Class History
Commerce '22
The year of 1919 ushered in many important events, the foremost of those which most intimately concern us being the inauguration of the Class of Commerce ’22. Up to this time, due to the unsettled conditions, the School of Commerce had been somewhat in the nature of an experiment, but the lengthening of the course and the granting of a degree were fully justified by the remarkable increase in attendance that followed.
The class of ’22 had an original registration of eighty-one, an increase of 600% over the preceeding year. Of these eighty-one, almost half had seen service with the Canadian army and having successfully finished one task, returned with a determination to fit themselves for the new struggles which faced them in civilian life.
The class has always taken an active interest in all branches of college affairs. While success has not always crowned the efforts of the class team in the realm of sport, we have been well represented on many of the college teams. The class has always been a staunch supporter of the Commercial Society, which is composed of the undergraduate body of the School of Commerce and which, incidentally, is recognized as one of the “livest” organizations of its kind in the University.
We regret that the blue pencil of the examiner has slightly depleted our members, but we are glad to say that we still have with us our two members of the fairer sex, who have proven themselves to be good scholars, good classmates and “good fellows.”
The class, from the day of its inception into the School of Commerce, has always displayed an enthusiasm and self-confidence that will stand its members in good stead when they emerge into the world of business.
All indications point to the forming of a separate faculty before the next session and the high ideals which the class will carry into their senior year will form a criterion for future classes in the Faculty of Commerce.
Commercial Society Executive
“Great oaks from little acorns grow,” as the poet has said! The photograph of the Commercial Society of 1918 included all but two of its members, and was taken in Notman’s Studio with fifteen people present to represent the then School of Commerce. The mid-term supper of the Commercial Society of 1920 called for the use of the largest room that the Union could provide, that room being filled to capacity.
With 117 paid up members, the Society has enjoyed a most successful session. Meetings have been held fortnightly, and distinguished speakers have been secured to give members the opportunity of hearing from prominent business men in the world outside.
A spending spirit of co-operation has been shown by Commerce throughout the year, and this “Faculty to be” has enjoyed an enviable position in undergraduate circles, taking first place in many, an no mean place in all, of the activities—social, athletic, patriotic— of the University. The support given by Commerce men to their own undergraduate organization is most gratifying to the Executive, and augurs well for great things in the future.
