The Brandon University Student's Union (BUSU), Local 37 of the Canadian Federation of Students, was incorporated in 1969 as the students' organization of Brandon University. Its predecessor was the Brandon College Students' Association, which was established in 1899. BUSU is a not-for-profit society that serves to represent the students of Brandon University; all regular full and part-time students at Brandon University are members of the Students’ Union.
BUSU has several broad functions: they are a service provider that offers programs and support services to students throughout the year; they act as lobbyists on behalf of the student body at the local, provincial and federal levels, working with the other member locals of the Canadian Federation of Students, Canada’s national and provincial student movement; they represent the student body within the important, decision-making bodies at BU, such as the Board of Governors and Senate; and they provide funding for student clubs and organizations. BUSU is bound legally to the Brandon University Sudents' Union Constitution and Bylaws and the Universities Act of Manitoba.
BUSU draws on collected student fees to operate. Its administrative structure consists of a board of directors consisting of 11 voting members. Students elect representatives to relay their issues and concerns to the University community, the community at large, and all levels of government. A democratically elected council, made up of members from various constituencies on campus, oversees the work of the Students’ Union. The council includes four executive officers (the President and three Vice Presidents – Academic, Finance, and Student Activities), numerous commissioners, and one liaison. The work of the Students’ Union is also powered by the efforts and dedication of countless campus and community volunteers and staff. BUSU also has a voting student representative on the Board of Governors and Senate.
BUSU holds annual and semi-annual general meetings, full council meetings, and council committee meetings throughout the year. All meetings are broadly advertised to the membership and are open to students. As BUSU members, students have full speaking rights at any meeting of the Union, as well as voting rights at general meetings.
Custodial History
The records in accession 25-2003 were stored by the Brandon University Students' Union until they were donated to the McKee Archives.
Scope and Content
Series consists of records of Executive meetings, correspondence and financial records of the Brandon University Students' Union, as well as club records and copies of "The Sickle," "The Quill," and Student Handbooks. It has been divided into five sub-series, including: (1) BUSU Executive and Council; (3) Correspondence; (4) Clubs; and (5) Publications.
Notes
BUSU is a separately incorporated organization from Brandon University's Board of Governors, but for administrative purposes it has been incorporated int RG 6 Brandon University fonds. Administrative information in the History/Bio field was taken from the BUSU website at http://www.busu.ca/aboutus.asp (December 2005).
Some of the pages and photographs in the scrapbooks have become loose
History / Biographical
Verda Joan McDonald (nee Peden) was born in Brandon, MB on May 2, 1934. She was the middle daughter of Bill, a school principal, and Phyllis Peden. McDonald attended school at King George, Alexandra (now Betty Gibson), Earl Oxford and Brandon Collegiate Institute.
In 1951, McDonald enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts program at Brandon College. A fellowship program from the local YMCA enabled her to teach gym and swim programs after school and on Saturday for a small salary, which enabled her and some other students to finance their education. She graduated in 1955 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. During her graduating year, McDonald served as Lady Stick for Brandon College; the title of Lady Stick was an elected position and an honour, and gave McDonald and the person elected Senior Stick, Frank McKinnon, the responsibility of leading the student council for that year. In 1956, McDonald obtained her Bachelor of Pedagogy degree, also from Brandon College, which allowed her to teach grades 1 to 12 in Manitoba.
Verda married her college sweetheart, Dick McDonald, on August 25, 1956, and the couple moved to Dauphin to teach at the Dauphin Collegiate and Technical Institute for two years. They returned to Brandon in September 1958, and Verda proceeded to teach at Brandon Collegiate, Neelin High School and Vincent Massey until December 1960.
When Dick finished his degree at Brandon College and started teaching, Verda stayed at home to raise their three sons, Rick, Paul and Daren. During this time she began her many years of volunteering within the community. She served seven years on each of the following three boards: The Brandon Schools Instrumental Music Association; The Brandon University Alumni Board; and The Board of Fairview Nursing Home. She became President of each board during her term.
McDonald supported her husband throughouet his teaching and financial career, as well as his strong involvement in the Artillery Reserve Army with the 26th Field Regiment where he served as Commander and later Honorary Colonel. Both McDonald and her husband maintained strong ties with Brandon University and have contributed generously to funding campaign and scholarships. The Sports Wall of Fame in the Health Living Centre on the Brandon University campus is named in their honour.
In addition to their involvement with Brandon University, the McDonald's were members of the Kinsmen, K40 service club, gold and bridge clubs and enjoyed many years together in Brandon. They enjoyed going on cruise ship holidays and visited many countries together.
Since Dick's death in September 2015, Verda has tried to maintain her involvment in university activities. She continues to reside in Brandon, MB.
Custodial History
Records were created and collected by Verda McDonald during her years as a student and alumna of Brandon College/Brandon University. The records were stored in her home until their donation to the McKee Archives in 2015.
