Thompson Rivers University

TRU celebrates 50 years of education and transformation

January 21, 2020

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KAMLOOPS—Join Thompson Rivers University in celebrating its golden anniversary this year by sharing a memory, nominating an influencer or attending the free event series open to everyone and offered throughout 2020.

Find more ways to get involved at tru.ca/50, which includes lists of free Gifts of Learning events, a space to share memories, a chance to nominate TRU’s top 50 influencers and, of course, details about the peak of celebrations, the Homecoming Weekends in Kamloops and Williams Lake on September 11-13 and 26, respectively.

TRU is calling on everyone—alumni, current and former staff and faculty, and community members—to visit the site and participate in events throughout the year. The website will be updated frequently, so check back often.

“2020 will be our ‘year of living memorably!’ We will pay tribute to those whose vision, hard work and dedication over the past 50 years have shaped who we are today and what we achieve tomorrow. We will welcome back every member of our vast, extended TRU family to come home and be part of the ultimate reunion,” said TRU President Brett Fairbairn.

“This is the year that together we get to learn more about the storied past and wonderful people of our university and to celebrate both in TRU style. Please join in the celebration!”

The free Gifts of Learning events kicked off earlier this month and have attracted enthusiastic crowds and while submissions have begun nominees for TRU influencers. This momentum is expected to continue throughout the year.

Contact:

Michele Young, TRU Marketing and Communications
250-828-5361 | micyoung@tru.ca

Backgrounder:

Fifty years ago, Cariboo College began as a community college. It has evolved into a thriving research university offering everything from trades to tech, arts to science to business to law, and certificates and diplomas to master’s degrees.

Wordmark

For its 50th anniversary celebrations, TRU has developed a wordmark consisting of the colour palettes used when it was Cariboo College, University College of the Cariboo and, of course, Thompson Rivers University. You’ll see this wordmark on campus banners, in institutional advertising and in internal communications. It’s a visual reminder to current and past students, faculty, staff, parents, supporters and community members to be part of what promises to be a year to remember.

Gifts of Learning

With the support of the university’s faculties, schools and departments, TRU is proud to present free opportunities to learn about a vast array of subjects, through hands-on experiences, lectures and presentations, on campus or from home—all year long and absolutely free. More Gifts of Learning will be added as the year unfolds.

50 influencers

The university is also searching for the 50 most influential people in its history—individuals who made a difference through their leadership, impact, innovation and forward thinking. A selection committee will review applications and the honorees will be recognized on the website and announced on Homecoming Weekend. The deadline for nominations is April 30.

Share memories

Anyone who has been a part of TRU’s history—students, alumni, employees, community members—is welcome to share their memories. They can be uploaded on the webpage, tru.ca/50, emailed to 50@tru.ca or posted on social media and tagged #TRU50.

Homecoming

This September 11-13 in Kamloops and September 26 in Williams Lake, participate in an entire weekend of family-friendly fun for the whole community. Activities include Distinguished Alumni Awards, class and year reunion luncheons, Open House—where our past connects with future students—WolfPack soccer, a concert act you cannot miss, tastes of the past in The Den and much, much more. Details coming at tru.ca/50.