Educational Roots:
Founder's Hall, the central gem of University of Alberta's Augustana campus, has its roots running deeply in the Norwegian history of the area. The structure was originally erected as the Camrose Lutheran College, the institution of the Alberta Norwegian Lutheran Association. This association was organized in 1910, and recognized by the province of Alberta in 1913. The fact that Camrose was selected to house the centre for religious training, speaks to the stature and breath of Norwegian influence in the area. In three short years, the school had over 100 students. Many equate the academy as a magnet for settlers of Scandinavian decent to the area. To this day, Augustana Campus, continues to draw members of the educational community from the province, nation, and the globe.
Even though the University of Alberta has broadened the focus of the educational environment, much like the plethora of other buildings that now sprawl over the grounds, Founder's Hall remains the central focus. Its recent renovation may have taken longer than expected, but the beauty and care demonstrated, in seamlessly blending modern and classical architecture, were well worth the wait! |
The original "Old Main", as it is still affectionately known, was constructed in 1912, and designed by then principal, J.P. Tandberg. Within this one structure, the entire educational, living and operational needs of Camrose Lutheran College co-existed.
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Jeanne & Peter Lougheed Centre for the Arts:The Jeanne & Peter Lougheed Centre for the Arts is a vibrant reminder that the Augustana campus, along with its host, Camrose, is walking confidently into the future. Curved lines intersecting with straight angles portray a perfect blend of freedom and tradition. The facility has already been home to an eclectic mix of performances, ranging from local school plays, to globally recognized recording artists.
It is the nexus of artistic expression. It is community. It is our future. Thanks to a wide range of contributions, one million of which sprang from the Camrose County, it is a testament to rural possibility. To find more details on the centre, hop on over to Tourism Camrose's information site on this amazing endeavour! |
Chapel Drama:The Camrose Lutheran Church, once housed in the building you see captured in the photo gallery below, was constructed in 1927-28. The buildiing was moved from downtown Camrose, to its current location on campus. The move took place in 1992. Prior to this, the structure was already being used for performing arts. Today, the building houses faculty offices, classrooms, a set construction and costume area, as well as practice and performance space for the drama faculty, and of course, the community of Camrose! |