Long before he became one of the most respected Canadian statesmen of the 20th century, Peter Lougheed was a U of A sportsman campaigning to reinstate football as a major campus activity, a Students' Union president and a writer for The Gateway. From these experiences emerged an exceptional leader whose involvement with the university would continue throughout his life. (11 total photos)
Gateway to greatness
At the U of A student newspaper, Lougheed honed his persuasive skills penning articles in 1948-49. It wasn't long before he had made the front page.
Eyes on the prize
Playing football with the U of A Golden Bears in 1947 and 1948 helped prepare Lougheed (left) for a political career characterized by teamwork.
A "beautiful girl" came to the Tuck Shop
The Tuck Shop, the U of A's popular meeting place, was where Lougheed met the young woman he would marry in 1952. Jeanne Rogers' influence on Lougheed helped develop Alberta's arts and culture.
Priming for provincial leadership
Campaigning for Students' Union president in 1951, Lougheed promised to foster and "develop public relations with the provincial and municipal governments."
A premier returns
The former Students' Union president came back to campus in 1974 to install chancellor Ronald Dalby.
Fair play
As Students' Union president, Lougheed encouraged students to be active citizens. As premier, he received 5,000 students at the legislature campaigning for an increase in education funding.
A leader for education
Lougheed wanted Alberta to lead the country in support of post-secondary education. Here he officially reopens Athabasca Hall.
A steadfast supporter
Lougheed returned to campus in 1999 for a fundraising drive to launch the Louis Desrochers Professorship in Canadian Studies at Faculté Saint-Jean.
A gentleman and scholars
Peter Lougheed Scholarship recipients pose for a photo with the award's namesake. Former U of A president Myer Horowitz established the scholarship in 1986 to recognize Lougheed's dedication to public service.
Commemorating a vision
Peter Lougheed arrives in style to celebrate the U of A's strong science and technology research culture during the President's Charter Day Dinner in 2008 honouring Alberta's premiers.
Honouring a student and statesman
(From left) U of A board chair Doug Goss presents Lougheed's sons, Joe and Stephen, with the university flag outside Rutherford House, where the former premier once lived as a member of the Delta Upsilon fraternity.