The First Students
Woodsworth College was founded on January 1, 1974, established “primarily for part-time students who were taking courses for academic credit” (Friedland, The University of Toronto: A History, 571).
Part-time studies at the University of Toronto preceded the creation of Woodsworth College by over seven decades. As early as 1905, "a part-time programme leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree was established … at the University of Toronto."(Faculty of Arts and Sciences Calendar, 1974-1975, p. 5). Subsequently, credit and non-credit courses were offered through the Department (later, the Division) of University Extension.
On January 1, 1974, the Division underwent meiosis: non-credit courses were offered through the School of Continuing Studies, while credit courses for part-time students were offered through Woodsworth College. (Faculty of Arts and Sciences Calendar, 1974-1975, p. 5)
Woodsworth College’s creation was catalyzed by part-time undergraduates: Norma Florence Grindal, Arlene Dick, Joyce Denyer, and their fellow students. These students desired the same learning opportunities as full-time students—including a college of their own. (Friedland, Martin L. The University of Toronto: A History. 2nd ed. Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 2013.)
Not only did students catalyze the creation of Woodsworth College; they also chose its name. During the college planning stage, it was a student who submitted the idea of naming the college after Canadian politician J. S. Woodsworth (Interview with Dr. Alexander Waugh, 2023).
J. S. Woodsworth (July 29, 1874 – March 21, 1942) was a preacher, an advocate for social justice, a pacifist, a Member of Parliament, and a founder of the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF), the forerunner of the New Democratic Party (NDP). Woodsworth “had a very strong interest in broadening the educational opportunities for those who did not have a chance to obtain their education at the usual stage” (Faculty of Arts and Sciences Calendar, 1974-1975, p. 5).
Woodsworth College’s first graduation ceremony took place in June 1974. All photographs below are by Robert Lansdale, courtesy of the University of Toronto Archives.
"Woodsworth College," writes its former Principal, Joe Desloges, "was founded on the promise of providing a home for students who came to post-secondary education travelling many different paths, [students] often mature and mostly studying part-time. It was founded to provide these students with the supports necessary to ensure a strong community of successful learners." (Joe Desloges. "Principal’s Message." In Silvia Cocolo, Barbara Track, and Stephanie Woodside, with Gianna Leggio. "Woodsworth: Looking Forward @40")
From Woodsworth College's early days, the "strong community of successful learners" emerges from these classroom photographs.
