About
In November 1984, Grant MacEwan Community College’s Board of Governors designated a special day, known as Grant MacEwan Day, to pay tribute to the college’s namesake, Dr. J.W. Grant MacEwan. This occasion, celebrated annually until 2015 initially aimed to shine a spotlight on the extraordinary accomplishments of Dr. MacEwan while fostering interaction between students, staff, and the celebrated figure himself. Additionally, the event increased public awareness of the college’s mission and objectives within the province while also providing fundraising opportunities.
Letter from President Dr. Gerry Kelly to Dr. MacEwan announcing Grant MacEwan Day.
"With your generous permission our Board of Governors has now and henceforth proclaimed February 28th as "Grant MacEwan Day". The purpose of the this day is to allow students and staff and the public to become better acquainted with the man who has given his name to our College. Over time we envisage using this occasion to promote the good work and ideals advocated by Grant MacEwan." - Dr. Gerry Kelly, President, Grant MacEwan Community College.
Poster for the inaugural Grant MacEwan Day, February 28, 1985.
At the inaugural event on February 28, 1985, Dr. MacEwan delivered a speech at the Downtown Edmonton Rotary Club. Later that day, he gave a free public lecture called "Lessons from Yesterday" in the John Haar Theatre at the Jasper Place campus.
Over the years, the Grant MacEwan Day Committee, comprised of dedicated representatives from various departments, the Students’ Association, and the invaluable Dorothy Gray - an instructor, college historian, and close friend of the MacEwan family – worked tirelessly to shape and expand the event. Their collective efforts provided an opportunity to acknowledge the outstanding contributions of the college's dedicated employees, weaving together the strands of remembrance, appreciation, and community spirit.
Handwritten letter of thanks from
Dr. MacEwan to Dr. Kelly, 1985.
"The memory of that delightful day with you lingers clearly and I am grateful to you for considering
other G. MacE. days in the future....If any of my aspirations or ideals were to live on,
I'd be especially hopeful for the cult, stewardship of the earth." - Dr. Grant MacEwan.
Participants, donning MacEwan Day t-shirts, sweatshirts, and buttons, embraced the spirit of the event. For many years, a distinctive theme underscored the festivities, amplifying the collective enthusiasm. Notable themes in the past included "Conserve the Environment" (1990), "Unity in Diversity" (1991), "Taking Charge" (1992), "Bringing Learning to Life" (1993), "Recognizing Achievement" (1994), "Then and Now" (1995), "Catch the MacEwan Spirit" (1996), "Celebrating 25 Years" (1997), "I've Caught the MacEwan Spirit" (1998), "MacEwan Goes Global" (1999), "MacEwan Marks the Millennium" (2000), "The Continuing Legacy" (2001), "Celebrating 30 Years" (2002), and "Celebrating MacEwan" (2003).
Bruce Vincent, senior administrator in Facilities, models a sweatshirt, 1994.
Heather MacEwan Foran attends Grant MacEwan Day in 1996 with her family.
On the few occasions when Dr. MacEwan could not attend, his daughter, Heather MacEwan Foran, would appear on MacEwan Day. Following his passing in 2000, Heather continued the family tradition, appearing at MacEwan Day until 2014.
MacEwan Day Posters and Advertisements
