Various booths and displays for a Chemistry-Pharmacy Show, such as test tubes, labeled mannequin, cotton/gauze/adhesive supplies, toothpaste. Poster in one image says "chem - pharm theatre show".

Progress shot of construction of the most westerly gate of the Memorial Gates. Thorvaldson (Chemistry) Building in background.

Bio/Historical Note: The Memorial Gates are a military memorial that is part of the University campus. Sixty-seven University students and faculty lost their lives while on service during World War I. The impact of the war on the University was immense: 330 students and faculty served during the War, a number equivalent to nearly all of the students who had registered the year prior to the beginning of the conflict. The desire to honor the staff and students who had fallen during the Great War was strong within the University community. As early as August 1918, 3 months prior to the formal Armistice, University President Walter C. Murray began making enquiries into the cost of a suitable memorial. What was settled upon were gates made of solid bronze, imported from England; the remainder, made of local greystone. Architect David R. Brown estimated the cost of what would come to be known as the Memorial Gates to be $30,000, with an additional $10,000 required for the memorial. The cement work was done by Richard J. Arrand in 1927-1928. A concerted fundraising effort among students and alumni helped cover the costs. The Memorial Gates were unveiled by President Murray and dedicated by the Bishop of Saskatchewan on 3 May 1928. A stone tablet, positioned between the bronze gates, bears the inscription: "These are they who went forth from this University to the Great War and gave their lives that we might live in freedom." For many years after, the site was used for the university’s Remembrance Day services at which wreaths are still laid every November 11th. These Gates were originally the entrance gates to campus and flanked University Drive. In the 1980s, due to increased traffic to the southwest portion of the campus, primarily Royal University Hospital, a new road entrance was built to the west. The gates remain, with the remnant of University Drive passing through them renamed Memorial Crescent. The gates are now primarily used by pedestrians, though the roadway is open to vehicles.

Six images from the opening of the Nobel Plaza. Images include J.W. George Ivany, University President, Greystone Singers and crowd.

Bio/Historical Note: The Nobel Plaza honouring the two Nobel laureates with University of Saskatchewan connections was officially opened on 24 October 1997. The $200,000 Plaza was sponsored by the Meewasin Authority and Meewasin Foundation and presented as a gift to recognize the university’s 90th birthday. Two bronze plaques honour Henry Taube (BSc. 1935, MSc. 1937), who was a Nobel Prize winner in Chemistry in 1983 when affiliated with Stanford University, and Gerhard Herzberg, who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1971. He had an illustrious career with the National Research Council, Ottawa. The Plaza is attached to the main exit from the building and the Bowl and consists of a pedestrian concourse with a stone clad speaker’s podium faced with the two bronze plaques.

A calm, sunny afternoon graced the official opening last Friday of the Nobel Plaza, the gift to the University, on its 90th anniversary, from the Meewasin Valley Authority and the Meewasin Foundation. Honored guests included: Terri Lemke, chair, MVA board of directors; Gwen Charman, director of corporate services, MVA; Peggy McKercher, University Chancellor; Mrs. Marie (Albert) Taube, sister-in-law of Dr. Henry Taube, whom, with Dr. Gerhard Herzberg, the Plaza honors; and Dr. Agnes Herzberg, who represented her father at the ceremony.

Bio/Historical Note: Image appeared in 31 Oct. 1997 issue of OCN.

Bio/Historical Note: The Nobel Plaza honouring the two Nobel laureates with University of Saskatchewan connections was officially opened on 24 October 1997. The $200,000 Plaza was sponsored by the Meewasin Authority and Meewasin Foundation and presented as a gift to recognize the university’s 90th birthday. Two bronze plaques honour Henry Taube (BSc. 1935, MSc. 1937), who was a Nobel Prize winner in Chemistry in 1983 when affiliated with Stanford University, and Gerhard Herzberg, who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1971. He had an illustrious career with the National Research Council, Ottawa. The Plaza is attached to the main exit from the building and the Bowl and consists of a pedestrian concourse with a stone clad speaker’s podium faced with the two bronze plaques.

View of the Nobel Plaza at the entrance of the College Building.

Bio/Historical Note: The Nobel Plaza honouring the two Nobel laureates with University of Saskatchewan connections was officially opened on 24 October 1997. The $200,000 Plaza was sponsored by the Meewasin Authority and Meewasin Foundation and presented as a gift to recognize the university’s 90th birthday. Two bronze plaques honour Henry Taube (BSc. 1935, MSc. 1937), who was a Nobel Prize winner in Chemistry in 1983 when affiliated with Stanford University, and Gerhard Herzberg, who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1971. He had an illustrious career with the National Research Council, Ottawa. The Plaza is attached to the main exit from the building and the Bowl and consists of a pedestrian concourse with a stone clad speaker’s podium faced with the two bronze plaques.

