Bishop’s University celebrates its 180th anniversary
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
Bishop’s University (BU) is officially celebrating its 180th year of existence Dec. 8. What better way to acknowledge this milestone than an in-depth interview with notable local and BU alumni Will Mitchell? Mitchell, who attended in the ‘60s, spoke on his time at BU, its evolution from his time there to the present, and what the place means to him, touching, as best he could, on every facet of BU’s mission: from sports to the arts, business to the sciences, enrolment, the residences, and campus setup. Historical article summaries and photos from The Record are woven into his narrative to provide a glimpse into moments of BU’s storied past.
“I arrived on [BU] campus in the fall of 1964,” Mitchell recounted. He was a student of political science and economics. “I loved everything about it.”
From the area, Mitchell was a former Bishop’s College School (BCS) student, having boarded there for nine years, so he knew BU’s campus well and always intended to study there.
After four years, he graduated and worked in “financial business” in Montreal for a year. He decided that would never “take”, so he returned to BU and studied education. His first job in teaching was at Trinity College School in Port Hope, Ontario, where he worked for 11 years. Returning to Quebec, he taught at Lower Canada College for three years, then was the Head of School at Selwyn House in Montreal for 24 years, retiring in 2008.
Afterwards, he worked as the executive director of the Canadian Association of Independent Schools for a year. Shortly thereafter, he learned BCS was looking for an interim Head of School and led the prestigious high school for three years starting in 2013, with another single year later on when the school was again in the same position.
Mitchell, a star athlete at BU in the ‘60s, was on the hockey and football teams. He remembers his first year at BU there were only around 600 students. “It was basically like a high school.” Mitchell played football under legendary coach Bruce Coulter.
Times have changed, he added, of the 15 athletes on BU’s champion football team, 11 were also on the hockey team. One could be on more than one team then, which is much different than the specialization required today. “What it has grown into… is delightful to see,” Mitchell noted. By the time he left in ’68, there were over 1,000 students…
From the archives:
1998: Bishop’s basketball team celebrates national championship win
“The Bishop’s men’s basketball team, crowned CIAU National Champions last weekend, is still soaking in their remarkable victory. Jamie Woods, a key guard for the Gaiters, expressed his disbelief at the team’s journey from being one of the country’s worst in 1994 to national champions four years later. “This is a dream come true,” said Woods, emphasizing the hard work and practice that led to this success…The Gaiters’ triumph is not just a testament to their skill and dedication but also a moment that will stand out in the university’s sports history.”
Now, Mitchell continued, the school has over 2,600 students. The expansion of programs and opportunities for students, such as the Maple League and similar initiatives, has him proud of what BU continues to do and aspires to do in the future.
Mitchell’s family has been connected to BU “forever”. “There are way too many Mitchells around,” he joked. He continues to support BU by going to football games.
Mitchell views nothing as negative in BU’s evolution over the years. BU has stuck to its principles as a Liberal Arts school, while understanding that it needs to keep with the modern world.
The recent provincial government proposal to double tuition for out-of-province students studying in Quebec was “a shocker”. He was proud of BU and its community’s response. He attended the recent gathering at BU’s Centennial Theatre, where over 100 community leaders jointly showed their support for the institution in the face of this proposal that poses, as Lebel-Grenier has said, an existential threat to BU. “I was in tears in the back of the hall, because the community rallied in a spectacular way.”
The glee club, Deep Purples, were great, remembered Mitchell, returning to the topic of his time as a student. One of the years at the Winter Carnival, Chicago, a rock band of the era, performed. Winter Carnival at the time involved a “ski day” and a Carnival ball. “It was quite a mid-winter break.”
From the archives:
1984: University Singers of Lennoxville welcomes new members for exciting season
“Founded in the early ’60s by Bishop’s University Professor Emeritus Howard Brown, the choir comprises both students and community members. This year, they plan to present their traditional Christmas concert and a special Bach-Handel 300th Birthday Bash in April. They will also collaborate with the Choir of Knox College from the University of Toronto for a concert-workshop featuring Mozart’s Missa Brevis in B-flat.
Nancy Rahn, now in her third year as the choir’s director, brings extensive experience in community music and teaching. With a background in piano and voice from British Columbia, and studies in England, Rahn also instructs piano at Bishop’s University and Lennoxville Elementary School.”
The business school was quite new, said Mitchell, when he was there. It was a small part of what BU “delivered” at the time. He took Business 101 and a few other related courses. Everyone fit into a single lecture room in the Nicholls building…
From the archives:
1997: Business school renamed to honour benefactor
“Bishop’s University has renamed its business and economics division to honor alumnus and benefactor David Williams. The department is now known as the Williams School of Business and Economics, marking the occasion with a special ceremony on Thursday.
Williams, a 1963 graduate of Bishop’s University, has contributed over $3 million to his alma mater, along with his time and expertise. Now a retired investment manager residing in Ontario, Williams’ donations have significantly bolstered the university’s resources and prestige.”
BU’s Gait used to be its gymnasium, Mitchell said, a standalone building. The Student Union Building was to be built later. The Johnson building was built sometime during his time there, as well as the Munster and Abbott residences. They all were “state of the art” for their time.
He emphasized that BU has meant a great deal to his family. He will continue to support it in every way he can. Many institutions are not having an easy time these days, but it is important to find good institutions that one can trust and to support them, for they sustain our civilization. “We’re having to rely on them more and more, but they are being tested more and more.”