In the words of author Ellen Schoeck: I Was There is for anyone who loves the University of Alberta. It is a simple book of stories from alumni. They will tell you why they decided to come to university, what everyday was like for them, and where their degrees took them after graduation. You will also hear stories told by a handful of professors who were at the U of A in the early days. These first professors were pioneers in education who came from revered and established universities to take a chance on a university that only had a name - the University of Alberta. They came west to a university that had no students, staff or buildings. All that existed was a piece of paper, an act of the Legislature, passed on May 9, 1906, called the University Act. But it was people - students, faculty and staff - who brought that piece of legislation to life. This is a documentary account of their stories - stories that pluck the University's history down from the bookshelf, and make it live all over again. 1908 and you'll be with her as she fails English, her major, twice, under the scrutiny of the inspiring but unrelenting taskmaster, Dr. Broadus. Then, in 1927, you will be tossed off the roof of Athabasca Hall with Hugh Morrison (BA '30) during freshman initiation. Three decades later, long-time U of A Registrar Brian Silzer (BSc '69, Dip(Ed) '71, MEd '78) will describe what happened after he and his buddies dropped a bowling ball from the roof of their undergraduate residence, St. Stephen's College. Along the way you will meet teachers, actors, a famous pilot, physicists, researchers, military personnel, journalists, politicians, linguists, diplomats, public servants, a spy, engineers, and playwrights. You'll even meet a ghost or two.

This collection of Burgess's public talks and writings offers a unique insight into the social and intellectual dimensions of architecture and town planning during the first half of the twentieth century. Architectural history, the impact of the Arts and Crafts and Modernist movements, the meaning of domestic architecture, and the connection of architecture and town planning to everyday life figure prominently in this collection. A contemporary of Cecil Burgess said that no one in Canada was superior in architectural scholarship. Cecil Burgess was professor of architecture and resident architect at the University of Alberta between 1913 and 1940. A similar collection of writings and talks has not been published about Canadian architecture for this period.

"All True Things "is a critical history of the genesis and evolution of the University of Alberta and a splendid way to mark the University's centennial. Professor Emeritus of History and alumnus, Rod Macleod, relates the University's coming of age against the parallel history of the Province of Alberta's remarkable growth. "All True Things"--a variation on the University of Alberta's motto, "Quaecumque Vera," or, "Whatsoever Things Are True"--uncovers times of triumph and trouble by examining key people, circumstances, and decisions of that first century. What emerges is an enduring narrative of an institutional will to thrive and become a vibrant centre of learning. As the University embarks on its second century, this definitive source of information and reflection on institutional history and governance will inspire future leaders and policy makers and delight the University of Alberta's many friends far and wide.

The Alberta Order of Excellence is the highest honour the Province of Alberta can bestow on a citizen. Members of The Alberta Order of Excellence come from all walks of life. Their careers range from medicine, science, engineering, law, and business to politics, education, agriculture, and the arts. The one thing all members have in common is that they have made an outstanding provincial, national, or international service contribution.

I have faith in a better future, because I have faith that most human beings want to do the right thing. - Lois Hole In early 2005, Alberta lost one of its greatest treasures--a woman who not only voiced her thoughts, but also acted upon them. Lois Hole was a compassionate being who remained, even as Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, modest and approachable to those inspired by her. This collection of speeches, edited by Mark Lisac, will appeal to everyday Albertans whose lives Lois Hole touched, and particularly to those interested in how this remarkable woman reacted to and affected Alberta's history and political life.