Head and shoulders image of Dr. Rajendra K. Sharma, professor of Pathology.

Bio/Historical Note: Dr. Rajendra Kumar Sharma was born on 2 January 1942 in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, India. He spent his childhood in Hathras where he studied primary education at Mohan Gunj Primary Municipality School and higher secondary education at Saraswati Inter College. Dr. Sharma completed his BSc in Chemistry, Botany and Zoology in 1963 and an MSc in Biochemistry in 1965, both from Aligarh Muslim University. Dr. Sharma served as a chemistry lecturer at Saraswati Inter College due to the shortage of chemistry teachers in 1965. He was awarded a research fellowship from the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to pursue a PhD degree in Biochemistry at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, where he worked in the area of protein chemistry and enzymology. After completing his PhD, Dr. Sharma worked as a lecturer at the Department of Biochemistry, Lady Hardinge Medical College and Hospital, New Delhi. Dr. Sharma pursued his postdoctoral research in the field of cancer biology in 1972 in the Department of Biochemistry & Pharmacology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts. In 1975 he joined the College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, as a research associate in the Department of Biochemistry. In 1976 Dr. Sharma joined the Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba, to pursue his further research career. Later Dr. Sharma moved to the Department of Medical Biochemistry, University of Calgary, Alberta. He made several discoveries in the areas of signal transduction. In 1991 Dr. Sharma was appointed as associate professor at the Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan. He was awarded an earned Doctor of Science degree in Pathology by the U of S in 2004. In 2012 Dr. Sharma was awarded the title of Distinguished Professor at the U of S and he continues to serve at the same position (2021).

Architectural sketch of the Nobel Plaza at the entrance of the College Building.

Bio/Historical Note: The Nobel Plaza honouring the two Nobel laureates with University of Saskatchewan connections was officially opened on 24 October 1997. The $200,000 Plaza was sponsored by the Meewasin Authority and Meewasin Foundation and presented as a gift to recognize the university’s 90th birthday. Two bronze plaques honour Henry Taube (BSc. 1935, MSc. 1937), who was a Nobel Prize winner in Chemistry in 1983 when affiliated with Stanford University, and Gerhard Herzberg, who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1971. He had an illustrious career with the National Research Council, Ottawa. The Plaza is attached to the main exit from the building and the Bowl and consists of a pedestrian concourse with a stone clad speaker’s podium faced with the two bronze plaques.

Head and shoulders image of Dr. George Ivany, University President.

Bio/Historical Note: Jesse William George Ivany was born in 1938 in Grand Falls, Newfoundland. He attended Memorial University of Newfoundland for a BSc in Chemistry and Physics, following which he completed a diploma in Education. He went on to Teachers College, Columbia University, for an MA in Physics Education and to the University of Alberta for a PhD in Secondary Education. Dr. Ivany's alma mater, Memorial University of Newfoundland, conferred on him an honourary Doctor of Laws degree in 1990. From 1966-1974 he taught at Teacher's College, Columbia University, New York, where he headed the Department of Science Education for two years. He also taught at the University of Alberta and at Prince of Wales College, St. John's, Newfoundland. In 1972-1973 he was visiting fellow, Institute of Education, University of London. Dr. Ivany was dean of Education at Memorial University for three years before accepting a 1977 appointment as dean of the faculty of Education at Simon Fraser University. From 1984-1989 he served as Academic Vice-President and Provost at Simon Fraser and was acting President for six months during 1983. George Ivany served as the seventh President of the University of Saskatchewan from 1989-1999.

Head and shoulders image of Dr. Henry Taube, 1983 Nobel Prize winner in Chemistry.

Bio/Historical Note: Dr. Henry Taube was born in 1915 in Neudorf, Saskatchewan. He attended Luther College in Regina. Dr. Taube received his BSc from the University of Saskatchewan in 1935, followed by his MSc in 1937. He received his PhD from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1940. Unable to obtain an academic position in Canada, Dr. Taube spent his entire professional career in the United States, and became a U.S. citizen in 1942. He served on the faculties at Berkeley (1940-1941), Cornell University (1941-1946), and the University of Chicago (1946-1961), before moving to Stanford University in 1961. Upon Dr. Taube’s retirement in 1986 he was named Professor Emeritus. Dr. Taube published 380 articles and one book. His work has been central to many different fields such as electron transfer at semiconductor electrodes, chemiluminescence, solar energy conversion, photosynthesis, electron transfer in proteins, in colloids, in polymers, and others.” Dr. Taube received many honours and awards throughout his career, including the National Medal of Science (1977), the Robert A. Welch Foundation Award in Chemistry (1983), and the Priestly Medal (American Chemical Society, 1985). Dr. Taube was the first Canadian-born individual to receive the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, awarded in 1983. He also received honorary doctorates from nine universities in Canada (the U of S in 1973), the United States, Hungary and Sweden; and was a fellow or honourary member of several academic societies, including the National Academy of Sciences, the Royal Society of Canada and the Royal Society of London. Dr. Taube died on 26 November 2005 in Palo Alto, California at age 89.

