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Royal Military College of Canada
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The Royal Military College of Canada (RMC), is the military academy of the Canadian Forces, and is a degree-granting university. RMC is the only federal institution in Canada with degree granting powers. Located on Point Frederick, a 41-hectare peninsula in Kingston, Ontario, the college is a blend of older, historic buildings and modern academic, athletic, and dormitory facilities. Officer Cadets are trained in the four pillars of academics, military, athletics, and bilingualism (French and English).
Mission statement
The Royal Military College of Canada, Canada’s Military University, prepares officer-cadets for a career in the profession of arms and continues the development of other Canadian Forces members and civilians with interest in defence issues.
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Encyclopedia
The Royal Military College of Canada (RMC), is the military academy of the Canadian Forces, and is a degree-granting university. RMC is the only federal institution in Canada with degree granting powers. Located on Point Frederick, a 41-hectare peninsula in Kingston, Ontario, the college is a blend of older, historic buildings and modern academic, athletic, and dormitory facilities. Officer Cadets are trained in the four pillars of academics, military, athletics, and bilingualism (French and English).
Mission statement
The Royal Military College of Canada, Canada’s Military University, prepares officer-cadets for a career in the profession of arms and continues the development of other Canadian Forces members and civilians with interest in defence issues. RMC provides programs and courses of higher education and professional development to meet the needs of the Canadian Forces and the Department of National Defence.
Responsibilities
RMC is responsible to:
- Provide a university education in both official languages in appropriate disciplines designed on a broad base to meet the unique needs of the Canadian Forces
- Develop qualities of leadership in officer cadets
- Develop the ability to communicate in both official languages for officer cadets
- Develop a high standard of physical fitness
- Stimulate an awareness of the ethic of the military profession
- Conduct research activities in support of RMC and to meet the needs of Defence Research Agencies
Priorities
The RMC priorities are:
- To build high quality, world-class programs in areas of importance to the Canadian Forces and to Canada,
- To promote national and international collaborations and partnerships, and
- To promote interdisciplinary co-operation.
Academics
The RMC mission is to educate, train and develop Officer Cadets for leadership careers of effective service in the Canadian Forces-Canadian Forces Air Command, Canadian Forces Maritime Command and Canadian Forces Land Force Command.
For most students, education is free and a monthly salary is paid which meets incidentals. The courses are offered both on site and by distance learning in both official languages: English and French.
RMC offers 19 undergraduate programs in Arts, Science and Engineering.
RMC offers 34 graduate studies opportunities, including 14 doctorates. In addition to the Faculty (university) of Arts, Engineering, and Science, the Division of Continuing Studies offers undergraduate and graduate level programs including the “Officer Professional Military Education Program” (OPME). The Department of Applied Military Science (AMS) offers a graduate level program - the Land Force Technical Staff Programme (LFTSP) and an undergraduate/community college level program - the Army Technical Warrant Officer's Programme.
All undergraduate students are required to complete the core curriculum, which is designed to provide a balanced liberal arts, science, and military education. The Core Curriculum consists of Economics, Psychology, Mathematics, English, Calculus, Military history of Canada, Chemistry, Canadian History, Physics and Civics.
Cadets can choose to specialize in Aeronautical Engineering, Chemical Engineering 1965-1981, 2001-, Chemical and Materials Engineering: 1992-2001, Computer Engineering (Hardware or Software streams) 1983-, Civil Engineering 1965-, Electrical Engineering 1965- and Mechanical Engineering 1965-. Engineering and Management was offered: 1972-1995. Engineering Physics was offered 1975-1995 and Fuels and Materials Engineering were offered 1982-1991. Engineers provide support to deployed operations and domestic installations. RMC was the first college in Canada to train engineers.
Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics and Space Science are offered by the Faculty of Science. The Faculty of Science, in conjunction with the Faculty of Arts, also offers three joint honours degrees: Computer Science and Business Administration, Chemistry and Psychology, and Space Science and Military and Strategic Studies. The science programs are relevant to occupations in both the Canadian Forces and the civilian sector.
Students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts gain practical communication and critical thinking skills as well as specialized, hands-on experience in their chosen field. English, French, Economics, Political Science, History, Business Administration, Military theory, Military strategy studies, Military Psychology and Leadership are offered by the Faculty of Arts.
Awards
Awards are granted to outstanding cadets:
| Award | Description | Honours |
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| J.W. Brown Memorial Medal | Third Year cadet with highest academic standing in Arts programme. | 7268 Jim W. Brown (RMC 1967) | | M. Dawe Memorial Sword | best ROTP infantry senior cadet to carry in fourth year. | 22596 Captain Matt Dawe (RMC 2004) | | Gibson Medal | Graduating Year cadet | 2569 Major Desmond H. Gibson, ED and 805 Col The Honourable Colin W. Gibson, PC, MC, VD | | N. Goddard Memorial Sword | to the best ROTP artillery cadet to carry in fourth year. | 22458 Captain Nichola Goddard (RMC 2002) Memorial Swords | | Greenwood Cup | top female runner of the Annual Harrier Race -“for Annual Competition by Gentlemen Cadets” until 1954. | 3252 EA “Ted” Tromanhauser (RMC ‘54) | | Leinster Shield | Regular Officer Training Plan (ROTP), the Reserve Entry Training Plan (RETP) squadron amassing the most points in the Commandant's Competition, with events involving military, athletic and academic prowess. | Leinster plate donated to RMC museum | | MacArthur Leadership Award | cadet who demonstrates outstanding leadership performance based on credo of Duty-Honour-Country and potential for future service in the profession of arms. | General Douglas MacArthur | | Jack C. Sargant Memorial Scholarship | varsity athlete student who demonstrates proficiency in academic standing, sportsmanship, leadership, and athletic ability. | 3091 Jack J.C. Sargant (RMC 1953) | | Duncan Sayre MacInnes Memorial Scholarship | Fourth Year cadet who is considered the most deserving of those who accept a regular commission in the military occupation of Aerospace Controller | Brigadier-General Duncan Sayre MacInnes, (RMC 1897) CMG, DSO, Royal Engineers | | Pijper Cup | overall winner of the Ex cadet vs Cadet sports challenge on ex cadet (Reunion) weekend | 12609 Thomas A Pijper (RMC 1980) | | Sword of Distinction for Leadership | graduating ROTP/RETP cadet who displays outstanding leadership through attaining the highest Cadet appointment of Cadet Wing Senior (CWS) in their graduating year. | | | Sword of Honour | graduating ROTP/RETP cadet who best combines high standards of proficiency in each of the four components of the RMC programme. | | | Victor Van der Smissen-Ridout Memorial Award | graduating ROTP/RETP cadet deemed to stand highest morally, intellectually, and physically at RMC. | Captain William Henry Victor Van der Smissen (KIA 1916) and 2415 W.L. Ridout (RMC 1934) (KIA 1934) | | Wheatley Challenge Cup | overall winner of the annual Harrier Run | 4252 MGen (Ret'd) Howard HR Wheatley (RRMC RMC 1958) | | The Whitaker Cup | awarded annually to the top Team Captain of a RMC varsity sports team. | Brigadier-General Denis Whitaker | | J. Douglas Young Sword of Excellence | Cadet Squadron Leader (CSL) of the Squadron winning the Commandant's Competition. | 2360 Major John Douglas (Doug) Young (RMC 1937) who was KIA on D-Day | |
Centres and Institutes
| Canadian Forces Language Schools | Canadian Forces Leadership Institute at RMC |
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- The Royal Language Center of Canada, a part of the Royal Military College of Canada, teaches cadets how to communicate in both of Canada's official languages, English and French. The program begins with 4 placement tests. Students are placed into small classes and undergo 5 periods of instruction per week during regular school hours.
