was conferred Honourary Alumni Member of the U of S for the many positive contributions he made. Howard Nixon died 6 January 2015 in Saskatoon. Nixon Crescent in the Dundonald neighbourhood of Saskatoon honours him.

Head and shoulders image of Dr. Howard R. Nixon. Professor Emeritus, Physical Education; taken outdoors.

Bio/Historical Note: Dr. Howard Ronald Nixon was born 19 May 1928 and raised in Saskatoon, where his parents owned a plumbing business. He completed his Journeyman's plumbing certification, but not satisfied to make this career he headed out for bigger things. Dr. Nixon loved sports, first as a participant, then this love grew to seeing sport as a community activity that benefitted youth, and then on to the bigger picture as a way to promote health and wellbeing for all members of the community. He was a high school and university athlete himself; at UBC Dr. Nixon competed on the wrestling, football, swimming and gymnastics teams. He joined the School of Physical Education at the University of Saskatchewan as an instructor. At that time every student was required to take Physical Education, and if they were non-swimmers were required to take at least one swimming class. Many a rural student had their first aquatic experience in the little pool in Qu’Appelle Hall where Dr. Nixon was determined they would be swimming by the end of the class, and most succeeded. He went on to become director and was instrumental in the formation of the College of Physical Education. He became the college’s first acting dean in 1972 and was dean from 1974-1977. Dr. Nixon also served for one year (1982) as acting dean of the College of Home Economics. He returned to the College of Physical Education and went on to become assistant vice-president of University Student Affairs and Services. Dr. Nixon coached the Huskies wrestling and swimming teams to considerable success. He became involved in the Western Canada University sport fraternity, and in the development of sport and recreation organizations and programs throughout Saskatchewan, where he was often called upon as a speaker or organizer. Dr. Nixon also was an active member of committees for our city's Canada Games hosting, and in particular the Western Canada Summer Games in 1979, which led to the construction of the Field House. He was a member of the group that brought PARTICIPACTION to Saskatoon; he masterminded the Umea/Saskatoon competition. His commitment was recognized by both the Saskatoon (1986) and Saskatchewan (1987) Sports Halls of Fame, and the Sports Wall of Fame at the U of S (1984). He was a Kinsman Sportsman of the Year (1974) as a builder. He completed his own MA and PhD in Physical Education in Bloomington, Indiana. Dr. Nixon then returned to the U of S. After much campaigning the School of Physical Education achieved college status and he was appointed the first dean. In 1965-1966 he was seconded by the provincial government to look at the needs and activities of youth in the province. The report, "Youth in Our Time" led to the establishment of the Provincial Youth Agency, which later became the Department of Culture and Recreation. A request from Ottawa took him on a year's leave from the U of S and one of his most gratifying achievements, the establishment of a national youth program to bring young people together from every part of the country and give them an opportunity to visit and serve in different communities. Dr. Nixon became founding co-chairman of KATIMAVIK, the national youth exchange program, which is still going today. In 2000 he became an Officer of the Order of Canada for this work. From 1982-1985 he served as alderman for the City of Saskatoon. Dr. Nixon retired from the U of S in 1992. In 2000 he was conferred Honourary Alumni Member of the U of S for the many positive contributions he made. Howard Nixon died 6 January 2015 in Saskatoon. Nixon Crescent in the Dundonald neighbourhood of Saskatoon honours him.

Head and shoulders image of Dr. Howard R. Nixon, professor and dean, College of Physical Education.

Bio/Historical Note: Dr. Howard Ronald Nixon was born 19 May 1928 and raised in Saskatoon, where his parents owned a plumbing business. He completed his Journeyman's plumbing certification, but not satisfied to make this career he headed out for bigger things. Dr. Nixon loved sports, first as a participant, then this love grew to seeing sport as a community activity that benefitted youth, and then on to the bigger picture as a way to promote health and wellbeing for all members of the community. He was a high school and university athlete himself; at UBC Dr. Nixon competed on the wrestling, football, swimming and gymnastics teams. He joined the School of Physical Education at the University of Saskatchewan as an instructor. At that time every student was required to take Physical Education, and if they were non-swimmers were required to take at least one swimming class. Many a rural student had their first aquatic experience in the little pool in Qu’Appelle Hall where Dr. Nixon was determined they would be swimming by the end of the class, and most succeeded. He went on to become director and was instrumental in the formation of the College of Physical Education. He became the college’s first acting dean in 1972 and was dean from 1974-1977. Dr. Nixon also served for one year (1982) as acting dean of the College of Home Economics. He returned to the College of Physical Education and went on to become assistant vice-president of University Student Affairs and Services. Dr. Nixon coached the Huskies wrestling and swimming teams to considerable success. He became involved in the Western Canada University sport fraternity, and in the development of sport and recreation organizations and programs throughout Saskatchewan, where he was often called upon as a speaker or organizer. Dr. Nixon also was an active member of committees for our city's Canada Games hosting, and in particular the Western Canada Summer Games in 1979, which led to the construction of the Field House. He was a member of the group that brought PARTICIPACTION to Saskatoon; he masterminded the Umea/Saskatoon competition. His commitment was recognized by both the Saskatoon (1986) and Saskatchewan (1987) Sports Halls of Fame, and the Sports Wall of Fame at the U of S (1984). He was a Kinsman Sportsman of the Year (1974) as a builder. He completed his own MA and PhD in Physical Education in Bloomington, Indiana. Dr. Nixon then returned to the U of S. After much campaigning the School of Physical Education achieved college status and he was appointed the first dean. In 1965-1966 he was seconded by the provincial government to look at the needs and activities of youth in the province. The report, "Youth in Our Time" led to the establishment of the Provincial Youth Agency, which later became the Department of Culture and Recreation. A request from Ottawa took him on a year's leave from the U of S and one of his most gratifying achievements, the establishment of a national youth program to bring young people together from every part of the country and give them an opportunity to visit and serve in different communities. Dr. Nixon became founding co-chairman of KATIMAVIK, the national youth exchange program, which is still going today. In 2000 he became an Officer of the Order of Canada for this work. From 1982-1985 he served as alderman for the City of Saskatoon. Dr. Nixon retired from the U of S in 1992. In 2000 he was conferred Honourary Alumni Member of the U of S for the many positive contributions he made. Howard Nixon died 6 January 2015 in Saskatoon. Nixon Crescent in the Dundonald neighbourhood of Saskatoon honours him.