Raymond U. Lemieux (centre), honourary Doctor of Science degree recipient, standing with George Ivany, University President, and Ted Turner, University Chancellor, at sprng Convocation held at Centennial Auditorium.

Bio/Historical Note: Raymond Urgel Lemieux was born in Lac La Biche, Alberta, and moved with his family to Edmonton, Alberta in 1926. He studied chemistry at the University of Alberta and received a BSc with Honours in Chemistry in 1943. He went on to study at McGill University, where he received his PhD in Organic Chemistry in 1946. He won a post-doctoral scholarship at Ohio State University, where Bristol Laboratories Inc. sponsored his research on the structure of streptomycin. He returned to Canada where he spent two years as an assistant professor at the University of Saskatchewan. Next he served as Senior Research Officer at the National Research Council's Prairie Regional Laboratory in Saskatoon. In 1953 he and a fellow researcher, George Huber, were the first scientists to successfully synthesize sucrose. In 1954, he accepted the position of Dean in the Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences at the University of Ottawa, where he established their Department of Chemistry. In 1961 he returned to the University of Alberta as a professor in the Chemistry Department and to serve as chairman of the Organic Chemistry Division. He developed a method to make synthetic versions of oligosaccharides, which led to improved treatments for leukemia and hemophilia and the development of new antibiotics, blood reagents, and organ anti-rejection drugs. While at the University of Alberta, he established a number of biochemical companies, including R&L Molecular Research Ltd. in 1962, Raylo Chemicals Ltd. in 1966 (which purchased R&L) and Chembiomed in 1977. Lemieux was awarded an Honourary Doctor of Science degree by the U of S in 1993. Lemieux died in Edmonton in 2000.

Dr. George Ivany, seventh University President, presents J.W.T. Spinks, fourth University President, with an honourary Doctor of Laws degree during fall Convocation held at Centennial Auditorium. Mary Spinks stands behind Dr. Spinks. Iain MacLean, University Secretary, prepares to hood Dr. Spinks.

Bio/Historical Note: John William Tranter Spinks was born in 1908 at Methwold, England. He received his PhD in Science from the University of London in 1930 and that same year joined the University of Saskatchewan as assistant professor of Chemistry. While on leave in Germany in 1933 he worked with Gerhard Herzberg, future Nobel prize winner in Chemistry, and was instrumental in bringing him to Canada. In 1938 Dr. Spinks became a full professor of Chemistry. During WWII Dr. Spinks developed search-and-rescue operations for the RCAF and took part in the early work on atomic energy. His scientific research led to major international achievements in radiation chemistry and his work included over 200 scientific papers. Dr. Spinks was appointed head of the department of Chemistry in 1948; Dean of the College of Graduate Studies in 1949 and was installed as President of the University, which he led through a very active period of development from 1959-1975. Dr. Spinks received many honours: Companion of the Order of Canada (1970); the Saskatchewan Agricultural Hall of Fame (1982), Saskatoon's Citizen of the Year (1985), and the Saskatchewan Order of Merit (1996). He married Mary Strelioff (1910-1999) on 5 June 1939 in Rugby Chapel on the U of S grounds. Dr. Spinks died in 1997 in Saskatoon at age 89. The north-facing four-storey Spinks Addition is home to the departments of Computer Science and Chemistry. It was completed in 2003. Spinks Drive in College Park honours Dr. Spinks. The University of Saskatchewan open source computer labs were named the Spinks Labs.

Iain MacLean, University Secretary, helps University President George Ivany into academic robe during installation ceremony held at Centennial Auditorium. Saskatoon Mayor Henry Dayday seated in background (left of McLean). Chancellor E.K. Turner is seated in large chair to the right of Ivany.

