University of St. Michael's College

In a land far away, in 1852, St. Michael's College sprang out from the vision of Father Jean-Mathieu Soulerin and some associates of the Congregation of St. Basil from Annonay, France. Do you know who else played a role? None other than Bishop Armand-François-Marie de Charbonnel, who was instrumental in establishing the Basilians in Canada. Imagine, three levels of education offered! A preparatory school, a liberal arts college, and a minor seminary.

Intriguing, isn't it? The Basilians was gifted a colossal estate in 1853 by John Elmsley, whose father was the Chief Justice of Upper Canada. A historical relocation followed, moving St. Michael's College to the east of the University of Toronto. Here, St. Basil's Church was established. Two years later in 1855, the college secured the prestigious Royal Assent for its incorporation.

Ever wondered how St. Michael’s changed social dynamics in the late 19th century? Well, sit tight as here’s a fascinating fact! When doors of other universities closed for new Irish immigrants and their descendants in Canada, St Michael's College emerged as the beacon of hope. This Irish-dominant institution became a stronghold for higher education and an attraction that drew students from all across Canada.

A turn of the tale appeared in 1868 when the government urged the college to associate with secular institutions. St. Michael's made a pivotal decision in 1883, affiliating with the University of Toronto. It confirmed its right to instruct in history and philosophy. Four years later, it was conferred the authority to formulate its own philosophy exams.

In 1910, a landmark event occurred when St. Michael's College bolstered its status to a federated college of the University of Toronto. Still autonomous in hiring faculty and teaching liberal arts, the university stepped in for conducting exams and granting degrees in all fields, except theology. The affiliation presented additional opportunities with St. Joseph's College and Loretto College in 1912.

The dawn of the 20th century ushered in an era of professional education expansion. Specialised coursework and research thesis became the norm, and St Michael's embraced this change. With the opening of the Institute of Mediaeval Studies in 1929, the college ventured into graduate teaching and research. A decade later, the Pope himself signed the papal charter ushering in the Pontificial Institute of Mediaeval Studies.

In 1950, St. Michael's College reorganised its preparatory school division as an independent private school, St. Michael’s College School. It ended an era of direct governance, but the affiliation still stood strong. All lectures became coeducationally conducted in the classrooms of St. Michael's College after 1952. Need another surprising fact? Long, the college enjoyed the benefit of faculty, who were members of religious orders, donating their salaries back to the college.

However, as more faculty from secular background joined over the years, this income gradually disappeared. It prompted the college to reflect on new revenue sources. The first fundraising attempt in 1927 partly failed due to the onset of the Great Depression. But success came eventually, and the Basilian Fathers of St. Michael’s College was registered as a charitable organization in 1972.

Among the significant milestones over the years, the Canadian Catholic Bioethics Institute's affiliation with the college in 2001 stands out. If you try to imagine its journey so far, the following year, 2002, marked the 150th anniversary of its founding with a holy mass held in St. Basil’s Church. Thus, St. Michael's College has continuously been in the business of shaping young minds, welcoming bright minds from across the globe. So, why don't you consider studying under the guidance of this esteemed institution?