Fonds F0074 - Organizing Committee of York University fonds

The Organizing Committee of York University was instituted in July 1955, as a group of private citizens in Toronto concerned about the need for additional post-secondary education facilities in the Toronto region. These men were initially allied with the North Toronto branch of the YMCA, and in 1957 set about attempting to establish an institute of higher learning in northern Toronto under the proposed name, Kellock College. In the spring of 1958 the name 'York University' was substituted, a provincial charter was sought, and a proposed curriculum was discussed. By 1958 meetings had been held with provincial politicians and education officials regarding the charter and course of study, and discussions were going forward with the University of Toronto regarding federation of the new university with the established school until such time as York had its own facilities. The Committee had hoped to begin classes in September 1959, but the university did not open its doors until September 1960 as an affiliate of the University of Toronto. In March 1959, the York University Act was given Royal Assent, renaming the Committee as the provisional Board of Governors. It was replaced by the first regular Board of Governors in December 1959 through Order-in-Council appointments. The following served on the organizing committee: A.R. Hackett, A.D. Margison, J.R. (Roby) Kidd, T.R. Louden, E.T. Alberts, S.H. Deeks, N.T. Berry, A.G. Lascelles, A.D. McKee, P.R. Woodfield, and Air Marshall W.A. Curtis.