Bio/Historical Note: Jesse William George Ivany was born in 1938 in Grand Falls, Newfoundland. He attended Memorial University of Newfoundland for a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and Physics, following which he completed a diploma in Education. He went on to Teachers College, Columbia University for a Master's of Arts degree in Physics Education and to the University of Alberta for a Ph.D. in Secondary Education. Dr. Ivany's alma mater, Memorial University of Newfoundland, conferred on him the degree of Doctor of Laws in 1990. From 1966-1974 he taught at Teacher's College, Columbia University, New York where he headed the Department of Science Education for two years. He has also taught at the University of Alberta and at Prince of Wales College, St. John's, Newfoundland. In 1972-1973 he was visiting fellow, Institute of Education, University of London. Dr. Ivany was Dean of Education at Memorial University for three years before accepting a 1977 appointment as Dean of the faculty of Education at Simon Fraser University. From 1984-1989 he served as Academic Vice-President and Provost at Simon Fraser and was Acting President for six months during 1983. George Ivany served as the seventh President of the University of Saskatchewan from 1989-1999.

Ken Smith, University Registrar, placing an academic cap (mortar board) on Dr. George Ivany, newly-installed President , during Installation ceremony held at Centennial Auditorium.

Bio/Historical Note: Jesse William George Ivany was born in 1938 in Grand Falls, Newfoundland. He attended Memorial University of Newfoundland for a BSc in Chemistry and Physics, following which he completed a diploma in Education. He went on to Teachers College, Columbia University for an MA degree in Physics Education and to the University of Alberta for a PhD in Secondary Education. Dr. Ivany's alma mater, Memorial University of Newfoundland, conferred on him the degree of Doctor of Laws in 1990. From 1966-1974 he taught at Teacher's College, Columbia University, New York where he headed the Department of Science Education for two years. He also taught at the University of Alberta and at Prince of Wales College, St. John's, Newfoundland. In 1972-1973 he was visiting fellow, Institute of Education, University of London. Dr. Ivany was Dean of Education at Memorial University for three years before accepting a 1977 appointment as Dean of the faculty of Education at Simon Fraser University. From 1984-1989 he served as Academic Vice-President and Provost at Simon Fraser and was Acting President for six months during 1983. George Ivany served as the seventh President of the University of Saskatchewan from 1989-1999.

Henry Dayday, Mayor of Saskatoon, speaks from podium at Convocation ceremony and Installation ceremony of Dr. George Ivany as Presidentheld at Centennial Auditorium.

Bio/Historical Note: Jesse William George Ivany was born in 1938 in Grand Falls, Newfoundland. He attended Memorial University of Newfoundland for a BSc in Chemistry and Physics, following which he completed a diploma in Education. He went on to Teachers College, Columbia University for an MA degree in Physics Education and to the University of Alberta for a PhD in Secondary Education. Dr. Ivany's alma mater, Memorial University of Newfoundland, conferred on him the degree of Doctor of Laws in 1990. From 1966-1974 he taught at Teacher's College, Columbia University, New York where he headed the Department of Science Education for two years. He also taught at the University of Alberta and at Prince of Wales College, St. John's, Newfoundland. In 1972-1973 he was visiting fellow, Institute of Education, University of London. Dr. Ivany was Dean of Education at Memorial University for three years before accepting a 1977 appointment as Dean of the faculty of Education at Simon Fraser University. From 1984-1989 he served as Academic Vice-President and Provost at Simon Fraser and was Acting President for six months during 1983. George Ivany served as the seventh President of the University of Saskatchewan from 1989-1999.

John Nightingale, Chair, University Board of Governors, stands at podium during Convocation and Installation Ceremony of J.W. George Ivany as University President held at Centennial Auditorium.. Several dignitaries in academic robes are seated behind podium.

Bio/Historical Note: Jesse William George Ivany was born in 1938 in Grand Falls, Newfoundland. He attended Memorial University of Newfoundland for a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and Physics, following which he completed a diploma in Education. He went on to Teachers College, Columbia University for a Master's of Arts degree in Physics Education and to the University of Alberta for a Ph.D. in Secondary Education. Dr. Ivany's alma mater, Memorial University of Newfoundland, conferred on him the degree of Doctor of Laws in 1990. From 1966-1974 he taught at Teacher's College, Columbia University, New York where he headed the Department of Science Education for two years. He has also taught at the University of Alberta and at Prince of Wales College, St. John's, Newfoundland. In 1972-1973 he was visiting fellow, Institute of Education, University of London. Dr. Ivany was Dean of Education at Memorial University for three years before accepting a 1977 appointment as Dean of the faculty of Education at Simon Fraser University. From 1984-1989 he served as Academic Vice-President and Provost at Simon Fraser and was Acting President for six months during 1983. George Ivany served as the seventh President of the University of Saskatchewan from 1989-1999.