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WLU, Canada

Wilfrid Laurier University, originally named Waterloo Lutheran University, it is commonly assumed that the university was renamed to honor Sir Wilfrid Laurier. Speculation that the name choice had to do with Laurier’s initials matching those of Waterloo Lutheran University. Another reason cited for the choice of the name is that Laurier was Prime Minister when the Seminary that grew into a university was founded in 1911. The university was in fact named to honor the seventh Prime Minister of Canada, Sir Wilfrid Laurier.

Laurier has faculties of the Arts, Science, Music and Social Work and a School of Business & Economics. Although comparatively small, Laurier has consistently ranked among Canada’s top schools, an honor which is regularly confirmed by a certain magazine’s annual publication.

The Laurier Library holds nearly 1.8 million books and journals in hard copy or microform and provides access to over 6 000 electronic reference tools and full text electronic journals. The University Archives’ primary function is to acquire, preserve and make accessible University documents of administrative, legal, fiscal and historical value. Here are some of the records found; Minutes of the Board of Governors; Minutes of Faculty and Library councils; Student Archives; Laurier News; Student Scrapbooks; Programmers from openings and dedications of campus buildings, this is found on the first floor of the library with much more to be found in the seven story library.

Wilfrid University is headed by a Chancellor. The role of the chancellor is one that is ceremonial and has little participation in the day-to-day operations of the university. The current chancellor is The Hon. Bob Rae, who has held the post since 2003.