Scope and Content
Collection consists of records dealing with Verda McDonald's experiences as a student and alumna at Brandon College/University. The majority of the collection contains records from the early 1950s during McDonald's college years (1951-1955). These records, which cover the social and athletic aspects of Brandon College in the 1950s, provide a detailed look at college student life during this time period. The collection also contains a small number of records (1955-2005), documenting McDonald's experiences as an alumna of Brandon College/University.
The collection consists of four scrapbooks, which contain photographs, newspaper clippings, graduation cards, lyrics for class songs, and programs for graduation banquets, school dances, graduation ceremonies and drama productions. The scrapbooks also contain ephemera such as sports emblems, table decorations, election paraphernalia. It also includes McDonald's oath of office from when she was sworn in as Lady Stick, as well as her acceptance speech from the same ceremony.
The three file folders in the collection include: a list written by Frank McKinnon, a classmate of McDonald's, outlining his reasons for coming to Brandon College and his recollections of being a student at Brandon College; the rules of Clark Hall residence hall; and pamphlets for various celebrations and events at Brandon University (Homecoming 2009, Homecoming 2006, Reunion Weekend 2005, Reunion Weekend 2004, Homecoming 1995 and 1995 Reconovocation program, Homecoming 1980, 1975 Open House).
Finally, the collection contains 18 loose photographs. A number of the photos document important reunions for the Class of 1955 (40th Anniversary in 1995, 50th Anniversary in 2005), while others were taken at alumni events over the years (1988-1997). There is one postcard of Brandon University buildings (Original Building and Clark Hall, McMaster Hall and the Queen Elizabeth II School of Music building). Some of the 1995 reunion photos include images of the Brandon College Building and Clark Hall under renovation. Also included are a composite portrait of the Class of 1955 and class portraits Arts and Science for the Class of 1960.
Notes
History/Bio information provided by Verda McDonald. Description by Emily Bate (October 2016) and Christy Henry.
The Business and Professional Women's Club of Brandon was created in November 1932. The club grew out of a meeting of business and professional women who were interested in forming an association. Guest speakers at the meeting were Miss Hilda Hesson, the Vice President of the Federation of Canadian Business and Professional Women's Clubs, and Miss F. Ingram, the President of the Winnipeg Business and Professional Women's Club. The objective of the Brandon club, according to its constitution, was the "promotion of educational, service, and social facilities for the business and professional women." The club consisted of active and associate members and belonged to the greater Canadian Federation of Business and Professional Women's Club. The first President of the club was Miss Margaret Gemmell, with approximately 80 women attended the club's first meeting. The club established sub-committees on a variety of subjects including current events, sports, bridge instruction, public speaking, dress making, photography, stitch craft, manual training, and physical culture. The club also put on exhibitions, participated in drama festivals, held rummage sales and an annual Christmas party. During the Second World War, it established a War Effort Department. This department organized activities such as sewing and knitting in support of the war effort. The War Effort Department also raised money for charities such as the Red Cross. During its meetings, the club often heard local and national speakers or watched films. Women of many different vocations joined the club including florists, teachers, salesclerks, nurses, and housewives. Over the years, additional departments were added to the club including those named poetry, pottery, woodcraft, and drama.
Custodial History
This fonds was accessioned by the McKee Archives in 2002. Previous custodial history is unknown.
Scope and Content
Fonds contains three small scrapbooks, which cover the years 1932-1939, 1939-1949, and 1950-1959, respectively. The scrapbooks contain newpaper clippings from the Brandon Sun, the Winnipeg Free Press, and the Flin Flon Daily Miner. The scrapbooks also contain exhibition and meeting programs from the Brandon Club. Fonds also contains meeting minutes for the years 1932-1972.
Brandon Business and Professional Women's Club (10-2002); Minnedosa Business and Professional Women's Club (11-2002); Neepawa Business and Professional Women's Club (12-2002); Trilliam Business and Professional Women's Club (2-2006).
Portrait of Brandon College Caps hockey players and Manager Doc Hannah on the ice. L to R: Harry George, Don Sumner, Doc Hannah, Fin Campbell, Jack Scott.
Portrait of the Brandon College Caps hockey team. Back Row (L to R): Doc Hannah (Trainer), Gil Giem, Warren McKinnon, Tom Ross, Doug Birch, Barry Heselgrave, Wayne Fawcett, Ron Hurdal, Gerald Butler, Ron Borotsik, Doug Clark (Coach). Front Row (L to R): George Peary, Don Duprey, Sonny Solmundson, Bruce Smith, Murray Zuk, Dick McDonald.