- Founded in 1958, the mission of the Language Schools at the Collège militaire royal de Saint-Jean, Quebec, Ottawa, Ontario and Borden, Ontario is to provide language training for military personnel.^
| Founded in September 1999, the Canadian Forces Leadership Institute (CFLI) on the grounds of the Royal Military College of Canada mission is to be the source from which radiates the philosophy of leadership and command that drives the Canadian Officer Corps. The Institute play a role in the overall development of all Canadian Forces officers and Non Commissioned Members.The Institute (CFLI) is a centre for multi-disciplinary research, analysis and lessons learned on leadership and professionalism in the armed forces and civil society. The Institute's civilian and military faculty in the social sciences and humanities ensure that academic theories, models and concepts guide military doctrine and reforms and share Canadian military concepts, policies and programs with the academic community, other government departments and foreign counterparts. | | Centre for International Relations at Queens | Centre for Space Research at RMC |
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| Established in 1975, the mission is to conduct research in matters of national and international security and other aspects of international relations. The Centre has strong links with the RMC.. | The mission is to create an environment to promote active space research programs and thereby provide support for Space Science and other space-related degree programs and activities. | | Canadian Forces Management Development School (CFMDS) | Centre for Automotive Materials and Manufacturing at Queens and RMC |
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| The mission is to advance the knowledge base for addressing the key technology challenges to the commercialisation of fuel cell applications. | The mission is to support and promote research and education in the field of advanced materials and manufacturing at Queen's University and at RMC | | Fuel Cell Research Centre at Queens and RMC | GeoEngineering Centre at Queens and RMC |
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| The mission is to advance the knowledge base for addressing the key technology challenges to the commercialisation of fuel cell applications.. | Founded in 2001, the GeoEngineering Centre at Queens and the RMC mission is to innovate and advance knowledge in geotechnical, geohydrological, geochemical, geomechanical and geosynthetics engineering. The Centre has been housed on the first floor of Ellis Hall at Queen's University since July 2004. | | High Performance Computing Consortium (HPCVL) | Institute for Defence Resources Management at the RMC |
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Led by Queen's University, the HPCVL mission is to provide supercomputer power to a number of universities in Eastern Ontario: Queen's University, RMC, the University of Ottawa and Carleton University. Researchers are provided with the computational power needed to solve increasingly complex problems.
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- The mission is to make available the most recent and relevant research results from the study of defence economics to Canadian defence policy analysis and decision-making.
| | Institute for the Environment at RMC | Defence and Security Research Institute (DSRI)at RMC |
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| The mission is to become the principal provider of expertise related to environmental issues within the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Forces (DND/CF). The Institute provides Environmental training through short courses, distance education, or as part of undergraduate or graduate programs. | The Defence and Security Research Institute (DSRI) was created on June 13, 2008 at RMC. The DSRI is designed to be an internationally-recognized defence and security centre within both the academic and defence and security science research communities. The Research Areas of Pursuit are: communications, energy, environment, materials, and security policy. |
Rank
RMC refers to its students as "Fourth Year", "Third Year", "Second year", and "First year". Most cadets consider first year to be the most difficult because of the rules and restrictions developed to help students transition from civilian to officer cadet. However, the third year is generally considered to be the hardest academically.
Officer cadets are responsible for the discipline, progress, and efficiency of their wing, squadron or flight and carry out service duties such as duty officer. Within the years, cadets can hold positions of increasing responsibility with a cadet rank that may include, from top to bottom, Cadet Wing Commander, Cadet Squadron Leader, Cadet Flight Leader, and Cadet Section Commander.
Squadrons of the Cadet Wing
The undergraduate student body, known as the Cadet Wing, is sub-divided into 14 smaller groupings called squadrons, of approximately 70 officer cadets, under the guidance and supervision of senior cadets.
Squadrons are subdivided into flights and sections.
Admission requirements
To be eligible to enter RMC, candidates must meet the course requirements for one of the undergraduate programs in Kingston, Ontario or the preparatory year in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec.
In addition, they must meet the Canadian Forces' general admission conditions (officer):
- Be a Canadian citizen
- Be 16 years old on January 1 of the year of enrolment
- Pass the medical
- Pass the pre-enrolment tests
- Pass the enhanced reliability check
- Pass the Initial Assessment Period (IAP)
The college recruits well-rounded students in the areas, which correspond to the four components. In addition, RMC gives extra weight to those applicants with second-language skills, although this is not a requirement.
The application process, which is independent from that of the Ontario Universities' Application Centre, uses a separate application form. The Selection Board informs applicants no later than mid-May. Applicants are accepted into the Science, Engineering or Arts Program.
