Anniversaries and Significant Dates in the History of UNB
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There are many anniversaries to celebrate for a university as old as the University of New Brunswick.
In preparation for UNB"s 225th Celebration in 2010-2011, then University President Dr. John McLaughlin supported the preparation of an anniversaries database.
For their 50th Anniversary Celebration, UNB Saint John has developed these resources:
List of significant dates in the History of the University:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 1785 December 13 | H.M. Council of New Brunswick considers a petition for a "Provincial Academy of Arts and Sciences" and orders the "Attorney and Solicitor General" to prepare a draft Charter. Land granted for its support. |
| 1786 March 2 | Fredericton Town Book notes that revenues received from the land granted will be applied to "an Academy or College to be erected and supported at Fredericton..." |
| 1786 May 13 | Reserved land sold at public auction for use of the proposed Academy. |
| [1787] | Draft charter prepared based on that of King's College, New York (Columbia University). |
| 1790 | There is a Grammar School at Fredericton employing "such Masters...as were to be found upon the spot." |
| 1800 February 12 | Provincial Charter granted for the "College of New Brunswick." |
| 1820 March 25 | James Somerville approved as President and only professor of the College of New Brunswick. |
| 1822 April 29 | First college classes held. |
| 1827 December 15 | Royal Charter of incorporation for King's College, Fredericton. |
| 1828 February 21 | First and last three graduates of the College of New Brunswick: D. H. Smith (BA), S.D.L. Street (BA) and T.R. Wetmore (BA) |
| 1829 January 1 | Official opening of King's College (Old Arts Building, now Sir Howard Douglas Hall). |
| 1829 October 19 | First professors (Edwin Jacob, George McCawley and James Somerville)appointed, with Jacob becoming Vice-President and Principal. |
| 1829 November 21 | Students occupy Old Arts Building as a residence. |
| 1830 February 19 | First meeting of the Convocation. |
| 1830 March 24 | Second meeting of the Convocation awards an honorary DCL to William Black and BA degrees to Charles Fisher and Frederick Dibblee. |
| 1830 June 24 | Third meeting of the Convocation, first celebration of Encaenia (Feast of the Founders). Timothy Robert Wetmore admitted to the degree of Bachelor in Civil Law. |
| 1831 March 29 | First scholarship founded in the College. |
| 1838 | Women admitted. Popular lectures in chemistry held. |
| 1846 December 9 | Amended Charter of King's College enacted bringing more government participation in the workings of the institution. |
| 1859 April 13 | Act establishing the University of New Brunswick passed. |
| 1862 December 16 | Alumni Society established. |
| 1867 September | First issue of the student newspaper, the University Monthly. |
| 1880 September | Two women sit for the matriculation exam for UNB. |
| 1886 September | First woman admitted to classes at UNB. |
| 1891 | First UNB extension courses held in Saint John. |
| 1900 | The University's Centennial is celebrated. |
| 1923 | The Saint John Law School becomes affiliated with UNB. |
| 1928 | First Summer School held at the University, run not by the administration but privately by the professors. |
| 1950 | The University celebrates its 150th anniversary. |
| 1964 | The Saint John campus of the University of New Brunswick (UNBSJ) is established. |
For more UNB history:
© UNB Archives & Special Collections, 2014