Portrait of the Brandon College Caps hockey team. Back Row (L to R): Gil Giem, Sonny Solmundson, Barry Ellwood, Doug Birch, Wally Jasper. Middle Row (L to R): Doc Hannah (Trainer), Ron Hurdal, Tom Ross, Wayne Fawcett, Gerald Butler, Lloyd Nikkel, Doug Clark (Coach). Front Row (L to R): George Peary, Ron Borotsik, Bruce Smith, Murray Zuk, Dick McDonald, Warren McKinnon.
Portrait of the Brandon College Caps hockey team. Back Row (L to R): George Redgate (Equipment Manager), Jack Scott, Graham Hunt, Neil McKellar, Art Nicol, John MacLean, Harold Moffat, Gus Juckes, Harry George, Fin Campbell, Don Irwin, Doc Hannah (Trainer). Front Row (L to R): Ernie Shaw, Bill Sutherland, Don Sumner, Blair MacRae, Garth Kidd and Rick Hannah (stick boys).
Portrait of the Brandon College Caps hockey team. Left to Right: Garth Kidd (stick boy), Don Sumner, Neil McKellar, Pete Hendry, Jack Scott, Bill Sutherland, Ernie Shaw, Blair MacRae, Harry George, Murray Smith, Harold Moffat, Don Irwin, Graham Hunt, Art Nicol, Fin Campbell (Playing Coach), Al Tyler (Trainer), Doc Hannah (Manager). Missing: John Miller, Gus Juckes, John McLean
Portrait of the Brandon College Caps hockey team. Back Row (L to R): Doc Hannah (Trainer), Glennis Scott, Kit Leitch, Marshall Kennedy, Terry Bicknell, Murray Smith (Equipment Manager), Ron Gurba, Al Robertson, Murray Zuk, Denny Smith, Doug Clark (Coach). Front Row (L to R): Brian Parker, Chuck Meighen, Ron Borotsik, Spence Bell, Arnie Mullin, Gladwyn Scott. Missing: Wally Wilson, Jim Parrott.
Portrait of the Brandon College Caps hockey team. Back Row (L to R): Ernie Birkinshaw, Gus Juckes, Johnny MacLean, Graham Hunt, Ernie Shaw, Fin Campbell, Neil McKellar, Bill Rolston, Jack Scott, Ken Campbell (Equipment Manager), Doc Hannah (Manager). Front Row (L to R): Murray MacDonald, Harry George, Harold Moffat, Don Sumner, Bill Black, Blair MacRae, Jim McKibbon.
Ron Kirbyson's name is written in green ink in the top left corner.
Scope and Content
Portrait of the Brandon College Caps hockey team. Back Row (L to R): R. H. (Doc) Hannah, Hilt Stewart, Gordon Currie, Keith Haskins, Jim Minions, Frank McKinnon, Larry Grieve, Harvey Marchand, Bill Stinchcombe. Front Row (L to R): Dave Thordarson, Ben Ward, Jack (Chub) Wankling, Harvey Young. Missing: Mike Czuboka, Ron Kirbyson, Curly Tyler (Business Manager), Satch Page and Bill Gates (Student Managers), Jack Fotheringham.
Portrait of the Brandon College Caps hockey team. Back Row (L to R): Doug Clark (Coach), Brian Parker, Bob Melvin, Al Robertson, Jack Matheson, Tom Ross, Bob Nelson, Lloyd Nikkel, Bob Stordy, Warren McKinnon, Doc Hannah (Trainer). Front Row (L to R): George Peary, Ron Borotsik, Lorne Campbell, Harvey Marchand, Wally Jasper. Missing: Ron Mitchell, Larry Smith, Arnol Tweed, Murray Zuk.
Portrait of the Brandon College Caps hockey team. Back Row (L to R): Al Robertson, Stan Boguski (Student Manager), Doug Clark (Coach), Ron Borotsik, Wayne Fawcett. Middle Row (L to R): Brian Parker, Doc Hannah (Trainer), Dick McDonald, Arnie Mullin, Ned Kurbatoff, Tom Ross, Doug Birch, Ron Gurba. Front Row (L to R): Murray Zuk, Gerald Butler, Spence Bell, Warren McKinnon, Gladwyn Scott. Missing: Barry Ellwood, Denny Smith, Doug Reynolds, Dave Bergman, Wayne Kirbyson.
Photograph was taken while the team was on a trip in Colorado.
Scope and Content
Photograph of the Brandon College Caps hockey team. Back Row (L to R): Ken Campbell (Equipment Manager), Murray Bater, Alf Francis, E.J. (Curly) Tyler, Graham Hunt, John Minions, Johnny MacLean, Neil McKellar. Front Row (L to R): Angus Juckes, Frank McKinnon, Harry George, Harold Moffatt, Bill Black, Art Klimchuk, Murray McDonald. Missing: Doug Birch, Ernie Shaw, Bob Rose.
Notes
Photograph is part of a scrapbook of newspaper clippings chronicling the season of the 1950-1051 Brandon College Caps.