Regular Officer Training Plan(ROTP)/Reserve Entry Training Plan (RETP)
In addition to a university education, Officer Cadets receive military training, occupation training and second language training and a career after graduation. The full-time salary includes full dental care, as well as vacation with full pay. Upon successful completion of ROTP, Officer Cadets are awarded a university degree and granted commissions as Officers in the Canadian Forces. Normally, graduates serve at least five years with the Canadian Forces. The application deadline to ROTP is in January for Basic Officer Training in July and admission the following September.
Typically, successful applicants enter the Canadian Military College (CMC) System as an Officer Cadet, where they receive an education that balances academics, leadership, bilingualism and athletics. If there are more qualified candidates than the CMC System can accommodate or the choice of programme is not offered, such as Nursing, Physiotherapy and Pharmacy, successful applicants would be eligible to apply to any Canadian university where books, lab fees and student fees are covered, and students receive a monthly salary.
Selection process
Since an application to ROTP is also an application to the Canadian Military College System, all candidates are assessed against an aptitude test, a medical examination, and an interview. Military Potential is an assessment of Aptitudes, Personality Traits, and the choice of occupation. Academic Performance is an a candidate's top six most recent marks related to the requirements of the chosen programme. Officer Cadets are obliged to maintain satisfactory academic and military performance throughout the programme.
The cadets come to RMC without Military Occupational Structure Identifications (MOSIDs) but with a list of those they wish to be in. The MOSIDs are categorized into 9 groupings, Operations, Support and Engineering, for each of the three environments (army, navy, airforce). An early acceptance board will be held prior to Christmas in order to make offers to a few top-level candidates who submitted early applications. At the end of first year, Military Career Counselors from the Recruiting Centres will come to RMC and conduct Military Potential (MP) interviews. The merit listing and offers are based on the results of the interview, the results of their first year performance, and recruit camp course report. The individuals will have a year to learn about other MOSIDs so that if they do not get what they were initially after, they will be more likely to accept something else. Individuals who do not get offered anything that they are interested in may submit a voluntary withdrawal without penalty.
Continuing studies
RMC started a graduate studies programme in 1965. The Division of Continuing Studies was established in 1997.
The mandate of the RMC Division of Continuing Studies is to make university education available to all members of the Canadian Forces, spouses and DND civilian employees. Canadian Forces and other professional training is recognized for credit towards undergraduate or advanced degrees.
Unique degree programs, specially tailored for CF members, include:
Reputation
The RMC was named Research University of the Year in the undergraduate category by Research Infosource Inc., which produces Canada's Top 50 Research Universities List 2007. Half the points were awarded based on financial indicators and the other half based on research output and impact measures.
Research and partnerships
In the Engineering and Science Divisions, RMC pursues the following principal thematic areas of research:
- The RMC Green Team provides internal consultants on environmental issues:
In the Social Sciences and Humanities Divisions, RMC pursues research and activities in:
- The RMC Centre for Security, Armed Forces and Society (CSAS-CESFAS) provides a focal point for research conducted within the Faculty of Arts and facilitate the transfer of knowledge between the Department of National Defence, other research institutions, scholars and Canadian civil society.
In the Department of Applied Military Science (AMS), RMC pursues:
The Diploma in Military Arts and Sciences (DMASc) provides Non-Commissioned Members (NCMs) of the Canadian Forces an online program made possible by a partnership between OntarioLearn (Algonquin College consortium member), the RMC, and the Canadian Defence Academy. Under a RMC and Algonquin College articulation agreement, all graduates of this diploma program who apply to the RMC will be admitted into the Bachelor of Military Arts and Sciences degree program with advanced standing.
Military education and training
Students are referred to as Officer Cadets (OCdt) in English and as Élève-officier (élof) in French, or for those in the Navy, Naval Cadet (NCdt) and Aspirant de marine (aspm). As an RMC cadet, military training begins with Phase I with the Initial Assessment Period (IAP) at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School Saint-Jean. During this period after completion of the first academic year, the cadets the cadets will complete the Basic Officer Training Course (BOTC) as well as the Basic Officer Training Period in one summer. Details have yet to be finalized, but preliminary reports suggest the cadets will complete between 10 and 14 weeks of training in that one summer. After the completion of BOTP, those cadets who are not yet bilingual are usually enrolled in a seven-week period of Second Language Training (SLT) at Canadian Forces Language School Detachment Saint-Jean. The remaining summers are spent completing Phase II, which are environmental training courses (depending on whether the cadet is Canadian Army, Navy or Air force).
On the job training courses are also available to a number of cadets during the summer periods. During Phases III and IV, students take trade specific training courses.
Army training relates to, for example, combat engineering and logistics. Naval training covers navigation and naval engineering. Various military science courses and programs stress doctrine, campaigning, strategy, weapons systems and military law.
First Year Orientation Period
First Year Orientation Period, (FYOP) is the most demanding experience for many cadets' RMC, if not military, career. FYOP takes place during the first month of the academic year. It can be compared to Frosh week at civilian universities. FYOP begins with the Arch parade where the entire First Year class is marched onto College grounds by their FYOP staff consisting of Third and Fourth Years.
During the course of FYOP, First Year cadets are required to keep an exceptionally high standard of dress and deportment. They are required to march at all times. Physical Training is conducted, with long runs up neighbouring Fort Henry, Ontario hill a frequent occurrence. Inspections of room standards and dress are conducted daily. For the duration of FYOP, First Years are not permitted to leave RMC or receive visitors. Mail and phone calls are allowed but are limited.
The culmination of the FYOP is the obstacle course. The obstacle course lasts over 2 hours and consists of thirteen obstacles built by each squadron located around the college grounds. Obstacles such as a 12-foot wall and rope bridges are designed to test teamwork and physical fitness of First Years. The First Year flights are judged on the time it takes to complete each obstacle. The completion of the obstacle course signals the end of FYOP. Afterwards, First Years are given a parade where they are officially welcomed into RMC and join the Cadet Wing. Cadets are then allowed to see their friends and relatives after 7 weeks, and allowed the freedom to leave college grounds under the condition that they wear their College uniform.
Third year cadets, in RMC's mentorship program, are paired with first year cadets to mentor, guide, and influence them.
