“This isn’t just a birthday for Carleton – this is a birth year for Carleton,” said Peter Ricketts, vice-president (Academic) and chair of the CU75 committee. “So we’re going to celebrate all year long and this is just the launch of what we know will be a fantastic celebration of the Carleton community – but also our relationship with the Ottawa community.”
Originally founded as Carleton College in 1942 by visionary citizens seeking to assist students returning to school after military service in the Second World War, Carleton holds a unique position as a university built by the community. Today, the university honours this vision through its commitment to giving back through education and contributing to the common good, here and around the world.
Maestro Fresh Wes and Peter Ricketts, vice-president (Academic) and chair of the CU75 committee.
Wes Williams credits his time studying at Carleton, and living away from his home town of Toronto, as instrumental in his decision to seriously pursue music.
Maestro performed several of his songs and spoke about his time at Carleton and early Canadian hip hop. His 1989 hit “Let Your Backbone Slide” was the first Canadian hip hop song to crack the Top 40. The track was part of his Juno Award-winning debut album “Symphony in Effect,” which won Rap Recording of the Year. He closed his performance with that classic.
“I want to thank you for having me,” said Williams. “We’re at Carleton, where it all started for me.”
“So hip hop in Canada has evolved. but the foundation started back in the day – and a lot of my time when I started, a lot of influence came from right here in Ottawa when I was here.”
Activities were set up throughout the Galleria to celebrate Carleton. Guests were treated to an interactive display station where they used iPads to access Carleton stories, photos and trivia shown on a digital map of campus and the city. A slideshow featuring historical milestones of Carleton through the years was onscreen. A photo booth allowed attendees to capture their excitement for the 75th anniversary and Rodney the Raven welcomed one and all.
Games and give-aways included a Carleton-themed trivia contest and giant Jenga game.
Games and give-aways included a Carleton-themed trivia contest and giant Jenga game. A popcorn station and CU75-themed cookie table provided refreshments, while guests were able to depart with CU75-branded keepsakes.
In addition to game prizes, participants at the different stations were also provided with ballots to enter a draw to win tickets to the Capital Hoops Classic or Senators hockey game.
The anniversary celebration continues throughout the year with numerous events. Signature events include the construction of a traditional birchbark canoe, a Founding Day celebration at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier and a Community Academic Expo. For additional information on these, please visit the CU75 Events page.
Wednesday, January 18, 2017 in Carleton Stories, News
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