History

In the early years of Toronto, the Humber River provided the local industry with the energy source and communications link it needed to flourish. In 1967, Humber College took on that heritage, dedicating itself to the communication of ideas and energy that would foster lifelong learning.

The Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology (CAATs) were established by provincial legislation in 1967 in response to the need for a skilled workforce. The mandate of CAATs was to provide accessible, quality career education and training to enhance the social and economic development of Ontario and to meet local, regional and global marketplace demand.

  1. Humber’s first few hundred students began classes in the skilled trades.

    1967
  2. Humber developed into a comprehensive postsecondary institution, providing education through Schools of Applied Arts, Business, Creative Arts, Health Sciences, Human Studies and Technology.

    1970s
  3. More technology programs were offered to satisfy the needs of a changing workplace.

    1980s
  4. Humber was the first college to offer graduate certificates to university graduates whom, after completing a general arts or science degree, required specific, job-related training. The college began planning to respond to the needs of a more global, information-based workplace.

    1990s
  5. Following provincial Ministry consent, Humber began offering the University of New Brunswick-Humber collaborative Bachelor of Nursing degree. Today, it is the largest Bachelor of Nursing program in Ontario.

    2001
  6. Humber welcomed the inaugural class of the University of Guelph-Humber, which offers integrated degree-diploma programs through a partnership between the University of Guelph and Humber College.

    2002
  7. On February 10, 2003, the provincial Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities designated Humber College as an Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning. This designation enabled Humber to develop and offer bachelor degrees. The objective was to offer up to 15 per cent of programming in baccalaureate degrees.

    2003
  8. Humber adopted a new vision - "Humber - Excellence in polytechnic education."

    2006
  9. The first graduates of Humber degrees entered the workforce after successful work placements in their chosen sector. Humber also grew its commitment to applied research.

    2007
  10. With 12 degree programs, Humber enrolled 24 per cent - or one in four - students taking a degree program at all Ontario colleges.

    2008
  11. Humber continued the revitalization of the Lakeshore Campus with the opening of the Centre for Justice Leadership. It also opened the 95,000 square foot Centre for Trades & Technology facility, and announces plans for a campus in Orangeville.

    2009
  12. Humber is recognized for sustainability leadership by the City of Toronto’s Better Buildings Partnership, opens The Business School’s Fashion Institute and the Humber Arts & Media Studios at Lakeshore Campus.

    2010
  13. Humber hosts first TEDx event at a Canadian college, opens the LEED Silver-standard Lakeshore Commons, and is named one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People by MediaCorp Canada, Inc.

    2011
  14. Humber opens the Learning Resource Commons (LRC), a 264,000-square-foot building serving as a hub for student services and the new main entrance to the North Campus.

    2015

Humber provides a rich academic experience for our students. Our award-winning faculty has advanced academic credentials, industry experience and employs the latest technology and teaching methodologies in state-of-the-art labs and classrooms that simulate a real-world working environment.

In the future, Humber will continue to offer industry-focused programs that provide graduates with the academic learning and hands-on experience they need to impress potential employers.