Humber 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.

A Timeline of Humber

1967

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

1970s

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

1980s

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

1990s

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.

2001

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.

2002

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.

2003

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.

2006

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

2007

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.

2008

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

2009

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.

2010

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.

2011

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.

2015

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.