The University community sheds the green and brown for blue spirit wear to celebrate its new identity.
On Saturday, September 24, 2022, St. Paul’s University College officially changed its name and presented its new logo to the public as United College, transforming to a more inclusive image while still paying tribute to its original founder.
At the event, this Saturday, the school’s Chancellor Michaëlle Jean shared some beautiful words of wisdom:
"There is no doubt in my mind that in this name change, there is no denying the College’s origins, heritage, and principles, only a clear reaffirmation of its deeper spirit: inclusion, togetherness, unity. So the name change does not break with the past, or deny what came before. It signals rather a renewed impulse, a renaissance as we recommit to the central purpose of the College."
This not-for-profit teaching and living community was originally founded by the United Church of Canada (UCC) in 1962, but has since ended its affiliation. That’s why this fall, the college has decided to update its brand to better represent its student community.
"We think the name United College provides an excellent foundation for a strong new brand that will allow us to reach out to an increasingly diverse student population – while proudly recognizing our origins and our heritage." - Principal Richard Myers
As an affiliated institution of the University of Waterloo, United College continues to pride itself in providing undergraduates, graduates, and their families a safe space to stay as well as offering engaging classes. It also provides innovative students who seek social and environmental justice a path for success through their social incubator GreenHouse, and provides sacred knowledge and heritage rebuilding for Indigenous persons through the Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre (WISC).
"Its single unifying proposition remains: to be a place where students of any background, denomination, religion, or academic program can come to study and be stimulated academically, intellectually, and spiritually... From St. Paul’s United College, to St. Paul’s University College, to United College, the line is clear and simple : with a shared, steady commitment to the value of learning in community, to responsible service, and to respect for other cultures as critical marks of the educated citizen." - Chancellor the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean