On Oct. 1, 1930, McMaster University held its first classes at its new Hamilton campus, becoming an enduring and integral part of the fabric of this city.
McMaster was founded in 1887 in Toronto at what is now the headquarters for the Royal Conservatory of Music. As the University grew, however, McMaster Hall became overcrowded, leading some to suggest the institution be moved down the road to Hamilton.
The first classes in Hamilton were held on Oct. 1, 1930, with about 25 professors and 417 students on a campus of six buildings. Since 1930 the student population has grown to nearly 40,000, and the campus now covers some 300 acres of land.
An aerial view of the university campus in 1931. Photo: McMaster University Archives and Research Collections
"In 2030, we will celebrate McMaster's centennial year in Hamilton, looking back to when the university moved from Toronto, where it started in 1887, to a new home where it could grow and prosper," President and Vice-Chancellor Susan Tighe recounted in her installation address earlier this term.
"For Hamilton to be successful, it needs a strong McMaster. For McMaster to be successful, it needs a strong Hamilton, and we are committed to growing this relationship and to helping Hamilton thrive."
A lot has changed in 95 years, as it should: Our campus, our community and our shared achievements have grown beyond recognition.
But here's something that hasn't changed: The beating heart of this university continues to be its people and their stories. On this anniversary of McMaster's move to Hamilton, enjoy this look back at McMaster's legacy and how we're all building on this work to create a brighter future.
It's a fitting occasion to introduce this website, McMaster News a new home for the remarkable stories of the people and projects that make McMaster such a special place.
McMaster News is your one-stop source for news across the university that will replace the Daily News and Brighter World websites. Our stories will highlight milestones, like today's anniversary, and cover student and alumni successes, campus updates, and impactful work of McMaster researchers.
We hope you enjoy reflecting on this moment in the university's history and browsing McMaster News to learn more about the many ways our campus community is proudly building on this legacy.
