Nipissing University celebrates pearl anniversary

Today marks a milestone anniversary for Nipissing University as it celebrates 30 years as an independent institution.  

With roots that extend back to the 1900s with the North Bay Normal School, “Nipissing University College”, was formed as an affiliate of Laurentian University in 1967. Nipissing received its charter as an independent university on December 10, 1992.  

In its inaugural year as an independent university, there were approximately 66 faculty members, with the University’s first President being David Marshall.  

In 1992, Nipissing University was offering degree programs such as a Bachelor of Arts degree in Administrative Studies, Economics, English, Environmental Geography, Geography, History, Psychology, Sociology, and Social Welfare, as well as a Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Liberal Science, and Bachelor of Education.  

Stephen Hamilton was the first Nipissing University Student Union (NUSU) President, graduating in 1995 with a Bachelor of Business Administration.  

“When I first started my studies in 1989, the school consisted of two hallways and a student population that was smaller than my high school,” shared Hamilton. “I remember this event like it was yesterday, where I stood before the legislative standing committee in Queens Park and spoke before the MPPs pleading our case on why Nipissing University College should become its own degree granting institution.”  

Hamilton addressed the Members of Provincial Parliament asking them the question, “what was it like to able to study at an institution where you could go out and cheer on your varsity teams and wear your school colours with pride?”  

Formerly the blue and yellow Nipissing Knights, Hamilton still remembers the committee meetings where it was decided to change the institution’s colours to the blue and green “Nipissing Lakers”.  

“I am proud to witness the impacts and accomplishments my fellow alumni are making in the world,” stated Hamilton. “It is amazing to see growth of the institution, the increase in programming and facilities available to students.”  

Hamilton continues his service to Nipissing as the coach of the Lakers ringette team and says that dressing in the Lakers team colours has extra meaning to him.  

He is currently working for a company out of Pittsburgh, PA, as a National Accounts Manager.  

“Nipissing provided me the foundation to have a very successful professional career that has taken me across the United States as well as Dubai and Europe,” shared Hamilton. “As a Nipissing alum, I would like to tell the students to have the confidence to go after what you aspire to be. Nipissing will have you prepared to tackle all the challenges you will face.”  

Since 1992, Nipissing University has grown its facilities, its programs, and its faculty complement. Currently, Nipissing consists of approximately 182 full-time and 70 part-time faculty members. The campus has also expanded with new state-of-the-art buildings including the Harris Learning Library, the R.J. Surtees Student Athletics Centre, and the NUSU Student Centre.  

Riley McEntee, NUSU’s current President, is studying for a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy (Honours) and Political Science (Major). McEntee says in contrast to some post-secondary institutions, Nipissing University values high-quality mental health services, small class sizes, student-faculty relationships, on-the-land education, and relationships with First Nations communities. He states that NUSU shares these values while putting students at the forefront of all they do, which can be seen through their low-barrier Food Bank, the prioritized services in the Health Plan, student programming, and community engagement.  

“As both a Nipissing and the President of NUSU, it is a privilege and pleasure to hold and represent these values,” stated McEntee. “It is my responsibility to ensure these values continue on, and that students can have the best possible experience while in University.”  

When looking towards the future of Nipissing University, Riley envisions growth in on-the-land education, the continuance of small class sizes, and more diversity within course selection, particularly in Indigenous studies and non-Western topics. He’s hopeful for interconnectedness with Nipissing University and the local North Bay community.  

Nipissing University’s current President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Kevin Wamsley, says Nipissing’s 30th anniversary comes at an exciting time in the institution’s history: 

“It’s important to use occasions like to this celebrate where you have come from, especially as we get set to chart an exciting new path for the future,” said Wamsley. “Nipissing has much to be proud of in its first 30 years, but I’m confident in saying that the best is yet to come. We have grown into one of the region’s top employers with a national reputation for offering one of the best undergraduate student experiences in the country. Our students and alumni continue to make their mark around the globe and our faculty are engaged in leading research that is helping shape our future.”