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Bethune 50th Anniversary

We celebrated our 50th year in 2022!

Bethune College first opened in 1971 (its original name was “College G”), and it celebrated its 50th year as a proud member of York University.

A few fun facts:

  • College G office space was initially in the basement in the Steacie building and was not affiliated with Science or Engineering (its focus was “third world studies”).
  • The 1st Bethune College Council (BCC-student council) constitution was struck in November 1971.
  • The New York Thymes (Bethune’s student newspaper) carried the news as it started up that same year.
  • In January 1972 a “naming” referendum was held and the College proposed it be called Norman Bethune College.  The York Board of Governors concurred in May 1972.
  • In June-July 1972, the College physically moved into its permanent home.
  1. SEMINAR. One big change from the 1970’s has been our increasing awareness of the need for and importance of embedding the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion into all that we do.