VHS Talk: Hugh Johnston on the origins of SFU November 2, 2006

Each month, the Vancouer Historical Society presents a talk of historical interest at the Vancouver Museum in Vanier Park. These events are free, and all are welcome.

Remember the noisy '60s and Simon Fraser University? Those were tumultuous times for the new institution. Launched by W. A. C. (Wacky) Bennett in 1963 and built in a hurry, the Erickson Massey designed SFU sprang onto the world stage in 1965. This coincided with the biggest building boom in the history of universities and the awakening of the counter culture from the rigor mortis of the comfortable 1950s. By 1968, acutely aware of the Paris riots of that year and the growing counter culture movement, SFU students protested with huge demonstrations in an attempt to create a university led by faculty and students by demanding the resignation of the President and Board.

It was all about the possible, a new ambivalent order, a new democracy. Although activist exuberance squandered practical administration, the early start forever left its innovative imprint on the future growth of the institution. Hugh Johnston was there and speaks from the perspective of having taught at SFU for 37 years.

Hugh Johnston is an SFU history professor emeritus and former president of the Vancouver Historical Society. After studying at universities in Ontario and England, Johnston taught until his retirement from SFU and is the author of numerous books on local and wider history. His talk will focus on his latest book, Radical Campus: Making Simon Fraser University (Vancouver: Douglas & McIntyre, 2005)

Official Website: http://www.vancouver-historical-society.ca/events.htm