Law
The Military Law Centre on the grounds of RMC, staffed with 12 military lawyers, oversees the education of officers and troops in legal matters ranging from the Forces' own code of conduct to the laws of war. It trains military lawyers and advises Ottawa on matters of policy and doctrine. The centre integrates legal education into the regular training that Forces members undergo and establishes its growing importance within the military hierarchy.
Selected RMC Canada cadets participate in Law Of Armed Conflict international Competitions each fall with cadets from USAFA, USMA, USNA, and USCGA. In the Spring of 2008, RMC cadets will be selected to participate in a competition on the Law of Armed Conflict at the International Institute of Humanitarian Law in Sanremo, Italy.
Athletics
One of the four Components of the Royal Military College of Canada, the mission of the Athletic component is to provide opportunities for all officer-cadets to participate in physical activities and sports that are mentally demanding in order to develop their overall physical capabilities, self-confidence and leadership. The Physical education mission is “to establish a strong foundation of skills and knowledge in physical fitness, sports, and military-related activities through a progressive and diverse physical education program for RMC Officer Cadets” The Vision is “foster a passion for active living and leadership in physical activity.” To enhance their physical fitness and develop military and athletic skills necessary to lead their troops, Cadets must take physical education classes every year - for a total of 100 min per week.
The first year program focusses on personal physical fitness: theory on exercise physiology, nutrition, training principles and injury prevention. The cadets complete the Basic Military Swim Standard test. The second year program focussed on collective sports: soccer, broomball, spinning, volleyball, basketball, squash, badminton, flag-football, handball, water polo and softball. Cadets acquire basic skills to organize a sport tournament. The third year program focusses on military skills: unarmed combat, different obstacle courses, waterborne training and military rappelling. The fourth year program focussed on individual sports: canoeing, rock climbing, weight training, swimming and life guarding, advanced unarmed combat, pressure points control tactics and spinning leadership.
- The RMC 2008-9 varsity sports are: basketball, fencing, hockey, rugby, running, soccer, taekwondo and volleyball.
- The RMC 2008-9 intramural leagues are: ball hockey, basketball, ice hockey, soccer, ultimate frisbee, and waterpolo.
- The RMC 2008-9 club sports are broomball, cheerleading, cycling, fish & game, judo, juggling, outdoors, paintball, social dance, triathlon/running, water polo, windsurfing, rugby, and yacht.
RMC Bands
The Massed Band, consisting of the Brass and Reed, Pipes and Drums, and Highland Dancers, perform at parades, public relation trips and recruit shows. The Brass and Reed Band is a multi-purpose section, used primarily as a parade march and concert band. The Pipe Section and the Drum Section perform at mess dinners; parades; sporting events; ceremonies (official or squadron); weddings; funerals; public relations; wing events; Christmas and Graduation Balls; private events; and holidays. The Highland Dance Section perform at many of the same functions with the exception of parades and funerals. The Choir performs the Canadian national anthem; sings at mess dinners; and accompanies the Stage Band on selected pieces including: folk, jazz, traditional music, French music, show tunes, African music and Christmas songs. The Stage Band is versatile, performing dinner music followed by marches at college mess dinners. The Cheer Band, a subsidiary of the Brass and Reed, performs music for RMC sporting events, such as the Carr-Harris Cup and the Westpoint Weekend.
The RMC Band recorded two CDs, one in 1996 and the other in 1998. In addition, "The Sound of Scarlet: Royal Military College of Canada" by Lieutenant-Commander D.K. Dickey is a 12' record circa 1960s or early 1970s for Summit Records.
Campus
RMC is located on Point Frederick (Kingston), a small peninsula at the point where the St. Lawrence River leaves Lake Ontario and where the Rideau Canal system starts.
The location has been an active military base since 1789 and was an important dockyard during the War of 1812.
Point Frederick includes three National Historic Site Designations: the 1920s Royal Navy Dockyard, the Point Frederick Buildings and Kingston Fortifications.
The Stone Frigate, a large stone building completed in 1820 by Sir Robert Barrie, was designed to hold gear and rigging from British warships dismantled in compliance with the Rush-Bagot Agreement. It served as a barracks briefly in 1837-38, and was refitted as a dormitory and classrooms to house RMC by 1876.
Student life
 - The RMC Cadet Service Officers Mess, has facilities for social and recreational activities. Mess dress is worn in the evenings or formal occasions.
- The Baronial Hall or Currie Hall, which was constructed in 1922 to honour the Canadian Expeditionary Force in World War I play a prominent role in the life of the University. During special events, invited speakers and dignitaries may address the University population or general public from the Great Hall. Many conferences held in Kingston, Ontario may book the halls for lectures or presentations.
- The CANEX is a small store for personal articles, souvenirs, snacks and dry cleaning.
- Bill & Alphie's is the on-campus cadet pub in Yeo Hall.
- The campus is on the shore of Lake Ontario and has easy access to two lake-front parks, favourite locations for students to relax and unwind. The campus is also located approximately 10 minutes' walk from the city's downtown.
- RMC cadets are all encouraged to perform community service. This past year, cadets supported a variety of charitable causes in Kingston, Ontario.
- There are 25 student clubs and organizations associated with the RMC: Arts, Astronomy, Broomball, Cheerleading, Climbing, Cycling, Debating, Duke of Edinburgh's Award, Fish & Game, Judo, Juggling, Outdoors, Paintball, Photo, Power Flying, Social Dance, Stage Band, Theatre, Triathlon/Running, Video Editing, War Games, Water Polo, Windsurfing, Women's Rugby and Yachting.
Alumni giving
The Royal Military Colleges Club of Canada Foundation is a registered Canadian charity which was incorporated in 1966. As an element of the Canadian Forces, the college is unable to fund a conventional full time fundraising team in a development office. The foundation, consequently, works at arms length to assist the college financially. Capital Campaigns have included the 2364 Leonard Birchall Pavilion (2007); Memorial Arch Restoration (2001) and the New Library Campaign (2013).
Media
- RMC cadets produce the campus newspaper, the Precision. The alumni association produces Veritasand e-Veritas.
Summer programs
The facilities are used during the summer for:
Features and buildings
| Building | Date | Description | Honours |
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| Anderson fieldhouse | |
| Maj General WB Anderson, #359 former cadet and commandant | | Leonard Birchall Sports pavilion | 2009 | change rooms, referee rooms, washrooms, and shower facilities. | 2364 Air Commodore Leonard Birchall, former commandant | | Blacksmith's Shop | 1838 | Served as College Blacksmith's Shop then gymnasium until it was demolished in 1912 | | Cavalry House | | Former home of the Equestrian Program, now home to the War Studies Department | | Commemorative Arch | 1923 | Triumphal arch monument, funded by the RMC Club | honours the Lady and Gentlemen Cadets who have died in combat or while attending the College. | | Commandant's house | after 1812 | Recent research has determined that the oldest portion of what is currently known as the Commandant's house is the surgeon's house, dated to 1820 or a bit later, not the wood-framed 1812 naval hospital, as is commonly believed The small structure to the rear of the Commandant's house; sometimes thought to have been the Morgue or Dead house; was a Well House dating to the 1850s. | | Constantine hockey arena | 1960 | Sports Centre | Major-General Charles Francis Constantine, #621 former cadet, commandant, hockey player and coach | | Currie building | 1922 | Registry of Historic Places of Canada Annex to the Mackenzie Building housing Currie Hall, the Language CentreContains administrative offices and Otter Squadron - University Training Plan Non Commissioned Members (UTNCM). | Lieutenant-General Sir Arthur Currie, National Historic Person of Canada | | Dockyard bell | | The dockyard bell, which was in front of the Stone Frigate, is now in the RMC Museum.Originally mounted on a pole beside the dockyard gate, was used to ring out navy time.In use up until the final shutdown of the navy yard in the 1850s.The bell went to St Mark's Church in Barriefield and it came back down (to RMC) in 1976. | | Fort Brant | 2008 | Dormitory, houses 9 Squadron (Verchères) and Otter (UTPNCM) Squadron. | Joseph Brant, and Mollie Brant Mohawk leaders of the American Revolution. Joseph was a British military officer | | Fort Champlain, B-34 | 1965 | Dormitory, houses 10 Squadron (Montcalm). Formerly housed 5 (Brock), 6 (Brant) and 7 (Wolfe) Squadron, then 8 (Mackenzie), 9 (Verchères), 10 (Montcalm), 11 (Otter), and 12 squadron | Samuel de Champlain, famous explorer and founder of Quebec City | | Fort Frederick (Kingston) | 1790 | A fortification consisting mostly of earthworks (engineering) with a North wall of stone masonryRegistry of Historic Places of Canada Contains one of the Martello Towers, built by Corps of Royal Engineers in 1846 which houses the RMC museum | Frederick, Prince of Wales | | Fort Haldimand | 1950 | Dormitory, built between 1949-50 was re-opened in 2007, now houses 11 and 12 squadron.Originally contained sports stores, swimming pool, admin offices, locker rooms, medical facilities and dormitories.The pool, which was closed in the mid-1990s, was filled in and covered with a concrete slab. The pool area was divided up into two stories and is now used for laundry rooms, the Museum storeroom and other storage. | Sir Frederick Haldimand, former governor of Quebec | | Fort Lasalle | 1913 | Registry of Historic Places of Canada Dormitory housing 2 (LaSalle), 3 (Pontiac), 4 (Frontenac) and 13 Squadrons. Originally called Fort Frederick Dormitory. The 'new wing' was built in 1925 and the 'coronation wing' was built in 1937. | René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle French explorer | | Fort Sauvé | 2001 | Dormitory by Shoalts and Zaback Architects consisting of 4 storeys and 200 beds housing 5 (Brock), 6 (Brant), 7 (Wolfe) and 8 (Mackenzie) Squadrons. | Rt. Hon. Jeanne Sauvé, former Governor-General | | Gatehouse 3 | 19th century | Registry of Historic Places of Canada | | | Girouard building | 1977 | Academic building housing staff and classes in the bilingual program | Sir Édouard Girouard, RMC alumnus, railway builder, governor | | Guardhouse 14 | 19th century | Registry of Historic Places of Canada | | | Hewett House | 1876 | Registry of Historic Places of Canada | Lieutenant-General Edward O. Hewett, First Commandant | | Interpretive Pavilion, funded by the RMC Club | 2006 | Sits adjacent to the Memorial Arch, tells the history of the Arch, and the College, located on the ‘Hero’s Trail’ along the waterfront | history of the College, and Fort Frederick | | Kingston Royal Naval Dockyard | 1789 | Designated in 1928 as a National Historic Site of Canada | War of 1812. | | Mackenzie building | 1878 | Registry of Historic Places of Canada Centrepiece building of the college overlooking the parade square,features a mansard roof, and central tower flanked by projecting end towers. Designed by architect Robert Gage in a Second Empire style: elaborate and monumental. | Rt. Hon. Alexander Mackenzie, former Prime Minister | | Massey building | 1960 | Academic building. Houses offices, classrooms, and library. Since 2006, Science, Engineering & Art libraries combined to create more classrooms in Sawyer. | Rt. Hon. Vincent Massey, former Governor General of Canada | | Old gym, Building 24 | 1903 | Registry of Historic Places of Canada The old gym is connected to the Stone Frigate by a covered walkway.Current salle d'armes and home of the RMC fencing team.Summer headquarters for HMCS Ontario (C53) Cadet Summer Training Centre.The indoor firing range in the basement was converted into a bookstore in 2007.The old gym is being converted into an Army Simulation Center. | | | Old hospital | 1903 | Administrative building. | | | Panet House | 1903 | Houses the RMC Club, and RMC Club gift shop.
Panet family members who attended RMC:
- 179 BGen A.E. Panet, CB, CMG, DSO;
- 255 MGen H.A. Panet, CB, CMG, DSO;
- 499 MGen Edouard de Bellefeuille Panet, CMG, DSO, ED, LLD, D.Sc. Mil;
- 985 Brigader Henri de Lotbiniere Panet, CBE; and
- 1474 LCol de Lotbiniere Harwood Macdonald Panet.
| Lt Col. Charles-Eugène Panet (1829-98), Senator (1875), Deputy Minister of Militia (1875-98). | | Parade square | | centre of college and site of all formal parades | | | Playing fields | | There are 2 football fields, 5 hard surface tennis courts, 2 softball diamonds, 3 soccer fields. In addition, the aquatic sports are played in Navy Bay and the St. Lawrence River. | | Rideout Row or Hogans Alley | 1908 | early 20th century row housing (2 terraces each with 8 4 roomed cottages, built as servants quarters, later private married staff housing, built for $107,152)100th anniversary celebrated on May 30thIn 2003, renovated 2 row houses into office space for the Canadian Defence Academy.RMC honoured by Frontenac Heritage Foundation in 2005 for the restoration. | Capt J B Ridout, Capt of Cadets at RMC 1876 | | Sawyer complex | 1977 | Academic buildings containing offices, classrooms, and science and engineering labs. | 1557 Colonel William Reginald Sawyer, PhD (RMC 1924), Chemistry Professor (1935-41), Vice Commandant & director of studies (1948-1967) | | Sir Archie Macdonell Athletic Centre | | Athletic centre | 1518 Sir Archie Macdonell (RMC 1919) former commandant | | Stone Frigate | 1819-20 | Registry of Historic Places of Canada designed by architect Archibald Fraser as Royal Dockyard naval supply storehouseCurrently Dormitory-housing 1 Squadron, located to East of Parade Square. | | | Beach Volleyball courts | 2004 | designed and build by 23090 Kevin Maarse (RMC ‘05) 23170 Maciej Hatta (RMC ‘05) | | | Yeo Hall Mess Building, Building No. 32 | 1936 | Registry of Historic Places of Canada A multifunctional mess and recreation building built from 1934-36Houses the Cadet Dining Hall and the Cadet Mess.RMC barber and Canadian Forces Exchange System (CANEX) are located in the basement. | Sir James Lucas Yeo,commander of Royal Navy forces in Canada during War of 1812 | |
The Massey Library collection consists of approximately 135,000 books, 1,800 audio-visual items and 1,200 periodicals in English and French. The library possesses RMC historical materiel including cadet photographs, scrapbooks, collections, diaries, and letters. The major collections follow:
Dormitories
RMC has five dormitories, which are similar to most universities and provide the basic necessities. Organized by squadron, dormitories are co-educational with separate washrooms for men and women. Officer Cadets share a room in first year with someone who is proficient in the other official language.
Memorials and traditions
e.g. Triumphal arch; Trophies, Commemorative and Memorial Trees, Monuments, Plaques, and Others. This includes a list of RMC Traditions and RMC Militaria & Collectibles
Royal Military College of Canada Museum
The University museum, established in 1962, is located in Fort Frederick on the campus of the Royal Military College of Canada in the Fort Frederick Martello Tower. Between 1922 and 1946, the RMC collections consisted merely of arms and military artefacts collections raised, built and maintained by individuals or very small groups of veterans. Although these items were interesting, there was no overall, coordinated story.
The museum's mandate is to collect, conserve, research and display material relating to the history of the RMC, achievements of its former cadets and the earlier naval history of its site, the Point Frederick Dockyard. The museum, which is housed in the Fort Frederick Martello Tower, contains collections of military memorabilia and 7000 artefacts, including a collection of 16th through 20th century arms, uniforms, flags, military art and trophies. It holds, for example, the Douglas Arms Collection which was presented to RMC by Walter Douglas (RMC 1890) and the Leinster Plate
of the Prince of Wales's Leinster Regiment
A model of the 112-gun HMC St. Lawrence was donated in 2008. The Royal Military College of Canada Museum Colouring Book features the RMC mascot, a white bear with RMC pillbox hat and scarlett tunic.
The lower floor of the Martello Tower contains exhibits on the War of 1812 and the fort’s dockyard. The main floor contains exhibits on the history of the college, and personal mementos of the Old Eighteen, the first class that enrolled in 1876. A gun platform displays the original cannons at the top of the tower. The museum is a member of the Canadian Museums Association and the Organization of Military Museums of Canada Inc. It is also accredited within the Canadian Forces Museum System. A cooperating association of friends of the museum has been formed to assist with projects. The Archives includes cartographic materials, prints and drawings, manuscripts and photographs. The human history consists of manuscripts, medals, military history and technology and weapons.
| Year | Significance |
|---|
| 1918 |
- Brigadier Charles N. Perreau, RMC Commandant 1915-19, indicated that he wanted to establish a museum at RMC. RMC started to collect artefacts in a piecemeal way.
- In 1918, Col. Charles N. Perreau requested a propeller on behalf of the RMC to the Commission on War Records and Trophies. “as a memoria of the many cadets we have sent to the RAF.”
| | 1920 | 151 Major-General Sir Archibald Macdonell, RMC commandant 1919-25 gathered trophies he had addressed to RMC from the battlefields, and a few items from different sources.Maj.-Gen. Macdonell requested various War Trophies captured by the Canadian Corps be dispatched to RMC for disposal about the grounds and buildings in recognition of the record of the ex-cadets. | | September 1922 | A special army board met at RMC to look at the possibility of creating a museum in Fort Frederick, on RMC grounds. The conclusion was positive. | | January 1926 | Quartermaster General wrote to 621 Brigadier Charles Francis Constantine, DSO, RMC Commandant 1925-30 “It is the desire of National Defence Headquarters to make the museum at the Royal Military College the principal storehouse for military relics of all natures...”Although the army opened many museums from 1946 to 1964, the RMC Museum did not materialize. | | February 1926 | An inventory of RMC’s holdings, 12 pages of items, many of the 1914-1918 vintage, had been captured from the Germans. | | 1938 | Walter Douglas (RMC 1890) donated the 430-piece collection of arms of the late General Profirio Diaz, former President of Mexico to RMC.Most of these firearms, had little to do with RMC’s history. | | 1946 | The packing cases left by Douglas had not yet been opened. | | July 1946 | RMC authorities decided to close the RMC museum.Today we would classify the first version of the RMC Museum as a mere historical collection. *Many artifacts contained in Fort Henry, a 19th Century citadel overlooking the RMC grounds were given to other military museums. | | 1957 | The army published the Military Museums order which presented the parameters within which corps or unit army museums could be created, and described when and how these museums could access equipment or war trophies.Many army museums started to be officially recognized. | | 1960 | The idea of reopening the RMC museum resurfaced.Douglas’s cases were finally opened, along with others containing the material that had been set aside in 1946. | | 25 June 1962 | The new RMC Museum opened at its present location in the Martello Tower at Fort Frederick. | |
Environmental assessments
Having three national historical designations, environmental assessments (which also involve archaeological studies) are required before construction activities are implemented on the college grounds. While planning to build a new dormitory at RMC, a required environmental assessment revealed the remains of a naval dockyard. This dockyard was significant in the building of ships by the British during the War of 1812. Because of the site's significance, a full archaeological dig had to be implemented before construction of the new dorminitory could begin.
History
The Royal Military College of Canada "was the first military college to be established in a colonial dependency and it had a double function, the preparation of cadets for civilian careers as well as for military commissions." Richard A Preston, Canada's RMC. The Kingston Royal Naval Dockyard was a Royal Navy yard from 1788 to 1853 at the site of the current Royal Military College of Canada.
| Year | Significance |
|---|
| May 26, 1874 |
- Military College of Canada was established by “An Act to Establish a Military College”, an Act of the Canadian Parliament "for the purpose of providing a complete education in all branches of military tactics, fortification, engineering, and general scientific knowledge in subjects connected with and necessary to thorough knowledge of the military profession" in one of the Garrison Towns of Canada
| | June 1, 1876 | Military College of Canada in Kingston, Ontario opened its doors to the first class of eighteen officer cadets. The names of these "Old Eighteen" are memorized by all cadets today. | | 1878 | Her Majesty Queen Victoria, granted the college the right to use the prefix "Royal." | | 1878 | The first Commandant, Major Edward Osborne Hewett, chose the college motto, "Truth, Duty, Valour". The full dress uniform of an officer cadet has remained essentially the same; however, the Pillbox hat has replaced the shako. The pith helmet remains in use for Parade (military) only. | | 1878 | Private schools were established to prepare boys for entrance to RMC, including the Rothesay Netherwood School and the Hillfield Strathallan College. | | 1881 | A House of Commons report describes "Kingston Military College and other Educational Experiments...The Government of the Dominion have also established, at Kingston, an institution where young men may receive a training to fit them for the military profession--an institution something on the model of West Point--the practical benefits of which, however, are not as yet appreciable in a country like this, which has no regular army, and cannot afford employment suitable for the peculiar studies necessarily followed in the Academy." | | 1884 | The first recorded First Aid class taught in Ontario was held at the RMC. | | 1885 | The RMC alumni association (RMC Club) was inaugurated | | 1886 | The first annual RMC alumni dinner was held in OttawaHockey game played between students of Queen's University and the Royal Military College of Canada. | | 1889 | Leo the Royal Cadet is an opera composed by Oscar Telgmann and George Cameron | | 1891 | The RMC Club Proceedings, the predecessor of The Review, the Log of HMS Stone Frigate, the Club Newsletter, and current Veritas was published | | 1894 | Can You Tell Me The Reason Why?, a song about life at the Royal Military College of Canada, was written by #282 A.H.N. Kennedy (1888) & #287 B.H.O. Armstrong (1889) | | 1898 | The RMC Club was incorporated under the Statutes of Ontario | | 1906 | The tradition of the Roll Call, which continues today in the Old Brigade, began | | 1919 | The RMC club decided to erect “a suitable memorial gateway” in memory of those ex cadets who have laid down their lives….” | | July 31, 1920 | George V of the United Kingdom granted and assigned the Armorial Ensigns for the Royal Military College of Canada at the Court at St. James.'"Per pale Azure and Gules on the Dexter side a Scaling Ladder Argent ensigned by a Mural Crown Or and on the Sinister side two Swords in saltire of the third points upward, on a Chief of the fourth three grenades of the first fired proper, an Inescutcheon charged with the Union Badge and for the Crest on a Wreath of the Colours An Arm in armour embowed gauntletted and holding a Sprig of three Maple Leaves and ensigned by the Imperial Crown all proper, as the same are in the painting hereunto annexed more plainly depicted to be borne by our said Royal Military College of Canada on Seals, Shields, Banners, Flags or otherwise according to the Laws of Arms." | | 1932 | The RMC March (music), Precision (march) was composed by Madame Denise Chabot, the wife of an RMC staff member, Major C.A. Chabot. She was inspired by the sound of the cadets marching past married quarters. The march starts, “We are the gentlemen cadets of RMC. We have sworn to love and serve Her Majesty…” The College March for bagpipe is Alexander Mackenzie | | 1942 | The last class at RMC for the duration of hostilities graduated, a final parade was held and the college colours were laid up in Saint George's Cathedral in Kingston, Ontario. For the remainder of the war the College served as a wartime training area, offering courses such as the Company Commanders Course, Military Intelligence Course, and the War Staff Course. | | 1943 | The Canadian Amateur Hockey Association declared Kingston, Ontario the birthplace of hockey, based on a recorded 1886 game played between students of Queen's University and the Royal Military College of Canada. | | 1946 | The Chelsey committee, headed by Brigadier Leonard McEwan Chelsey (RMC 1917), made recommendations about the provision of officers for the active force, about the educational requiresments of candidates, and about the way they should be trained.Plan A proposed to eliminate RMC as a source of officers and to use the site as a two year course for military training of university graduates. *Plan B proposed to enlarge RMC so it could provide the total annual requirements of the active force, to make it free and to impose an obligation on graduates to serve in the active force.Plan C proposed to enlarge RMC to produce 50-70% of the officers needed and to have a parallel officer training system in universities to prepare the balance. | | 1948 | RMC reopened with the "New One Hundred" cadets. The New One Hundred Opening Ceremonies were held (20 September 1948).Since World War II, RMC has broadened to cover a wide range of disciplines however RMC was originally oriented very heavily towards science and engineering.In the Post-War re-organisation of the Canadian Forces, the Canadian Military Colleges Circle (CMC) was formed with RMC, Royal Roads Military College (RRMC) and Le Collège militaire royal de Saint-Jean(CMR) | | 1949 | The RMC Club commemorated the fallen from the Second World War on two bronze plaques located on the flanking plinths of the Arch. Names of cadets lost in Korea, through peacekeeping and other operations were added as required. | | 1950 | The Old Brigade, alumni celebrating 50 + years since they entered one of the military colleges, are inducted. At the time, RMC was the only military college with a four year course, the course was 15 percent military content. . He devised a new system of organization at RMC consisting of a vice-commandant as director of studies, to coordinate the military and academic training at RMC and to represent RMC at the National Conference of Canadian Universities as the equivalent of a vce-principal. The commandant personally commanded the cadet battalion. A staff-adjutant issued the routine orders. | | 1951 | The Royal Highness Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh visit RMC on 12 October 1951. | | 1952 | CMR was established in order to conduct tri-service cadet training within the Canadian Forces. | | 1953 | The RMC Band was founded. It includes the pipes and drums section, the brass and reed section, the choir, and a Scottish highland dance troupe. | | March 26, 1959 | The province of Ontario granted a university charter to RMC by passing "The Royal Military College of Canada Degrees Act, 1959" enabling RMC to offer degrees in Arts, Science, and Engineering at the undergraduate and graduate levels. "The Royal Military College of Canada Degrees Act, 1959" was passed by the 25th Ontario Legislature and given Royal Assent on March 26, 1959. | | 1959 | The Canadian historian, #4393 Doctor Desmond Morton O.C., was the first graduate to receive his RMC degree. | | 1965 | The RMC Flag inspired Dr. George F.G. Stanley, in his design for the new Canadian flag which was adopted in 1965. | | 1966 | - a registered Canadian charity - was founded as an alumni charitable organization to perform fundraising in support of RMC. | | 1974 | RMC celebrates its centennial | | 1976 | Commemorative Centennial Canada Post stamps depict a Wing Parade in front of the Mackenzie Building and a Colour Party with the Memorial Arch in the background490 Brigadier F. H. Maynard, (RMC 1901) unveiled the RMC Club’s centennial gift, the statue now known as ‘Brucie.’ Maynard had served in France, Mesopotamia and India. | | 1979 | Military colleges open their doors to women. | | 1980 | In September, the first 32 female cadets are accepted into first year at RMC | | 1995 | following the end of the Cold War and massive government cutbacks on defence spending, the Department of National Defence closed Royal Roads Military College (RRMC) and Collège militaire royal de Saint-Jean (CMR).CMR now operates as part of ASU Saint-Jean as Campus Saint-Jean where preparatory year ("Prep year") cadets acquire the necessary academic standard needed to attend RMC.RRMC Royal Roads Military College is no longer a military institution, and is now maintained by the Government of British Columbia as Royal Roads University.The loss of CMR and RRMC along with their many traditions and history as military colleges still remains a bitter event for many cadets and alumni. | | 2000 | Canadian Defence Academy (CDA), which oversees RMC, was established | | 2001 | To commemorate the 125th anniversary of the founding of RMC, the RMC Foundation refurbished the Memorial Arch and the Royal Canadian Mint issued a 5-cent coin. | | 2003 | The RMC celebrated the 125 year history of the college with a National Film Board of Canada Documentary, The Royal Military College of Canada - A History | | 2007 | For every 2.5 undergraduate degrees, RMC now produces one graduate degree. The average civilian faculty member at RMC currently attracts over $121,000 annually in extramural research funding. | | 2008 | The RMC launches the Aboriginal Leadership Opportunity Year (ALOY) |
The Royal Military College in fiction and popular culture
The Royal Military College's central place in Canadian military circles has made it the setting for novels, plays, films and other cultural works.
- In Jetstream (TV series), a 2007 television series airing on Discovery Canada about pilots training to fly the CF-18 Hornet in the Canadian Forces, seven of the eight pilots are graduates of the RMC.
- Timothy Findley’s fictional character Robert Ross in his World War I novel ‘the Wars’ (Penguin Canada 2005) studied military law and trajectory mathematics at the Royal Military College of Canada. His novel won the Governor General's Award for fiction and was adapted into a play. In 1985, Timothy Findlay was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada.
- 19828 John-James Ford's protagonist in his coming-of-age novel 'Bonk on the Head' studied at the Royal Military College of Canada. The novel won the 2006 Ottawa Book Award in the English fiction category.
- Oscar Telgmann and George Cameron's "Leo the Royal Cadet" is an opera written in 1889 in which Leo leaves his sweetheart Nellie to fight the Zulus in Natal.
- "Till we meet again", is a musical set in Montreal, Quebec during World War II. Each act features an interview with an ex Royal Military College of Canada cadet who is a Canadian army officer: after Dunkirk, after and after Juno Beach.
- Sara Jeanette Duncan's "Cousin Cinderella: A Canadian Girl in London" by Macmillan in New York and Methuen in London (1908) features Graham, a Royal Military College of Canada graduate, and his sister Mary Trent. Graham and Mary's father, Senator Trent has earned a fortune in the family lumber business. After serving in South Africa and entering the family lumber business Graham Trent travels with his sister Mary from Minnebiac, a fictional small town in Ontario to England. There, Graham Trent becomes engaged to Barbara Pavisay, a member of a proud old English family whose line extends back to the Tudors. When Barbara Pavisay breaks off the engagement to Graham, his sister Mary becomes engaged to Barbara's brother Lord Pavisay. It is assumed that Graham Trent will return to Canada, continue in the family business and be elected to Parliament. Sara Jeanette Duncan's "A Voyage of Consolation" is a sequel to "Cousin Cinderella: A Canadian Girl in London."
- Dr. David Clark's Canadian Army Trilogy, The Ridge (1994), Lamone (2001) and Lucifer's Gate 2002 outlines the stories of two generations of the Warwick family and the Canadian Army in the Great War. In Lucifer's Gate, Captain James Niles, a Royal Military College graduate, is posted temporarily to a recruit training battalion. He is a professional officer, all spit and polish, everything by the King's Regulations. After ordering the crowd to disperse, Niles accepts thanks from German proprietors of a tailor shop, Hans and Analise Holzhauer and falls for their daughter, Rosamund. The lovely Rosamund is unfortunately, an unsuitable match since they are worlds apart in social position. Niles, who is practically engaged to the Colonel's daughter Roselyn, comes to realize while serving under Commander Arthur Currie in France, that Roselyn never has a serious thought, caring only about tennis and garden parties.
Notable faculty, alumni, and senior officers
See also
External links
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