The Class of Civ 5T8 celebrates their 65th anniversary of graduation with style
(Photo by Phill Snel / Department of Civil & Mineral Engineering, University of Toronto)
A unique celebration, some 65 years in the making, took place at U of T to mark a stellar anniversary of some extraordinary CivMin alumni. The Civil Engineering graduates of 1958, known in our Faculty as the Class of 5T8, are celebrating their 65th anniversary of their Convocation.
Ahead of this year’s U of T Alumni Reunion, a lunch gathering at the Faculty Club on Thursday, May 25 held by the Department paid homage to the assembled group. Remarks by Civ Min Chair Brent Sleep and Director of Student Services Nelly Pietropaolo offered deep appreciation for the group’s combined dedication to the profession of engineering, as well as their personal involvement with the Department.
Much has changed for the group, such as the advent of changing from slide rules to powerful computing. The group, most in their late 80s to early 90s, have adapted to changing technology so well, they have held regular video reunions throughout the pandemic. For some perspective, this group graduated before the Galbraith Building, now considered an old building, was even constructed.
Ironically, the first professional engineering role for then new graduate Ernst Ounpuu was a return to the U of T campus. He oversaw the move of what was then the Forestry Building on St. George some 150 feet north to it’s present-day position on the north side of Galbraith Road (now the Physical Geography Building). The move was necessary to clear the way for construction of the future Galbraith Building.
Made all the more special was the added celebration of a 66th wedding anniversary milestone for Barry and Betty Hitchcock on the very same day. Were it not for Betty, it was noted, Barry would have continued his original plan to traverse to Canada’s Maritimes and continue on to England via ship. Instead, after meeting her he stayed in Toronto to be with Betty and opted for a formal education at U of T. It is thought perhaps the engineering community in Canada, as well as U of T, owes a thanks to Betty for helping to keep Barry here.
Bravo to the Class of Civ 5T8!
In all, nine alumni attended with their guests:
Don Cryder with Susan Cryer, George Fleming with Liz Fleming, Barry Hitchcock with Betty Hitchcock, Robert James, Ernst Ounpuu with Susan Armitage, George Ochrym with Jean Ochrym, Len Pitura with Elizabeth Pitura, Jaan Timusk and George Will.
The Class of Civ 5T8 through the years:
